The 2023 MA Stretch code significantly impacts the cost of additions, level 3 renovations and remodeling in Massachusetts. I am inundated with calls from my coaching clients and CSL students with questions about what is required and how to interpret numerous sections of this new stretch energy code. I will post often as I learn more about the changes. Please know that this is a very fluid development subject to change once regulators provide guidance.
Read MoreThe Contractor Coaching Partnership Blog
Additions and Level 3 Alterations impacted by MA 2023 Stretch Code
Posted by Mark Paskell on Wed, Feb 01, 2023 @ 10:15 PM
Tags: CSL CEU Training, Contractor Business Coach, MA Stretch Code 2023
MA DOER 2021 Stretch Code Effective 1/1/2023 without grace period
Posted by Mark Paskell on Tue, Jan 03, 2023 @ 01:32 PM
The MA DOER 2021 stretch code (2021 IECC with MA amendments) is now effective in all stretch energy code towns. It is imperative to know there is no grace period or phase in with the new code changes. All residential buildings three stories or less and remodeling in stretch code towns are significantly impacted. This new regulation preempts the adoption of the Massachusetts 10th Edition Code (2021 IECC and MA Amendments) which is still under review by the BBRS.
Read MoreTags: Construction Supervisor CEU Training, Contractor Business Coach, MA DOER
Small contractors get no respect from Democratic Senator; write
Posted by Mark Paskell on Wed, Dec 23, 2009 @ 10:30 PM
Yesterday Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (Dem) pulled a fast one on small contracting firms. He convinced his party colleagues to help union contractors compete with small contractors, making them carry employee health insurance. He added an amendment to the senate health bill to force contractors, remodelers, small home builders and trades with as little as 5 employees to carry health insurance. No one will say that health insurance isn't important because we all know it is. However, this is discrimination since it only applies to contractors and exempts all other industries who are exempt with 50 or less employees.
Remodelers and Contractors; Let's Blow the Lid Off; EPA Lead Rule
Posted by Mark Paskell on Sat, Nov 28, 2009 @ 12:31 PM
Last night, while out with the family, my blackberry was humming like a bees nest with responses to the EPA lead post on the NARI LinkedIn Group. My wife told me shut the darn thing off! Next time I'll leave it in the truck.
Tags: contractors, education and training, Contractor Business Coach, EPA Lead Rule, Residential Construction
In our recent Remodeler Roundtable Forum for contractors we introduced a questionnaire for our 12 members to get them thinking about the subject of running a design build company. It was interesting to hear some of the comments during the session.
Tags: Contractor Business Coach, design/build, Remodeler Roundtables
The Four Legged Chair; Systems for contractors
Posted by Mark Paskell on Tue, Apr 21, 2009 @ 10:00 PM
What allows you to have a business that works and produces profits? The answer is systems with clearly defined processes and procedures. The systems needed to run a fine tuned contractor business are marketing, sales, production and administration. In our training, we use the Four Legged Chair analogy to represent these four systems. Each leg must be strong to prevent the chair from falling over or collapsing.
Tags: contractor sales training, Contractor Business Coach, contractor education and training, NARI, residential contractors, marketing plan, business plan
11 Obstacles to success for residential contractors
Posted by Mark Paskell on Thu, Jan 01, 2009 @ 04:58 PM
2008 was a challenging year for contractors in the residential remodeling industry. With declining home values, tightened credit, lack luster new home construction, smaller remodeling projects and erosion of consumer confidence many contractors are facing uncertain futures. The time and need for change has never been more apparent than now. We need to analyze our businesses and make sure that we are able to deliver outstanding products and services to the Next Level Consumer.
Tags: coaching, contractors, Contractor Business Coach, homeowners, construction
What are the top 5 challenges for residential contractors?
Posted by Mark Paskell on Tue, Dec 30, 2008 @ 10:01 AM
Owning and operating a residential contracting business presents unique challenges for contractors servicing the homeowner market. These challenges are unique because the industry has very little structured business training for residential contractors who provide services to a savvy, demanding and educated consumer. Contractors with formal business education or experience from the commercial construction industry tend to do better with today's homeowner consumer if they use and apply, industry best practices and systems.
Tags: Contractor Business Coach, homeowners, residential contractors, business plan
Have you finalized your business plan, goals and strategy for 2009?
Posted by Mark Paskell on Sun, Dec 28, 2008 @ 08:53 PM
I wrote a post a few weeks ago about writing your business plan for 2009. How are you doing? We have a few more days until the New Year, will you be ready?
Tags: plan, Contractor Business Coach, homeowners, residential contractors
Persistance; Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"
Posted by Mark Paskell on Mon, Dec 22, 2008 @ 07:30 AM
When confronted with challenges sometimes it is easier to give up than to stay focused on what we want. Some say this year has been the Perfect Storm for the American people. Yesterday's post talked about keeping and maintaining a great attitude by working on yourself and minimizing exposure to things like negative news and the media. Now let's talk about staying the course in spite of challenges facing the residential construction industry.
Tags: residential construction industry, Contractor Business Coach, Contractor