Every once in a while we come across someone who is truly gifted in their area of expertise. Recently, I found myself needing to get a new key for our family car, which was one of those super expensive fob style units the dealerships like to gouge you for. A quick Facebook Marketplace search introduced me to a young man who had invested in a mobile key making machine and an inventory of fobs for most major vehicle brands. In ten minutes and at less than half the price the dealer wanted, I had my spare set ready to go. Not only do I have my keys, I also have 'my guy.' The next time someone expresses frustration about the cost of these fancy keys, I can proudly say 'I know a guy!'
When contemplating a new build or remodel, most people follow a similar path. They have a problem with their home. It might be maintenance that's been left too long, or just an idea about a kitchen or bathroom or screen porch. They bring that idea to a website like Pinterest.com or Houzz.com to refine the idea into a vision. This is where most good ideas and visions live. Somewhere between someday and never. Those brave enough to reach out to a contractor rightfully expect to be let down. Firstly, the odds of them getting back to us are slim. If they do, it feels inevitable that it will cost to much. Doubt and fear and regret slip in. That Pinterest board mocks us, and we start thinking maybe we'll need to sell and buy elsewhere. We give up.
Unless... you know a guy. For the record, your 'guy' is gender non-specific. The key is someone you trust. A professional who helps you separate your doubts and fears from the real opportunities you might have. Someone who has done this enough to know what mistakes to avoid and what things can cost way more or way less than you think. Someone who can see the opportunities and challenges you might not.
Eight years ago the small town I was living in had a catastrophic flood that impacted several thousand homes. The town spent several years demolishing and repairing. As a builder whose livelihood depended on remodeling risk management, I kept a careful record of homes that were remediated well and ones that were not. To this day I get occasional calls from people asking about a specific home or area and how confident they should be about purchasing or remodeling there. I'll be honest, my efforts were not altruistic. I was protecting my business from the unknown risk of poorly remediated homes. As word spread about my little list, I unknowingly became 'the guy' that could help people.
So, if you're thinking about building or remodeling, who is your person? Do you know who you can trust? Insider tip... while there is nothing specifically insidious about TrustDale, BBB, or even google reviews. However, remember that they make their money by selling memberships and advertising to the businesses that want your business. They are inherently at cross purposes with you.
What is it about having 'a guy' that is valuable to us? At the core... it's trust. I have a couple of people in my world who are not the best in their field, but I trust them not to lead me astray.
Here's my litmus test for finding trust:
1. We build trust when we take risks together and things go well. So start small, with shared risk and opportunity. When I meet a new client, I don't want to commit to building their house immediately, and they shouldn't want to commit to me. That is like proposing on the first date! Instead, we do a small 'Project Exploration' together. It doesn't cost very much, but it allows us to unearth the opportunities and challenges that their project has and help give them value in the possible cost, schedule and trade-off issues they'll need to be aware of. This way, if either of us decides for whatever reason not to move forward together, they've received good value for a small investment, and I have been paid for my expertise.
2. Share your values and ask them for theirs. This is new territory for most people, but we all have values, things that drive our actions and decisions, we just don't often put them into words. Sometimes these are witty quotes, but often they can be very profound. I'll spend time asking them to tell stories about their home. To tell me about the moments and spaces that impacted them. To share what is important to them about their past and their future. Far too many people have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on what they 'thought' was appropriate because no one stopped to ask them what was really valuable and important to them. I'll share with people that I measure success in three ways: 1. Noble - There is honor in excellent blue collar work. 2. Thriving - I help people to be healthier and happier because of interacting with me. 3. Vision - Every client and every project needs to be viewed from the ground, where the people will have to live with it, but it also needs to be viewed from the elevation of simple investment value as well as the owners legacy.
So, start there. Find someone you can trust, and start small, plan well and grow from there. Your family and your investment will thank you.
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