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 Success Stories
Clear Process + Good Organization = Lower Costs
Ed Hauck of Rouse Chamberlin explains how organization gives him a competitive advantage and keeps direct costs down.
Ed Hauck has a purchasing and construction system that helps him keep his direct construction costs about 10 percent below the typical builder. How does he do it? "I don't have any big secrets," says Hauck. "It's all in the system." Hauck is a partner and director of purchasing for Rouse Chamberlin Homes, based in Exton, Pa. The company serves the four counties on the Pennsylvania side of Philadelphia, and Hauck has been with them for 19 years.
Read more...
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Implementing Purchase Orders
Improved purchase order systems mean better profitability
By Charles C. Shinn, Jr., PhD
To implement a purchase order system the first step is to make sure the purchase orders are accurate when they are released. A well run purchasing operation using purchase orders to purchase material and labor for home construction can add two to five percentage points to the builder's profitability. While the implementation of purchase orders appears to increase paperwork, my own experience proves purchase orders actually reduce paperwork and clerical time, improve the cost control of construction, reduce human error, and facilitate the better operation of your other systems. Read more...
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Product Features
Today's Strong Market for Freestanding Bathtubs
When the going gets tough, people turn to freestanding tubs!
 Although you might think that during an economic downturn people would forgo investment in these luxurious, chic fixtures, the opposite is true -- builders, designers and homeowners are actually continuing to take the plunge. Despite cyclical contraction in the housing market these last few years, sales of Aquatic's freestanding tubs, which are part of the company's hydrotherapy collection, have been holding steady since 2008. We spoke to a variety of bathware, homebuilding and design professionals to better understand what's driving this trend, which is creating a strong sales opportunity for distributors. Read more...
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5 Questions for Ron Troxell.
On October 1, 2005 Conaway Homes of Tyler, Tex., built a house in 2 hours and 52 minutes, setting the world record. Conaway president, Brian Conaway, gets asked lots of questions about how they pulled off this remarkable feat. Of all the things - from concrete to framing to roofing - the one thing everyone asks about is the painting. Typically, a house takes two days to paint. Ron Troxell and his crew painted the 2,249 square-foot home in 10 minutes. We asked him how.
Q. When you're painting a house that's being built in less than 3 hours, how did you get it done? Primer and paint combinations? Fast drying paints? Multiple crews?A. We spent almost a year in planning and organizing. We set down in meetings with other contractors so that when it came for the time of the painting on the project all other subs would be completely out of the way. I organized 24 spray rigs and men stationed throughout the house inside and out to complete the project. In initial planning, I allowed 10 minutes for the paint process. This would have given us some leeway should the project run behind the schedule. Because the project was running behind schedule I made a few adjustments and we were able to complete the painting in 3 minutes. Read more...
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Program Highlights
- 1st Quarter Submissions are due by April 10th.
- Energy Efficiency Issues Survey - http://conta.cc/fQDrtK
- Shinn Consulting's Annual Industry Financial and Operational Study - Submit forms by March 31, 2011 - http://conta.cc/hlj1HJ
- Get Recognized: Builder Partnerships Achievement Award for Customer Service - Applications Due March 31, 2011 -
http://conta.cc/ePwdWE
- Join us in welcoming Reality Concepts - A web strategy, SEO Management, Website Development company. Check out their programs under the Services tab
- Viega - Program modification, including addition of fire sprinkler incentives
- ThermaTru - adds incentive for glass paneling on upgraded doors
- Congratulations for hitting the next tier level on several programs - 84 Lumber, Amerock Allowance, Clopay Garage Doors, Fypon.
- Need Help with submissions through the website?
View a Short Demo- http://bit.ly/9oaG4s
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Upcoming Webinars
For Manufacturers:
Understand the Purchasing Manager's Job
March 4th at 11 AM EST
Panel discussion Chaired by Charles C. Shinn, Jr., PhD
For Builders:
Energy Efficiency Survey Results Presentation
March 18th at 11 AM EST
Least Cost Package of Energy Efficient Products
March 25th at 11 AM EST
Presented by Ren Anderson, NREL
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The Shinn Group has over 500 builder clients, located across the U.S. and Canada, including top performers among regional homebuilders. For more information, visit www.theshinngroup.com.
Builder Partnerships represents nearly 350 builders in the US and Canada who build an average of over 25,000 units annually. To be added to our distribution list or contribute an article to the newsletter, please contact us at info@builderpartnerships.com.
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