There are so many misconceptions in remodeling: Homeowners think a project should be done in half the time and cost half as much because they watch HGTV. They also might believe that collaborating with a professional remodeler is the same as hiring a random person with a truck. Some think that if they put a project off until next year, the costs might come down.
There are also many misconceptions among remodeling business owners.
For example, a long backlog may allow you to sleep a little better, but it is not good. Imagine if Andersen said they could not deliver a window to you for a year. What would that do to your relationship with them? All the energy Andersen put into making you a client is vaporized.
Other misconceptions include the idea that local remodelers are your biggest competitors or that growing a business by 25% is healthy.
RELATED: Indicators of a Softening Market and How to Prepare
Change Orders Today
One current misconception that is especially relevant today is “change orders are not good.” First and foremost, let’s alter the terminology. I suggest you eliminate the words “change order” and begin to call them “addendums.”
So, what’s the difference? Nothing. However, the word “addendum” does not come with baggage or stress.
Next, make a list of why using addendums can help you and even create a better client experience. The following are a few reasons.
1. It allows you to move the project into permitting or scheduling faster
2. It allows you to collect money faster
3. It can reduce some stress for the client who struggles with small decisions
4. It creates a nice vehicle to add or delete work
5. It is a wonderful way to formally communicate so mistakes are reduced
6. It allows you to achieve a higher margin
7. It can make the overall remodeling experience better
RELATED: A New Approach to Achieving Your Goals
Keys to Success
Here are a few key steps to make this idea successful.
1. Everyone needs to be aligned with this theme: sales, design, and production
2. Addendum forms need to be part of every client meeting including contract signing, pre-construction, and weekly meetings
3. Everyone needs to be trained to communicate about an addendum and execute it
4. You need to breakdown the client’s fear of changes early in the process
5. Addendums should be an integral part of your process
I know when you open the door to allow your team or the client to have more flexibility in the process, it can be a little tricky, but tricky is not bad. You just need to develop the rigor to allow for this flexibility. Addendums are a part of life and can actually make the remodeling experience better.
Add new comment
Related Stories
10 Things To Consider As Part of Your Q3 Review
The third quarter is when you need to review your company’s performance and reevaluate plans for the rest of the year
The Power of Storytelling
Kelly Parker, the keynoter at the 2024 Women in Residential+Commercial Construction Conference, on the importance and difficulty of telling a simple story
6 Factors to Optimize Gross Profit
Thoroughly estimating and tracking gross profits is the life blood of a business, and one remodeler shares the strategies that have worked well for his firm
3 Areas Successful Remodelers Focus On
Industry advisor Mark Richardson shares what separates the losing from the winning in today’s market
Peppermill Finish
NAHB: Remodelers Face Challenges and Opportunities
Remodelers face a uniquely strong market yet remain challenged by codes and costs
The Neal’s Way Means Putting People First
For Neal’s Design Remodel, company culture is more than values on a wall. It’s everything.
Selling Your Company to Your Team
From company valuation to terms of the transfer, here’s a look at how three different remodelers made the deal work
NAHB Announces Action Plan for Housing Affordability
Six of the proposed 10 action items are important to residential remodelers