How Referral Systems Are Changing the Home Improvement Game
Referral programs aren’t new, but they’re becoming a huge part of the home improvement world. Homeowners want trusted pros, and contractors want more jobs—referrals make that happen. Why They Work People trust word-of-mouth over ads. A referral from a friend or neighbor carries weight, and when companies reward that, it’s a win-win for everyone. How People Are Using Them Homeowners save money – Discounts or perks for referring friends. Contractors grow their business – More jobs without spending big on ads. Loyalty programs – Earn rewards for multiple referrals. Community referrals – Nextdoor, Facebook groups, and forums are full of trusted recommendations. Make It Work for You If you're a contractor, a solid referral program can bring in quality leads without the heavy marketing costs. Try something simple—offer $50 off the next project for both the referrer and the new client when they book. It’s an easy way to keep customers coming back while bringing in new ones who already trust your work. Are you currently using a referral program with your business? Drop a comment!
Acorn Integration?
We use enhancify. We considered Wisetack. However, we require down payments and don't like that payment gets released after work gets completed. We stumbled across Acorn and saw they integrate with HouseCall Pro. On their quotes, they offer a monthly finance rate the customer could get if they used Acorn (estimated rate of course). Is this a possible integration in the future, or is there something similar? tiaBest Work Flow for Ordering
Hi everyone! Does anyone currently use Jobber in their work flow specifically for when making orders. For example if you place an order for equipment how do you let the team know? Do you set up a task in Jobber with the tracking number? Looking to optimize our current workflow and didn’t know if Jobber was a good one for it or if I need to look into another system. Thank you in advance!Sticker SHOCK! 😲
I have been doing my office's annual purge and came across some old invoices from the earliest power equipment my business purchased. Believe it or not, some of the equipment I use has doubled in price for the replacement model at today's cost. Since it is our responsibility as owners to be profitable enough to replace/repair equipment as needed, I find myself adjusting my equipment cost recovery number upward almost monthly in my budget. How often are you adjusting your cost recovery upward to adjust for the ongoing inflation?Do you utilize battery-powered tools?
Handheld battery-powered tools have come a long way from their first iterations, especially over the past few years. I've started making the switch away from gas-powered equipment throughout the last few seasons for my business and have found the switch to be positive for my workflow and bottom line. This is a trend I believe will continue as batteries become more powerful and long-lasting. Are you utilizing any battery-powered equipment and, if so, do you have any favorites you'd like to share??
System to handle subcontractors payments
Hi I’m trying to implement a solution to paying our subcontractors as efficiently as possible. We send out their contracts for signatures and get them on the schedule. We pay each of them 3 draws. The first is on the day they start the second is the day everything is installed (when all the tile have been installed or all the drywall is up and mudded) and the final payment is when it’s completed and inspected for approval. I’m manually uploading the signed contracts, pictures and payment expenses into jobber which takes a lot of time that could be utilized in other areas of growing our company. Currently they are sending pictures through texts and asking for payments which has become a nightmare to keep up with. Im looking for a solution to streamline the process for the subs and for us while being user friendly and easy to navigate for someone that may not be familiar with tech. Does anyone have any ideas? as an add on I would love to incorporate a bonus structure for incentive to complete jobs accurately and in a timely manner
Green?
So, as a general contractor, framing, cabinetry, finish carpentry, flooring, and painting as my trades, I am looking into a new form of construction. Literally building the entire structure out of styrofoam. Walls, roof, floors, everything. Curious what this forum/chat would think of it. Is there a niche in northern Arizona for an alternative form of building? A green way of construction in both residential and commercial applications? strataus.comThe Importance of Proper Planning in New Construction and Home Improvement Projects
Embarking on a new construction or home improvement project can be an exciting venture, but without proper planning, it can quickly become a costly and time-consuming ordeal. One of the most critical aspects of this planning involves understanding the timelines and requirements associated with land surveying and permit acquisition. Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays In the land surveying industry, turnaround times for documents can vary significantly depending on the time of year and current demand. It is essential to plan ahead and allow for a lead time of anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for surveying and the creation of permit or plot plans. This time frame ensures that all necessary details are accurately captured and processed. Understand the Approval Process For projects that require recorded maps, such as those needing county approval and recording, the process can take even longer. Typically, this approval and recording can take a minimum of 2 to 3 months. Being aware of these timelines can help you plan your project more effectively and avoid unexpected delays. Get Accurate Quotes and Timelines When seeking quotes for land surveying services, it is crucial to obtain detailed turnaround times and to ask when the final documents will be ready for delivery. Some surveyors may promise quick fieldwork, but the actual mapping and documentation might take significantly longer. Ensure you are comparing apples to apples when evaluating quotes from different providers. This means understanding not just the cost, but also the scope of work and the time required to complete all necessary tasks. By properly planning your new construction or home improvement project, you can avoid unnecessary costs and wasted time. Being aware of the various stages and timelines involved in land surveying and permit acquisition allows you to make informed decisions and keep your project on track. Remember, the key to a successful project is not just in starting strong but also in ensuring every step is meticulously planned and executed. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the land surveying process.Quote Disclaimers - General Contracting
What kind of disclaimers, contract language do you include in every quote you send? We are a general contractor so the disclaimers can be vague-ish compared to a roofing company, etc. I just had a situation where I needed to add a dust control disclaimer. I asked ChatGPT for 5 disclaimers and it was super helpful but I'm curious what you always list on your quotes. For reference, this is what ChatGPT recommended: Here are five contract disclaimers for a general contracting business: Unforeseen Conditions: While we strive to accurately assess all project details during the planning phase, unforeseen conditions (such as hidden structural damage, hazardous materials, or utility conflicts) may arise during the project. These conditions could impact the scope, timeline, or cost of the project and will be addressed through a change order. Material Delays: [Your Company Name] is not responsible for delays caused by the unavailability of materials, supplier shortages, or other supply chain issues beyond our control. Any resulting delays may affect the project timeline, and adjustments will be communicated as promptly as possible. Owner-Provided Information: [Your Company Name] relies on the accuracy of information, plans, and documentation provided by the client or their representatives. Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this information may result in additional costs or delays, which are the responsibility of the client. Third-Party Contractors: In instances where the client employs third-party contractors or suppliers not under our direct control, [Your Company Name] assumes no liability for their performance, workmanship, or delays. Coordination with these third parties may impact the overall project schedule or quality. Environmental Factors: [Your Company Name] is not responsible for delays, damage, or additional costs caused by weather, natural disasters, or other environmental factors beyond our control. Any necessary adjustments to the project scope or timeline due to such events will be documented and discussed with the client. Each disclaimer ensures clarity in client expectations and protects your business from potential disputes.
