Buildingva

The world has stopped spinning. People don’t need homes anymore. Watching the news is the only thing left to do in life. Just throw me a biscuit and a blanket and I’ll just curl up and wait it out.

Yes, sometimes it just feels like it’s time to give up. Running a business in difficult times (or even good times for that matter) is, well, risky business! Those of us in the home building trades are particularly subject to the ups and downs of economies. So, what can we do to set ourselves apart and lead the field?

HomeBuilding & Remodeling Contractors Listen Up

Trends. Most of the time we read about trends but take no action. This article will show you why you should position yourself quickly to profit from a growing industry trend. If you’re a General Contractor or subcontractor, this solution is for you.

I don’t like statistics. Sure, I do read them and I do cite them at times. But, I also realize that stats change depending on who’s quoting them and for what reason. And, like they say, 97% of stats are made up on the spot! Alright, that being said, I’ll just say that there are studies now that demonstrate that around 60 to 70% of people take part in their own home building or remodeling projects. This is huge, but, what does it mean to you?

Ride the Wave of Change

You may or may not believe in “owner builders”. Whether or not you support the notion, people are either doing it or attempting it. You can’t afford not to participate in this growing trend. But how?

DON’T:

Don’t fight it. Don’t belittle someone who is doing it or planning to try it. Understand that what they want is to save money, get more of what they want, and avoid the scary contractor stories they’ve heard about or had themselves.

DO:

Coach them. Yes, coach them into getting what they want. You have the experience, the contacts, the systems, and the experience they badly need. They *don’t* really need you as their builder/contractor. Let them build … you coach.

DON’T:

Don’t ignore their potential business. You can pass them by but as the trend grows, how will this affect your future? Don’t make the mistake of thinking this trend will die. It’s been around for years.

DO:

Coach them. Approach them from a different angle than they’re used to hearing from a contractor. Set yourself apart from the rest. Offer to give them exactly what they’re lacking while supporting them in their desires to be an owner builder.

You need to embrace this change. Hire yourself out as a consultant or coach. Put together material packages for them. Help them with their financing. Provide them with contacts they wouldn’t otherwise have.

You may earn less with each client but your income, when your system is done correctly will be more predictable. And your time spent with each “owner-builder” client will be way less and your overall earnings, in time, will likely surpass your previous earnings.