Preferred Builder status is achieved when trade contractors and suppliers prefer to work for one particular builder over another. Preferred Builders are often rewarded with the best pricing and service from the companies that work for them. Obtaining preferred status can only be achieved by businesses that are sincerely concerned about the well-being of everybody they work with.
The approach to becoming a preferred builder is actually rather simple. Treat others the way you want to be treated yourself.
- Develop a reputation as being fair.
- Set high expectations for yourself as well as for others.
- Provide good information when requesting bids.
- Select the low competent bidder and respect the effort of all bidders.
- Be ready to receive work or deliveries when scheduled.
- Manage an organized project site and allow workers to be productive.
- Accept responsibility for the success of others working on the project.
- Communicate clearly about expectations for services provided.
- Pay promptly when the work is completed correctly.
- Make sure everyone knows they are appreciated.
These techniques work with any type of business relationship but to be effective must be sincere and part of a company culture.
Good stuff, Keith. I probably wrote my first article on this 15 years ago and the issue of becoming "Builder of Choice" has been a continual theme ever since. One key issue on your point #4, though ... selecting the "Low competent builder" implies that, presuming an acceptable level of competency, then you select among those by lowest bid price. The only thing that matters is Total Cost, and there are at least 10 factors to consider there.
ReplyDeleteThank you Keith. I am currently trying to focus on your point #6, managing an organized project site. Any thoughts from anyone on the keys to success for this topic? Where does this break down for builders? Why? What subs are the toughest to keep organized?
ReplyDeleteI think quality goes up as well as sales when a builder shows he has everything under control.