Electronic Device Addiction By Anne Patterson

By Anne Patterson

As uses for computer chips evolve, new ways of operating in the remodeling business continue to appear. Many remodelers have become attached to their hand-held electronic gadgets, claiming that they can't imagine doing without them. However, there are still a few who prefer to stick to most of their old ways.

Cell phones: Probably the most ubiquitous electronic tool for contractors is the cell phone. Mark Yandell, Yandell Construction of Chicago suburb Lake Bluff, Ill., describes his relationship with his own. "I need it more than any other device ... but I hate it," he says. "Today everyone wants an answer instantly. They don't take responsibility and think for themselves anymore. But it does let me contact my men in the field immediately. And I save time by making my calls while I'm driving." (The city of Chicago, like a growing number of municipalities, requires drivers to use hands-free devices with cell phones.)

Personal digital assistants: Mark Dixon is very attached to his Microsoft Word-based personal digital assistant. "It's like a small, hand-held computer," says Mark, who is vice president and co-owner of Legacy Custom Building & Remodeling Inc. (Scottsdale, Ariz.). "It has a keyboard that folds up, making it a wallet-sized package. I type my project notes on it and send them to my laptop computer. I also find it very handy in keeping my appointments straight."

Cell phone/computer combinations: Ken Rabbins, president of Building Systems Technology, New York, loves his combination cell phone/Palm Pilot. "It interfaces with my computer," he says. "I can take a spread sheet along to the project with me. I can sketch on it and send the drawing off. It also allows me to send and receive email."

Project managers at design/build remodeler Benvenuti & Stein (Evanston, Ill.) also use combination cell phone/handheld computers, which interface with their laptop computers. While in the field, they take project notes and zap them sent back to their computers in the office. As with all PDA-type devices, their instruments contain a calendar for recording appointments and allow ready access to stored phone numbers and addresses.

Digital cameras: Ken and Mark both frequently use digital cameras to document the progress of a project. "I can send someone a picture immediately," Ken says. "In New York City, documentation of a project is important because of all the code requirements. Additionally, you can send an absent client pictures showing how the project is coming along."

Laser tape measures: Neil Fortunato, president of Fortunato Builders, Renovation Specialists (Highland Park, Ill.), would hate to give up his laser tape measure. "It gives me the length, width, height and volume of a space in no time flat," he says. But aside from the tape measure and his cell phone, he uses no other electronic gadgets. "I still find it very easy to write down all my appointments in an old fashioned appointment book," he says.

Exceptions aside, whether we love them or hate them, most of us can't live without our gadgets.