October 2009: New LowesForPros Articles & Features

October is SAFETY MONTH at LowesForPros.com and all Lowe's stores across the U.S.

Lowe's has partnered with OSHA, the NAHB, AOSafety and a range of safety experts to bring you these useful tips and information for keeping your crew members safe on any job.

• LowesForPros' OCTOBER SAFETY MONTH Page
• Safety Resources from AOSafety

News and Advice for All Building Professionals

• Branding for Success (Part 3): Getting Your Employees to Understand the Brand : In prior features, experts discussed best practices when it comes to launching and then distinguishing your small-business brand. But you’ll find that these efforts will likely go to waste if your employees do not understand or actively support the brand.
• All Work and No Play: Managing the Work-Life Balance : As a small business owner, it can be easy to get lost in work when trying to ensure the stability of your business. But having a proper work–life balance can be vital to not only your health, but the overall health of your company.
• Keeping in Touch With Clients : The best and sometimes easiest sources of revenue come from referrals and former clients, which is why it’s so important for small business owners to keep their companies top of mind with their customers.

Advice for Builders and Remodelers

• Job Site Safety : Any time is a great time to refresh safety basics and utilize all the techniques available to you as a contractor to reduce injury and save not only your employees’ health, but time and money as well. Here are some tips and techniques to avoid common workplace injuries.
• Lead-Safe Work Practices : The EPA’s Lead Paint Rule goes into effect April 2010. How will it affect contractors and their lead safe work practices?
• Working in the Winter Part 1: Winter Safety : Working in the winter presents unique challenges for contractors, who risk injury during the winter months at the hands of slippery ice, deep snow and freezing temperatures, which can cause everything from dangerous falls to severe frostbite. To stay warm and healthy, consider these safety tips for working in the winter.
• Cut Sales Costs, Not Revenues : During downturns, cost cutting is critical. Rather than making across-the-board cuts, however, builders should analyze their business in order to stop waste and capitalize on opportunity—starting with sales.
• The Latest in Fire Resistant Building Materials and Tactics : From flame retardant roofs to electrical fire prevention, builders and remodelers are implementing effective ways to make homes more fire resistant. What are the best bet tactics for contractors?
• Become a Green Certified Professional Remodeler : Remodelers can use industry certifications as credentials to bolster their resumes, and the Green Certified Professional program from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) provides them with a great way to get ahead of a major industry trend: eco-friendly remodeling.

Advice for Property Managers

• Mixed Generation Communities: How to Make Them Work : Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials: All three generations are increasingly working and living in one complex. How can property mangers create a balanced environment for all?
• Managing Tenants in Financial Distress : The recession is taking a toll on renters, owners and property managers alike. Veteran property managers share their tips for dealing with tenants in financial distress.
• Powering Down Consumption for Property Managers : Property managers are finding resourceful ways to reduce their utility consumption while allowing their tenants to reap the savings benefits. PMs need to work together with their tenants to ensure optimal energy and water efficiency.
• Strategies for Reducing and Reusing Building Resources : In this economy, everyone is looking to cut costs. Luckily, as a property manager, there are many ways to reduce and reuse resources to cut down on your monthly bills. You’ll save cash and create a more environmentally friendly property that will appease current tenants and attract future ones.

Advice for Maintenance Professionals

• Wireless and Handheld Technology Uses in Facilities Management : The use of wireless and handheld technology has helped to streamline communication between facilities managers and their employees. This increased efficiency has improved response times to issues and problems.
• Dealing with Mold Issues : Mold can be a serious issue for facilities managers considering the health of building occupants, not to mention the legal ramifications for the effects of poor indoor air quality on occupants. But by effectively preventing moisture, facilities managers can resist mold growth in their facilities.
• Providing the Order in Work Order Management : Work order management systems can help facilities managers track preventative maintenance needs and provide better service for repairs. Here’s what you need to know about the range of sophisticated systems out there and how they can help your business run more effectively.
• Reducing Utility Consumption at Your Facility : A smaller budget is an opportunity to evaluate where you can cut back and save money. For facility managers, reducing utility costs is a surefire way to save.

Advice for Landscapers

Advice for Plumbers

Advice for Electricians