The times they are a-changing. There is a palpable shift in the way we must think and act to keep up with the changes in our industry. Every day something else hits us and we are either going to sink or swim depending on how we react. As we know, how we react to change is one of the few things we have control over.

The Conscious Contractor

To the extent that we stay engaged and are prepared to shift or pivot then we can still offer our product. What used to work doesn’t anymore.

• Long lead times for materials
• Labor shortages and long installation times
• Everyone wants 50% down
• Prices that were reasonably stable for the last 20 years are skyrocketing
• Sub-trade partners are dictating our schedules

Remodeling is a Science and an Art

As the company matures many things need to happen. The growth that occurred from where I started is amazing. Most still function as a top-down autocracy with the leader being the owner. I was doing everything for a long time knowing that I wanted more. To create a next-level company we had to become multidimensional. How to get there eluded me for the longest time. There are many aspects and personalities that need to work in harmony. The last thing we can be is siloed.

• • Marketing: Making sure clients see what they are looking for in a company that they can trust
  • Design: Creating design solutions for clients that work, then figuring out their material selections within their budget
  • Sales: Making sure that we are getting projects lined up and sold out of Design
  • Production: Stay 3-4 weeks ahead of the project instead of 2 weeks like we used to. Finishing jobs strong.
  • Accounting: Keeping track of the short and long-range of the company financially. Sharing information with teams.
  • Human Resources: Making sure we have the right staff and that they are following rules and behaving professionally
  • Estimating: Making sure we cover our costs and have some extra for Overhead and Profit in an ever-changing environment
    

The Gears are Meshing

One school of thought is to get a business going then relax and watch it work. Except for it doesn’t work that way in remodeling. Everything we create or make or do requires maintenance, It is the nature of the world. We are limited not by our creativity or imagination but rather by our ability to maintain what we have and remove constraints. As I age, I get clearer on that point. I am gradually shifting to a less is more mentality. Rearranging the parts to suit the need has been a theme during this unprecedented hunger for remodeling homes.

Pumping the Brakes

As we pump the brakes and check to make sure we are not over-promising and under-delivering, I get to see around a corner and plan for the best way to get from where we are to where we want to be. Wnazixing models from other markets and brainstorming for new ideas has led us to try something new. Look for some new roles and responsibilities as I celebrate getting back to full staff after a long summer of looking.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.

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