Builder Partnerships Newsletter -August 2011

August 2011 Volume VI, Issue 8

5 Tips for Improved Estimatings
By Charles C. Shinn, Jr., PhD

In a recent article, I focused on the importance of maintaining spec inventory and models. With no exception, your spec inventory and models need to be kept fresh and clean...ALWAYS. Figure out how to incorporate this into your processes. Have someone clean the homes on a regular basis, even if it is just dusting and cleaning out the cobwebs. With the limited number of buyers out there, it is crucial that you do all that you can now to ensure you are putting your best foot forward. Keep your models clean.

This month, we will focus on the estimating process. You may not realize this, but the estimating department can have the greatest impact on your bottom line. Inaccurate or sloppy estimates can significantly diminish the amount you can make per home. However, good estimating practices can increase your profitability 2 to 5% overall. This is significant.
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1. What has changed about what today's home buyers want compared to five years ago? Smaller floor plans? First floor master suites? Lower ceilings? More amenities?

It depends on the buyer profile. For families, there are few if any formal spaces. That means dining rooms and living rooms are gone. They prefer small flex spaces up front that they furnish as they see fit.

Read more...

Product Features

Kährs Leads in Adopting FSC and Fairtrade Standards

The once degraded forests in the Curacautin Valley in Chile have now recovered sufficiently, after hard work over the last decades, to be able to help provide a sustainable living to the people in the area, based on fair trade and responsible forest management principles. Wood flooring manufacturer Kährs from Sweden is the first company in the world to support and purchase dual-labeled material from Chile that meets both Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Fairtrade certification standards.

In the early 20th century a sawmill was constructed in Curacautin, Chile. It made plywood from the trees in the forest around the area, creating much wealth in the region. Up to one thousand employees and their families were dependent upon the operation. In the early 1980's the sawmill was closed when all of the large trees of the valley had been used up. This mismanagement of the forest led to large scale unemployment, landscape alterations, caused changes in water flow, destroyed wildlife habitats and negatively affected the livelihoods of the indigenous Mapuche people..

Partners Notes

Building Partnerships' Partners Well Represented in 101 Best New Products

Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler have chosen 10 products by our Partners for the 101 Best New Products for 2011. Take a look at these innovative products.

Click here to download a PDF of the newsletter.

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Upcoming Events

Webinars

Simplify Your Estimating and See Your Margins Increase

August 26 at 11am EDT

It is a fact that good estimating processes can add 2 - 10% to the bottom line. In this webinar, Charles C. Shinn, Jr., PhD discusses important changes you can make to streamline your estimating process, improve estimates, and establish a feedback loop that encourages continuous improvement to the bottom line. Do not throw away your profits. Register today!

To register, click here

Economic Overview

September 23 at 11am EDT

In this webinar, Chuck Shinn provides an overview for what we can expect for the housing market and will review historic performance. He will focus on leading indicators that builders can evaluate in their local markets to get a clearer picture for what to expect locally.

To register, click here

Live Events

Face to Face Networking Meeting - Denver

September 12 7:30am to 12:00pm MDT

Denver Marriott South

at Park Meadows

10345 Park Meadows Drive

Littleton, CO 80124

Join us for a full breakfast and a morning of networking with leading representatives, suppliers and distributors in your area who represent Builder Partnerships manufacturer associates products.

Benefits of attending include:

· Network with leading builders and manufacturer representatives in your area

· Explore cutting edge products that can differentiate your homes in a competitive market

· Spend focused time meeting with up to 9 pre-selected leading manufacturer representatives

· Save time and money

· Plus get a FREE full breakfast

The list of participating manufacturers will be distributed before the event and Builder Partnerships will work with you to set appointments and coordinate your schedule.

To Register, click here

Face to Face Networking Meeting-St. Louis

September 19 7:30am to 12:00pm CDT

Embassy Suites St. Louis

St.Charles Two Convention Center

Plaza St.

Charles, MO 63303

To Register, click here

Greening Midwest Communities

October 18 - 19

Jefferson City, Mo.

Collaborate and learn with building, development, and storm water professionals from across the Midwest. This 2-day conference brings together members of industry, municipalities, and agencies working in many aspects of community development and energy-efficient "green" home building and remodeling.

For more information, click here

Live Training

The Shinn Group-How to Get Organized for Profits

November 7 - 9

Denver, Colo.

How to Get Organized for Growth and Profits is an intensive group consulting session that will help owners and key personnel maximize profit and prepare for success through effective organization and management. Chuck Shinn and selected speakers will present methods and forms that can be used immediately to improve the performance of your company. It is also a tremendous opportunity to have your company financials analyzed by Emma Shinn, CPA

For more information, click here

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 500 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.