In the category of “It’s a small world”
Last week a Clark, New Jersey homeowner called a remodeler about getting some work done. The woman asked, “Do you know Neil Parsons?” The 25 year old remodeler answered, “Yes, I do!” She explained that Parsons Construction did work on her home almost 30 years ago.
The moral of the story: In business it is important to build a brand. Be memorable, leave an impression, and hopefully, most often, it’s a good impression. Continue reading
Design Build Planners offers a unique, highly customized pre-construction design and development service. At the design reveal, DBP discusses the various next step options for the homeowner regarding their planned home improvement. One very important question that is addressed is, “Who will build your remodeling project?” This questions applies to any type of project ranging from a basement, bathroom, or kitchen makeover to additions and whole house renovations. Continue reading
Interior painting is one construction task that a large majority of homeowners are able do themselves. That doesn’t mean that they should, or even want to undertake the painting portion. The quality of the paint and painting can have a great impact on the overall appearance of the project. These considerations can create a dilemma. Since homeowners feel they can perform the painting, they typically do not value the cost from a professional painter like they do for the plumber, electrician, tiler installer…etc. Not only is there a pricing concern, homeowners tend to be very critical in their judgment of the quality of the painting. Because of this, many remodelers choose to not include painting as a part of their project and estimate.
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Homeowners and remodelers alike have found the downloadable, free e-booklet “Improving the Remodeling Estimate” quite informative and valuable. This Design Build Planners seven-page special report describes the ideal process for the initial remodeler-homeowner meeting from the perspective of each party in order to help make the experience mutually beneficial and productive. Continue reading
Recently, the Design Build Planners met with Nanci McCarthy to discuss a few projects currently in design and development. We took the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Nanci, one of our favorite Trade Partners, is the Branch Manager for Best Tile. Best Tile has been providing tile material, accessories, and supplies to homeowners and trades people for 50 years. They have showroom locations from Vermont to North Carolina.
DBPlanners: What is the newest, hottest trend in tile? Continue reading
Other than advice, a remodeler should never give a homeowner anything for free. Doing so potentially lessens the value of all you do and opens the door for constant negotiations, and even worse, re-negotiations of established costs.
Please do not misunderstand. This should not be confused with the concept of “under promising and over delivering.” Let’s face the facts. There is no one that works for free. Each person and trade gets compensated for their efforts. This compensation is a part of your job costing and affects a project’s gross profit if not accounted for when calculating the client’s investment amount. Continue reading