3 Ways Outstanding Homebuilders Differentiate Themselves Today

New home construction can be a little like riding a rollercoaster. The highs are exhilarating and make you feel like you’re on top of the world, but inevitably the lows follow along with a sense of foreboding and worry. Every homebuilder gets caught in this cycle at one time or another but the outstanding ones have learned how to navigate the ride.

The Secret

Top homebuilders understand that the secret to thriving in a construction environment is to increase efficiency and make every aspect of the homebuilding operation more productive. They need to differentiate themselves from the competition while making the company recession-proof.

Today’s challenging economic conditions, interrupted supply chains, and vendor shortages are testing even the most seasoned homebuilders. Outstanding builders create strategic plans that focus on the customer, quality and efficiency of building processes, while continually improving marketing and operating areas.

The Goal

The goal for every homebuilder is to get potential buyers to act. Standing out from the rest of the “builder field” takes more than just offering open floor plans, energy-saving features, and a new home warranty. Home buyers expect that you’ll offer those things and your competition will copy it. To differentiate your company from the others, you need to establish a brand that tells your unique story and a plan to get the message out.

So, how do you do that? Here are 3 ways you can put your company in the spotlight:

#1. Offer Unique Service/Product

If you’re a production builder that offers a few floor plans and options to keep prices down, it may be time to see what customers really want and will pay for.

Put together some pre-established option packages like a remote learning/workspace that has a built-in desk/workspace and includes a tech wiring package for high-speed internet, a router, and a monitor for convenient virtual meetings.
Or consider offering a home efficiency package that bundles a Nest thermostat, tankless water heater, and high-efficiency furnace/air conditioning.
Let your customers know that you care about their well-being by creating a Health and Wellness package that includes a state-of-the-art air purification system, antimicrobial countertops, increased window sizes for more natural light, and touchless appliances/faucets to reduce the spread of germs.
Set up a Design Center with professional interior design staff where customers can make all home selections with guidance. This will provide peace of mind and facilitate a faster selection process. Collaboration with vendors can improve product offerings and displays. This will provide the perfect opportunity to sell upgrades and possible rent contributions from vendors as an additional revenue stream.

To better implement personalized features without hurting your bottom line, consider adding construction estimating software. The benefits of construction management software are improved productivity, enhanced efficiencies, and streamlined operations. The estimating component can help your company find the most cost-effective items for personalized packages.

#2. Deliver on Your Promises

You’re only as good as your customers say you are, so you must deliver on your promises. Building a home is a complicated process and can be intimidating to customers. Your company’s number one priority is to make the process as easy as possible. That doesn’t mean that it’s any less challenging to provide a well-crafted home of their dreams, but you must earn your customer’s trust. To do that, do what you say and say what you do.

There are a lot of moving parts, so problems occur—they can’t be avoided. The critical step is to communicate with your customer. Let them be part of the process. Help them understand what happened and what you’re going to do to correct it (and then do it.)

With so many delays due to supply chain issues and contractor shortages, the construction schedule may slip. Avoid over-using these reasons or they’ll start to sound like excuses. Instead, address the issue directly (don’t text or email) and respond to questions and concerns.

No matter what, abide by the terms of the contract, and deliver the home on time and on budget. Customer experience management software can provide the tools to keep your projects running smoothly. Use vendor management system software to ensure timely material ordering/deliveries, subcontractor scheduling, specification/selection implementation, and costs under control.

#3. Streamline Your Processes for Better Efficiency

This is your opportunity to differentiate your company from the pack and improve every aspect of your business. Construction management software for builders has built-in optimization tools to improve communication, reduce duplication and mistakes, plus strengthen accounting, scheduling, and staff collaboration.

Regardless of size, integrated software solutions provide greater operational efficiency. Most products offer ala cart components to customize a system that works for you quickly. Add extra modules to incorporate land development software, accounting, purchasing and estimating, sales management and CRM, production scheduling, marketing, warranty management software, homebuyer portal, and analytics reporting.

Full integration of construction Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system manages the entire company for a streamlined, multi-functional process. Differentiate your business from the competition while ensuring you’re on a path to continued growth and profitability.

Frequently asked question by home builders about construction management software is “Where do we start?”