How the Contractor Alliance® Program Can Help Grow Your Contractor Business
by Lindsay Frankel | 3/28/2024
Every siding project offers the opportunity to establish your reputation as an esteemed siding contractor. While that starts with employing a talented team that performs quality work with the right products to achieve beautiful results, it doesn’t end there. Growing your business requires distinctive service and strategic action throughout the process, from pricing projects to collecting referrals.
That may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. James Hardie provides training and guidance resources so you can successfully price, sell and market your services and install Hardie® products. We make it easy to offer the durable, versatile siding and trim products that homeowners seek with the knowledge and service that will set your company apart.
Growing Your Contractor Business with More Website Traffic Through Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
by Miguel Guzman | 12/5/2023
Driving potential customers to your website is critical to growing your business. In today’s digital age, search engines such as Google and Bing are often the first stop for potential customers. Improving your website with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can improve your position on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP), such as the Google results page, and, in turn, drive more interested consumers to your website. In fact, according to
Wordstream, the first page of Google drives 71% of web traffic—some sources say the first page drives up to 92% of traffic.
In this article we list out SEO tips you can implement for your website to help improve organic search traffic and position your website as a top source of information for customers.
How to Build an Accurate Project Estimate
by Lindsay Frankel | 8/22/2023
Siding replacement can be an expensive undertaking for homeowners. Providing a comprehensive price estimate helps to reduce their stress and increase their confidence in the project. But many contractors find that it’s time consuming and labor intensive to build a project estimate that accounts for every expense. While accuracy is important to customer satisfaction, it can be difficult to achieve. That’s why James Hardie provides tools for contractors to create project estimates more efficiently and accurately, allowing them to provide a better customer experience.
6 Ways to Elevate Exterior Design with Hardie® Trim Boards
by Michael Buck | 7/28/2023
House trim is a finishing touch that gives a home a more professional, polished look. It also gives you the ability to significantly affect the overall aesthetic of the home.
Grow Your Siding Contractor Business with James Hardie's In-Home Selling Solutions
by Lindsay Frankel | 6/30/2023
The home remodeling market is expected to continue growing in the coming year, creating an opportunity for contractor businesses to grow as well. As you meet with homeowners excitedly planning their exterior renovation projects, you may need to help educate them on their siding options.
That’s why James Hardie created an array of resources to help contractors communicate why Hardie® siding is the optimal choice for both durability and design. With James Hardie’s in-home selling solutions, you can come prepared to showcase your professional expertise and product knowledge.
Protecting Your Home From Wildfires with James Hardie Products
by Kara Wenman | 10/10/2022
Forests and homes in the western part of the U.S. are being ravaged by wildfires, causing record-breaking damage. As wildfires become more widespread there’s a new urgency for builders and homeowners to take proactive steps like using safer products to better protect homes and everything that matters inside.
Key Strategies to Win More Business with Remote Measurements and Designs
by Michael Buck | 9/22/2022
In an increasingly digital world, see how the HOVER Design Pro can help you win more business, speed up your workflow, and position your business as a premium option.
Magnolia Home by Chip and Joanna Gaines Collaborates with James Hardie
by Miguel Guzman | 8/25/2022
We’ve collaborated with Magnolia Home to create an inspired collection of exteriors in colors, styles and textures curated by Joanna Gaines to transform your home into your favorite place to be. This collection was created to help simplify the process of re-siding your home, so you can design with confidence. You’ll have added peace of mind knowing your project is backed by the trusted protection and long-lasting beauty of the recognized leader in exterior siding, James Hardie.
The New Hardie™ Architectural Collection
by Miguel Guzman | 2/18/2022
Introducing the Hardie™ Architectural Collection by James Hardie. Offering a brand-new suite of premium Hardie® Architectural Panels in distinctive textures inspired by nature, this innovative portfolio empowers homeowners and trades to reimagine what’s possible for home exteriors.
Bold Exterior Colors See a Renaissance in North American Homes
by Michael Buck | 7/26/2021
With colors ranging from deep grays to black, dark residential home exteriors are enjoying a renaissance in North America.
6 Simple Ways to Set Your Contracting Business Apart
by Bevin Theodore | 6/21/2021
Running a successful contracting business is more than producing quality work. You also need to provide a top-notch customer experience to set your company apart from the competition.
Building Pro Matt Risinger Explains His Entire Siding Installation
by Michael Buck | 5/25/2021
When it comes to the outside of his personal house, building professional Matt Risinger is trusting the performance of a fiber cement exterior by James Hardie.
Essential Tools to Efficiently Install Exterior Solutions by James Hardie
by Lindsay Frankel | 4/28/2021
Fiber cement products engineered by James Hardie are a popular choice among building professionals and homeowners for the variety of aesthetics it can achieve with unparalleled durability. That starts with a first-class installation, and to make that happen you’ll need to have the right tools on the jobsite.
How to Productively Problem Solve with Customers
by Lindsay Frankel | 3/12/2021
Providing outstanding customer support isn’t always intuitive, but it’s an essential part of a successful service-based business, like contracting or building.
How to Address 5 Critical Construction Hazards and Safety Issues
by Michael Buck | 1/4/2021
To help you improve your own commitment to safety and Zero Harm, here are five critical jobsite safety issues and solutions to consider.
The Secret to the Easiest Way to Win More Sales
by Michael Buck | 12/1/2020
There’s a simple way to differentiate yourself and win more jobs: improve your quote presentation. Here's what you can do to amp up the engagement level of your estimate format.
2021 Exterior Building Trends for Residential Projects
by Michael Buck | 11/2/2020
Here's what is up and coming for residential building trends in 2021, and perhaps beyond, as people look to design to help them adjust and adapt to their new roles and routines.
Resources You Need to Build Your Virtual Business
by Michael Buck | 10/22/2020
Going forward, builders and contractors may find that homeowners and homebuyers increasingly accept, and even prefer, to do business online. These resources will help you think about how best to implement virtual techniques for marketing, design, and sales.
How to Run a Top-Notch Safety Meeting
by Michael Buck | 9/28/2020
Create a company culture that values safety as part of the right way to do a job. Use these safety meeting tips to help everyone develop a Zero Harm mindset.
Building Pro Matt Risinger Details Siding Materials and the #1 Install Mistake
by Michael Buck | 9/1/2020
This Build Show episode from expert building professional Matt Risinger is all about siding – specifically, the biggest new construction installation mistake and the various material choices for your build or renovation.
Work Smarter with these 9 General Contractor Apps
by Michael Buck | 8/17/2020
To help you make the most of your time, here are nine general contractor apps that can help streamline your business operations.
See How Home Services Demand and Trends have Changed in 2020
by Michael Buck | 8/10/2020
Find out how consumer demand for home services trended in the first half of 2020 and what trends are developing in the market.
How to Nail Your Virtual Presentation Delivery
by Michael Buck | 6/17/2020
Virtual selling and consulting is the future of the building and contracting industry. While it has some clear advantages for your business, you may need to adapt your presentation delivery to make the most of this evolving medium.
How to Cut HardieBacker Cement Board
by Lindsay Frankel | 6/10/2020
HardieBacker® Cement Board is easy to install, making it a great option for contractors and DIYers alike. But before you install it, you’ll need to know how to cut HardieBacker Cement Board to the right size. Whether you’re looking to make a straight line or circular cut for your project, the steps are simple and straightforward.
6 Ways to Get More Value from Past Customers
by Michael Buck | 5/28/2020
Your past customers can be incredible sources of value for your contracting business, but especially so during challenging times like the kind we’re in right now. The experts at MarketSharp have these six ideas to try.
6-Part Series: How to Build a Resilient Contracting Business
by Michael Buck | 5/15/2020
In this webinar series, Breakthrough Academy breaks down the fundamentals that smart businesses lean on in times of uncertainty.
Marketing Tips to Maintain Your Contracting Business Through the Pandemic
by Michael Buck | 5/8/2020
While this is a challenging time for many in the building industry, there are ways to adapt your business to the changing conditions. Here are a few marketing ideas you can implement now to help your business in the short term and thrive later.
4 Tips for Creating a More Engaging Digital Sales Presentation
by Kara Wenman | 4/21/2020
The keys to a successful virtual sales presentation are that it builds trust, engages, and most importantly closes the deal. Here are 4 tips to creating a more engaging digital sales presentation.
Adjusting Business Practices for the Social Distancing Era
by Michael Buck | 4/20/2020
By implementing new methods and rethinking your approach to service, you can make your clients feel more at ease during this unusual time. To help you get started, consider using these three customer service adjustments, some of which you can implement immediately.
Contractor Webinar Series
by Kara Wenman | 4/10/2020
Join us for a series of webinars hosted by our affiliate partners to learn about the steps you can take now to help navigate your contracting business through the social distancing era and what you need to know about the impact of COVID-19.
7 Tips for Running a Successful Virtual Meeting
by Lindsay Frankel | 4/10/2020
Contractors and builders understand the importance of keeping clients and workers safe, but in the era of social distancing, safety is changing the way we work. As video conferencing has replaced in-person meetings, homes have become temporary offices, which are now being featured in the virtual world.
How to Leverage Government Aid to Help Your Contracting Business
by Michael Buck | 4/8/2020
As a contracting business owner, your top priority right now should be creating a plan that carries you through the short-term economic turbulence and sets your company up for success once conditions improve.
10 Fundamentals for Siding Installation Efficiency
by Kara Wenman | 4/5/2020
Developing a solid installation plan not only enables your teams with the proper knowledge and resources to get the job done, but it also provides an opportunity to develop efficiencies for a more organized process.
6 Social Media Best Practices for Contractors and Builders
by Lindsay Frankel | 3/12/2020
There’s a huge audience of potential customers waiting for you on social media. In many cases, one of your social profiles will be the first interaction a prospect has with your brand. As such, you’ll want to make sure you’re posting captivating content that will encourage them to choose your business for their next siding project.
How to Install HardieBacker Cement Board on Floors
by Kara Wenman | 2/29/2020
Learn how to install HardieBacker Cement Board on floors to defend your home against the threat of moisture, so you can rest easy knowing you've done everything you can to ensure your project lasts.
How to Build a 5-Star Customer Experience
by Lindsay Frankel | 2/28/2020
Building a 5-star experience is more than just providing great customer service, it’s about putting customers first and wowing them with every interaction they have with your business, from the first website visit until the last truck leaves the property.
How to Install HardieBacker Cement Board on Walls
by Kara Wenman | 1/31/2020
Learn how to install HardieBacker Cement Board on walls and the appropriate materials and tools that you’ll need for the job.
How Email Marketing Can Engage Customers and Nurture Leads
by Bevin Theodore | 1/30/2020
Effective email marketing can form a rapport with prospects and keep your company top of mind for when they are ready to start a building or remodeling project, or help leverage your existing customer base to take advantage of other services you offer.
3 Elements of a Successful Streetscape
by Kara Wenman | 11/20/2019
Not all locations are created equal – the design of a streetscape creates the location and directly effects the property value of a home. The way a street looks and feels – its proportions, views of house fronts, play of light and shade – all effect the value of a street.
8 Winter Jobsite Safety Tips for Siding Installers
by Mark Petersen | 11/15/2019
As a leader in safety, James Hardie is constantly looking for ways to help protect crews on a job site. Try using these eight winter jobsite safety tips to help your crews navigate the season’s cold and wet conditions.
How to Retain Seasonal Employees
by Mark Petersen | 10/28/2019
In cold climate regions, weather-dependent construction projects are often delayed or shut down until the return of warmer weather. Learn some steps you can take to ensure your seasonal employees keep coming back year after year.
Incorporating Design Flexibility to Build for People, not the Market
by Lindsay Frankel | 10/21/2019
Consumers building homes in the Washington, D.C., area have become more sophisticated in recent years and now demand a greater level of personalization in their designs than most builders are currently willing to accommodate, according to Rob Cappellini, CEO and co-founder of Evergreene Homes.
How to Reduce Customer Complaints and Callbacks
by Mark Petersen | 10/2/2019
Use these nine tips on how to reduce customer complaints to keep your customers happy, avoid callbacks, and mitigate the losses when callbacks do occur.
Putting The Customer First
by Kara Wenman | 9/20/2019
It’s no secret that your customer is king and with nearly limitless access to information, he’s more powerful than ever before. Adjusting your business to demonstrate how you put the customer on a pedestal can help create happier customers increasing the likelihood of referrals.
How 2 Builders Used James Hardie Products for ‘the Nicest Siding Job Yet’
by Lindsay Frankel | 9/4/2019
The detail-orientated owners of Brush and Hammer Builders were hitting a wall with their exterior siding materials. They decided to try James Hardie® siding on their high-end homes and have been happy with the results.
How a New York Home was Built to Withstand a Hurricane
by Lindsay Frankel | 8/5/2019
Before Hurricane Sandy devastated the oceanfront community of Breezy Point in Queens, New York, homes there were not typically built to withstand such strong storms. That changed in Sandy’s aftermath when residents who vowed to rebuild realized their homes would need to be stronger and more resilient to stand up to a future filled with more severe weather.
8 Tips to Make Instagram Work for Builders and Contractors
by Lindsay Frankel | 7/24/2019
Instagram isn’t just a way for people to share vacation photos or prove their dog is the cutest in the world — it’s also a powerful business tool.
Finding Success With The James Hardie Contractor Alliance Program
by Kara Wenman | 7/22/2019
Standing behind our growing contractor base is a top priority for James Hardie. That’s why we developed the Contractor Alliance™ Program (CAP), a multiple-level program that combines sales support, marketing tools like lead generation, and installer training to help our members grow and differentiate their business in the highly competitive siding market.
Baltimore County Development Brings Urban Convenience to Suburban Life
by Michael Buck | 7/2/2019
The lifestyle offered by Greenleigh at Crossroads in Baltimore County, Maryland, is attracting a range of buyers and is well-timed to cater to a shift in living preferences.
A Contractor’s Journey from Vinyl to James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
by Michael Buck | 6/19/2019
Contractors who are transitioning from vinyl siding to James Hardie® fiber cement siding and trim are often finding success right down to the core of their business models.
Tips for Installing James Hardie Lap Siding
by Michael Buck | 6/14/2019
We’re always fielding questions about HardiePlank® lap siding installation. Hey, even seasoned pros need to occasionally check up on an installation best practice. Here are some tips, answers to FAQs and more about installing HardiePlank lap siding.
5 Siding Installer Jobsite Safety Tips for the Busy Summer Season
by Michael Buck | 6/11/2019
Safety is important every day, but especially as the residential construction and renovation industry heads into its busiest time of year, which also happens to be during the hottest months. To help keep safety top of mind during the busy summer season, here are five jobsite safety tips.
Blending Traditional Exteriors with Modern Trends in St. Louis
by Michael Buck | 6/5/2019
When it comes to exteriors, St. Louis is a traditional town. Here's how Fischer & Frichtel, a leading home builder in St. Louis, is updating the traditional look and enhancing the region's rich design history.
How to Photograph a House Before and After a Siding Renovation
by Michael Buck | 5/16/2019
It’s a well-worn saying, but a picture is still worth a thousand words. They can be worth even more if the pictures look good and tell a story.
5 Expert Tips to Improve Your Project Budget Management
by Michael Buck | 5/13/2019
The principles of good construction project budget management — cost, quality, and schedule — never change. In a perfect world, the contractor, builder, or architect who balances all three finishes on time and on (or under) budget. But, it’s not a perfect world, so here are five construction project budget management tips to help you compensate.
Rethinking Residential Developments to Bring Back a Sense of Community
by Michael Buck | 4/25/2019
The Great Recession was just starting when Howard “Chip” Hall left the high-tech startup industry to join his father’s vacation community development business. As discretionary income for vacation homes depleted, the Halls saw a need for a renewed approach to their development businesses. Here's what they did.
Working the Neighborhood: Radius Marketing Nets Results
by Michael Buck | 4/12/2019
Having a great product isn’t always enough. Contractors need to promote themselves and their work, too. What better place to promote than in the neighborhood surrounding a current job? Find out how James Hardie's neighborhood marketing kits can work for your business.
Prioritizing Construction Safety to Promote Culture, Retain Talent, and Save Money
by Michael Buck | 3/11/2019
Read about how Wenger Construction prioritized construction safety to benefit their overall business.
How to Install Staggered Edge HardieShingle® Siding
by Michael Buck | 2/28/2019
Whether you’re using it to side an entire house, or just a small portion, here are general instructions on how to install staggered edge HardieShingle® Siding.
Bringing New Life To An East Coast Oceanside Condo Complex
by Kara Wenman | 2/7/2019
Cape Manor Condominiums sit eight blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, a feature that has drawn seasonal and full-time residents alike. Its proximity to the coast also exposes the 24-unit property to above-average precipitation, which eventually led to trouble with the building’s original cedar siding.
How One Builder Drove Long-Term Success with Unwavering Client Focus
by Michael Buck | 1/24/2019
Brad Lundberg's success over the years in the home construction industry has come from an unwavering focus on his clients. Here's how his reputation helped him earn referrals and repeat clients.
Preserving Historical Aesthetics with Siding Products from James Hardie
by Michael Buck | 1/11/2019
The greater Baltimore area has its share of important historical communities and maintaining their authenticity is important to its residents. Local builder, Mueller Homes, shares how James Hardie siding products help meet the needs of historic preservation with the durability required to last for years to come.
The Making of a ‘Pocket Community’ Through Property Zoning Changes
by Michael Buck | 12/20/2018
After acquiring property just three miles east of downtown Atlanta, Eric Kronberg, a principal at Kronberg Wall Architects, needed to work with city officials on property zoning changes so he could create his new community.
How James Hardie Products Helped Differentiate a Home-Building Business
by Michael Buck | 12/11/2018
Scott Blodgett, President of Infinity Custom Homes, says he was looking for opportunities to bring something different to the Pittsburgh marketplace when he founded his home-building company in 2013. “And, James Hardie was at the core of all of that,” he said.
Londonderry North Fire Station Re-Side Project
by Kara Wenman | 11/26/2018
When the Londonderry North Fire Station’s current siding was failing they turned to James Hardie for their siding replacement needs.
How to Capitalize on Millennials Buying Homes
by Michael Buck | 10/26/2018
Millennials are driving a paradigm shift in just about everything, including home buying. In fact, they are the largest group of home buyers in the U.S. and their preferences cannot be ignored.
Changing the Face of the Jersey Shore
by Kara Wenman | 9/11/2018
From Cape May to Ocean City to Lavallette and beyond, James Hardie is quickly becoming the home exterior siding option of choice for top New Jersey builders. See how James Hardie has changed the face of the Jersey Shore.
Providing a Designer's Toolbox to Architects
by Kara Wenman | 8/29/2018
Architect Christopher Luce says, “In architectural design, the idea is to create something that is timeless.” See how James Hardie provides him with a designer’s toolbox that allows him to experiment with colors and products in order to create timeless designs that not only stand out, but set him apart.
6 Tips for Successful Construction Project Management
by Kara Wenman | 8/21/2018
When it comes to keeping construction projects on track, there’s a lot of factors that come into play. According to
KPMG, over 50% of engineering and construction professionals have reported one or more underperforming projects in 2015. Think back on your past projects, did any take longer than expected or cost more than you scoped? To avoid potential problems in the future, consider these six helpful construction project management tips to not only keep your plan in check but also on budget.
How to Use Facebook to Grow Your Business
by Jamie Schultz | 6/25/2018
A digital presence is instrumental for businesses. You need to make certain your company stays top of mind when it comes to decision making. With social media growing every minute, there’s no better time than now to give your business the mass audience and engagement that only social media can provide.
Designing Homes For The Current Marketplace With Newer Cutting Edge Style
by Kara Wenman | 5/18/2018
See how James Hardie siding and trim allows Caruso Homes the ability to design homes that fit into the current marketplace, but with a newer cutting edge style.
Helping to Build a Sustainable Future
by Jamie Schultz | 5/16/2018
The people at Habitat for Humanity do more than build homes for families in need, they build a more promising future for people around the world.
Crafting a Streetscape in Hallsley
by Jamie Schultz | 4/19/2018
Developed by East West Communities, Hallsley features 800 homes located in Midlothian, Virginia.
A Colorfully Modern Twist on Tradition
by Jamie Schultz | 4/19/2018
Cambridge, Massachusetts might not be the first place you would think to look for modern architecture, but innovative design knows no bounds, making its way into some of the storied city’s traditional and upscale neighborhoods.
Top 3 Trends to Watch in Commercial Design for 2018
by Jamie Schultz | 4/19/2018
There are 3 popular movements that you should pay attention to when it comes to trends in commercial design for 2018: Virtual reality and technology, smart glass, and resilience by design.
Trends in Community Living
by Jamie Schultz | 4/19/2018
The lifestyle dynamics for consumers are changing and there is a high demand for things that make life easier, extending to travel, online shopping, and even their living situations. The desire for a simplified lifestyle has provided a rise in community living.