In this youtube video the consumer is calling the shots attempting to broker unreasonable demands on the service provider.

I recently learned about a contractor who lost a suit from a homeowner who decided to stop paying for a completed project. It turns out the contractor did not receive several payments totaling over $40,000. He finished the job believing that the owner would eventually pay up. The contractor had never been sued in 15 years of business and has a good following in his community.

Before you know it April 22, 2010 will be here and any contracting company who works on homes built prior to 1978 will be required to be a certified renovator under the EPA Lead Rule. This rule effects remodelers, painters, plumbers, electricians and any trade that may disturb 6 square feet of areas covered with lead paint. Currently there are not enough trainers certified by the EPA. It is estimated that there are 236,000 contractors who need to be trained by April 2010! And currently there are only 4 certified providers in the entire USA! Do you think it is possible that everyone will be trained in time? Stay tuned for more information on available training providers. Hopefully contractors will be able to get training in there local market in time to avoid the stiff penalties that the EPA can impose. Penalties stated in their rule are up to $32,500 per violation, per day.

Should a contractor or entrepreneur market more or less in a tight economy when there are fewer fish in the pond?

The societal demand for green products and services is opening the doors to many new opportunities for the residential construction industry. Consumers are educating themselves in record numbers and more often than not, will have as much and sometimes more, up to date knowledge than contractors. Consumers are keenly aware and interested in the ROI of any green energy improvements and remodeling investments they will make on their home. They are profit buyers, who are demanding to know that improvements have value and pay back.

The clock is ticking for thousands of contractors involved in the renovation of homes. By April of 2010 all contractors who work on homes built before 1978 will be required to comply with the EPA Lead Rules. The penalties for violations; $32,500 per violation per day. This effects remodelers, plumbers, electricians, painters, heating contractors and any trade that is involved in the renovation of these older properties.

In a recent post about standard education for residential contractors, I spoke about the existing career path provided for students who want to become professional commercial contractors. In the current market the starting income for 4 year graduates with a degree for commercial construction can be as low as 50,000 per year.

I spoke to a contractor last week who is considering contractor coaching for his business. His business is down like many in this challenging economy. During our conversation I asked him if he is following his business plan. He said he doesn't have one!

THE DREAM

Recently, I spoke with a veteran contractor who was having challenges with his business. There was significant budget slippage on projects and poor communication between his carpenters and customers. These challenges were causing significant culture issues among the employees in the field and the office. The owner found himself putting out fires every day. All departments were playing the blame game pointing fingers at everyone but themselves.