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??
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.comQuote 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.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? tiaHow Much Should You Really Be Charging?
The number one question I receive is tied directly to the fact, most contractors are still guessing when it comes to pricing. Overhead. Profit. Labor rate. Trip fees. They think just because they throw a number they hear their competitors use, thats all that they need. It may work, but how and what do you divide these funds is just as important for your business health. If you don’t know how to do the math, you’re not building a business. You’re surviving check to check and think you need more work, when you do not. So here’s the plan: This Tuesday & Thursday on IG, I’m walking you through our Contractor Price Builder Worksheet FREE on instagram live. We will cover: - How to calculate your real hourly rate - The difference between markup and margin - Why profit is a non-negotiable - And how to price with confidence Join the session. Bring your numbers.
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 mannerHow I Finally Delegated Estimating (Without Hiring Another Person)
For years, estimating was the one thing I couldn’t take off my plate. We changed the org chart. We hired roles. Delegated everything we could. But estimating? That was always me. Even if I wasn’t doing anything else in the business... I was still stuck quoting jobs. It was the bottleneck I couldn’t fix—until now. I built a ChatGPT-powered estimator trained with my systems, my pricing, and my language. It asks the right questions, runs the math, and delivers estimates like I would—without me being involved. Now I’m no longer the bottleneck. Customers get quick answers. I get my evenings and weekends back. Want to build your own? Map out your estimating logic. Plug it into ChatGPT. Test and refine. If you're stuck working all day and doing estimates at night and on Saturdays anddddd, sometimes even Sunday mornings when everyone's sleeping—this might be your way out. Heres my direct Zoom link if you'd like to learn more: https://calendly.com/ryaan-besthandymancompany/bh-plan-phone-consultation
