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February 2-4, 2027 | Las Vegas, NV

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Craig Russell

Craig Russell

Owner and FounderThe English Contractor

Cincinnati-based, but decidedly English, Craig Russell is the powerhouse behind The English Contractor specializing in custom residential construction and bespoke renovations. Craig is a custom residential builder with years of built experience in the United States and England. He’s earned his "bulldog" nickname through his tenacity and strength. Passionate and decisive, he is heavily involved in projects and maintains high standards for workmanship and detail. Craig leads a team of 32 trade professionals, with a good sense of humor and an eye for perfection. Craig exemplifies community support as a volunteer firefighter, nationally-registered EMT, and swift-water rescue tech with the Terrace Park Fire Department and Milford Fire Department. 

Wed Feb 182:00 PM – 3:00 PMS230-A

Beyond the Bottom Line: Interpreting Contractor Estimates to Empower Your Clients (Available Live + On Demand)

As kitchen and bath designers, you are often your clients' most trusted advisor throughout the renovation process. Yet when it comes to reviewing cont…As kitchen and bath designers, you are often your clients' most trusted advisor throughout the renovation process. Yet when it comes to reviewing contractor estimates, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by technical jargon, unclear scopes, and inconsis…As kitchen and bath designers, you are often your clients' most trusted advisor throughout the renovation process. Yet when it comes to reviewing contractor estimates, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by technical jargon, unclear scopes, and inconsistent formats. This session equips designers with the tools and terminology to confidently guide clients through the evaluation of bids for kitchen and bath projects. This presentation breaks down typi…As kitchen and bath designers, you are often your clients' most trusted advisor throughout the renovation process. Yet when it comes to reviewing contractor estimates, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by technical jargon, unclear scopes, and inconsistent formats. This session equips designers with the tools and terminology to confidently guide clients through the evaluation of bids for kitchen and bath projects. This presentation breaks down typical cost structures, identifying red flags, and clarifying key inclusions and exclusions. Attendees will learn how to spot discrepancies between bids, recognize the difference between allowances and fixed pricing, and ask the right questions. Whether you’re reviewing a comprehensive proposal or a one-page quote, you’ll leave this session with the insight to advocate for your clients' budget, timeline, and expectations, while fostering better communication between designers and builders.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More

Presentation (1-Hour)Session TypeBuilding & Remodeling (VFTI)Session Track
CEU Credits:0.10
Jen Fiorenza, AKBD
Jen Fiorenza, AKBDDirector of Preconstruction, The English Contractor
Craig Russell
Craig RussellOwner and Founder, The English Contractor
Capacity Unlimited:No
Learning Objectives:Identify, compare, and interpret contractor estimates to support client decisions confidently.
On-Demand:Yes
Option for On-Demand:Yes
Presentation Approach:This will be a lecture with bid examples and discussion questions