Keeping all the decision makers informed from the start will help a project run efficiently, says Tom Blau in his Remodeling Topics.
Back in the March issue, I talked about removing a customer's biggest fear. Any news story about one family getting ripped off by a contractor gives our whole industry a black eye. Being proactive with information about your company, its integrity and financial strength can put that fear to rest with most. But what do you do about the customer who is not satisfied with the information you have given him and wants more?
What these customers may ask for is a breakdown of material and labor costs, more detailed information about your company's financial conditions, or a bank escrow statement showing their deposit is being held and can only be used for their specific job-related costs. They get these ideas from shelter magazine articles, consumer publications and other sources not closely related to our industry.