Doing What’s Right
By Michael StoneHow should you handle a mistake? What if it’s a mistake you made over a decade ago?
Honest Relationships
By Michael StoneThere are always at least two sides to any scenario, but if you want to stay in business, consider this a lesson on how not to treat a subcontractor.
Shady Contractors
By Michael StoneIf you’re doing residential construction, you’ve met all kinds of people. There are also all kinds of contractors, and some of them don’t operate ethically.
The Cost of Callbacks
By Michael StoneHaving to return to a previous job and fix something that’s wrong costs money. Knowing the cost of a callback helps you or your crew to be more diligent to avoid them in the future.
Character Matters
By Michael StoneYou can’t always determine if the person you are about to do business with is ethical, but you do know your own behavior. Choosing to operate your business with integrity is within your control.
Doing Work Without a Permit
By Michael StoneDoing work without a permit is a mistake. Pulling permits protects the homeowner; when a contractor doesn’t want to pull a permit, there’s always a reason.
Ten Cardinal Rules for Construction Business Owners
By Michael StoneTen Cardinal Rules for a successful construction-related business.
Doing Things Wrong
By Michael StoneIt’s painful to see people who don’t know better get taken advantage of by those who do or should know better.
Your Image in a Few Words
By Michael StoneHave you thought about the image you project? It's important to create an association between what you provide and what your potential client wants or needs.
Your Work Has Value
By Michael StoneI’m addicted to the creature comforts that my home provides. Those comforts are provided by skilled workers in the construction industry.
A Bait and Switch Scam?
By Michael StoneLast weekend I passed a billboard on the side of the road. It loudly declared, "We will build your new home for $32 a square foot."
Trucks, Phones and Language
By Michael StoneKeeping your business sharp and profitable is an ongoing process, and it’s easy to get lax about little things that can cost big money.
Close Out Package
By Michael StoneAs you’re walking out the door on a finished project, you want your clients to remember you as the company that went the extra step for them.
Estimating Labor, Accounting for Trash
By Michael StoneEstimating a construction project requires working through the details. The better you cover those details, the more accurate your estimate.
Thank You Notes
By Michael StoneI’m a strong proponent of thank you notes. We received a creative note from a contractor the other day.
Planning for Next Year
By Michael StoneThe end of the year is a good time to look at how you’ve been doing business. What standards have you set, and are you keeping those standards?
Things That Cause Problems, or, How to Upset Your Clients
By Michael StoneSeven issues that upset clients. And when clients are upset, either you won’t make the sale or you might not get paid.
Failing Expectations
By Michael StoneMichael shares a note from a contractor dealing with multiple mistakes he’s made in his business.
Getting Involved with a Storm Chaser
By Michael StoneLast week, a contractor called to ask my opinion on getting involved with storm chasers that were in his area.
Transparency Has Risks
By Michael StoneIf you believe in transparency with your clients, this note is an example of what can go wrong.
Don’t Be This Contractor
By Michael StonePlease don’t be this contractor. Please don’t be that homeowner.
Let Them Know What to Expect
By Michael StoneIf you’re doing service work, make sure your client knows what to expect before you start.
A Reputation for Cleanliness
By Michael StoneEvery day we drive by a new home under construction. I don’t know how many people pass this new home every day but I would guess it’s in the thousands; the road is always busy.