The construction industry is traditionally reticent to change, but recent environmental concerns and labor shortages have been good catalysts for development. Now the coronavirus pandemic has cemented the need for reinvention. Here’s three ways you can help your construction company evolve.
COVID-19 poses some unique challenges including interrupted supply chains, keeping workers safe on site and dealing with customer safely while maintaining social-distancing measures. Here’s how to cope in these changing times.
Go Digital
There are a number of easy-to-use apps and digital tools for every aspect of your build. Start by moving communications online with customers and suppliers. This can actually save you tons of time by cutting down on phone calls. You get to schedule your communications instead of missing calls or having them interrupt your day. You also have everything written down which will make resolving disagreements easier while giving you a written record of things that need to be done.
Digital communication means your team members are always up to date with the latest changes. You can schedule trades and assign jobs to team members, complete closing processes and issue warranties without meeting in person or going into the office.
Ordering online and keeping better records of supplies, jobs and costs means you have a database that allows you to quote more accurately.
Online Marketing
Traditionally builders have relied on word-of-mouth marketing to fill their dance cards and, while there is still no better marketing tool than a recommendation from a friend or family member, online marketing is growing in popularity.
Homeowners look to the internet now to find builders who have a web presence. They turn to sites like Angie’s List, Porch, Thumbtack and others to find contractors and read reviews before choosing a company for new builds or renos. A recent study by CustomerInsight found 94% of prospective buyers search and select their new homes online– and 89% of those prospects expect to continue using technology throughout the construction process.
Similarly, prospective home buyers are doing most of their shopping online with 98% of older millennials turning to the internet as a first step in buying a new home with 76% of those buyers finding their homes on their mobile devices. Creating comprehensive websites that are easy to view on mobile devices is essential for selling new builds. Ensure your website is SEO optimized so that prospective buys can find you easily in a Google search. Offering video walk-throughs and virtual tours will enhance the buyer experience.
Taking technology seriously is a tough task for already busy construction managers, but it has the potential to streamline your process and save you time, reduce callbacks and disagreements by providing written records, provide data for more accurate quotes and help find customers to enjoy your products and services.