Why The Home Improvement Business Stinks…
The following article was written by Mike Bruno on the Stone Creek Builder’s Blog. I re-post it here because Mike is just so right on about the problems quality builders, and consumers now face as a result of the recession.
I was just thinking that I have been in the home improvement business for almost twenty years. In that time I have had some great experience’s with clients. Experience’s that have not only led to a satisfying career but also great friendships.
When I think about why I got into this business to begin with it was because I love working with people. Of course I love the craft as well but there is something special about building projects that enhance peoples lives. If you have ever crafted something with your hands you can understand the great feeling when you step back and admire your work.
To some old timers, 20 years may seem like a drop in the bucket but during that time the remodeling industry has seen the most dramatic changes due to the advances in technology, product development and the internet. However due to the economic fall out: consumer credit is tightened and some are choosing contractors purely on price instead of quality, experience and professionalism.
So as a result many great craftsman are going out of business. The sad thing is many of them probably went into the business for the same reason I did. And its almost a guarantee that the contractors who low bid the jobs will be out of business too. So what happens next?
- Does the home improvement industry reinvent itself?
- Does some sort of standardization happen so all professional contractors can compete on a level playing field?
- Do we out source all the construction to India?
Who knows but I look forward to meeting new people, more projects, new friends and the ride…
Tags: construction, contractors, home improvement, recession
