*
I am a new builder who would like to showcase my talents and ideas in my own home. I am on a tight budget and trying to decide what areas to spend the money that I have. Any suggestions as to which areas will most interest my customers would be greatly appreciated. The second question is I am wondering if anyone has any experiencee working with manufacturersthat would be willing to put their products in your home at cost in order to display their products. My subs that I use regularly are all willing to pitch in where they can which is wonderful I really believe that loyalty has its benefits rather than price shopping their competitors. Thank you all for your time.
Mark Miller
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The RealTruck AMP Research Bedsteps give you easy access to your truck-bed storage.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
Mark- In my experience I have found that finding A nitch in your area is key. To stand out you have to specialize in one area and stick with it. Be it craftsman style, log, brick, etc. Their is A builder in my area that advertises specializing in log, brick, and vynyl. That does'nt make sense to me. On the other hand, I specialize in log, period. You should develop A style to distinguish yourself from the pack. By building A reputation as A quality builder you may be able to receive discounts on products, maybe. Most companies whose products you would want are probably well established and past the point of giving deals to people to showcase their products, like you they realy on profits to run their business and the amount of business you would generate would'nt justify discounts. When I go into A home built by another builder, I look at how tight to the wall the base is, or how plumb and level everything looks, not to mention the million or so other small details there are. Your customers will notice if the floors are solid before the name on the faucet, focus on A quality overall product. Overall quality will get their attention.
*Pretty good response, Robert. To specialize in one architecture is good and probably the best advice for Inc,) Mark since he did say he is a new builder. I agree that mfgs will shy away from business to business charity, but what about local vendors? This would involve some PR work on Mark's part--big payoff later--and I'll bet some would like the concept. I imagine some type of agreement 'tween Mark and the vendors designed to advertise the completed home as a model/display. It sure would be a better display than any showroom.Back to Mark's desire to build on a tight budget: sounds like you'll get a deal on labor, so concentrate on a well built shell. Then, can you work it so the customers will allow you to take your time on the finishes? By taking your time, you could do most of the work yourself with a reduction in labor costs. Also, advertise to the community that you are building a splendid home--generate some interest! Otherwise, they'll be wondering why you are taking so long. You know, getting some foot traffic through the door would do wonders for you and your subs.Think of it as one big marketing campaign.
*
I am a new builder who would like to showcase my talents and ideas in my own home. I am on a tight budget and trying to decide what areas to spend the money that I have. Any suggestions as to which areas will most interest my customers would be greatly appreciated. The second question is I am wondering if anyone has any experiencee working with manufacturersthat would be willing to put their products in your home at cost in order to display their products. My subs that I use regularly are all willing to pitch in where they can which is wonderful I really believe that loyalty has its benefits rather than price shopping their competitors. Thank you all for your time.
Mark Miller