Service – Contractors Market

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

adminContract — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:41:26 +0000

My wrestling coach in high school used to say that “Practice does not make perfect”, “Perfect Practice
makes perfect.” It took a long time to understand exactly what that meant to me, but I would like to
share it with you.

How can I practice perfectly if I am just beginning? I would ask myself repeatedly. Watching my son
practice soccer daily, I would repeat the phrase as we arrived at the field. He looked as if he understood
it as much as I did. Great words….

Perfect Practice makes Perfect. Even now, writing this, the meaning is evolving. Am I writing this the
best that I can? If I go back and edit, is it the best I can do?
Do your best at all times.
Your best may not be “the” best.
Your best may not be “your’ best.
Your best will get better as you attempt to achieve it.
Perfect practice. In sport, in business, and in building. Each time you do, you will improve.

Know your limitations

adminContract — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:39:43 +0000

In all aspects of our existence, we are limited. We are limited by the hours in the day. We can not be in
two places at the same time, though some would argue. We also have personal doubt that can prevent
us from achieving our goals. All these types of things are limits, both physical and mental.
In business, especially contracting, problems arise. The computer is down, we ran out of material, our
plans are in disagreement. A General Contractor(GC) needs to be able to resolve these issues right
away. A GC also needs to speak to perspective clients, shop around for materials, do take offs, produce
estimates, etc. If your company is large enough you may well have several people to take care of these
tasks. If your company is small and starting out, these issues can be limits that are holding you back.
The most interesting man in the world once said “Find out what you do not so well, and don’t do that
thing”. I interpret that to mean, ask for help when you need it.

There are a lot of incredible craftspeople in our country. For some reason, people think that if you are
good enough at something you should have your own business. That seems logical, but a knowledge of
joinery or welding do not make someone a good business person. In fact starting a business will only
take them away from what they are best at. If you want to go into business for yourself, then consider
hiring a business manager to handle all of the ins and outs of the business, so you can excel at what you
do.

Personal limits often have to do with our perspective. What traits do I have that won’t allow me to
achieve my goals. This type of thought is toxic, and can drag you down like an anchor. This is the most
difficult barrier to hurdle. You cannot be the best at anything without first trying it. You could not run
before you could walk. You cannot expect to be a world class sprinter without training and practice.
When you set goals that are attainable, your success rate will increase. When you accomplish small
goals, you are continually closer to your big dream.
Whether you are a large company or a small company, a new company or an old company, you will
encounter limitations. Making small adjustments, hiring help, even temporarily, and making smart
decisions, are easy ways to improve your business. It is vital to know what our limits are, so we can
move them.

Bryan K Grimm
BryanKGrimm@Contractorsmarket.com

Finding the Right Architect

adminContract — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:36:19 +0000

If you are starting a dream project, a small addition, or any job that requires a set of plans, it is vital that
you find the right partner in an Architect. There are several reasons to do this:
They will know the codes and be able to provide documentation for inspections etc.
They will be able to tell you what can and cannot be done.

Architects will help your vision come to life and guide you through space allotments.
A good architect will be able to ease the construction process along the way.
These are the reasons that finding the right architect for you is so important. The most common
approach to finding an architect is through word of mouth. You can inquire through friends or if you see
buildings that you like, and find out who designed them. Maybe you have seen some things that you
like in an industry magazine. If you find the name of a firm, or a specific architect, you can reach out to
them directly.

The two previous methods can be time consuming, and ultimately this project is for you so finding the
right person someone else contracted might not be what you need. The American Institute of Architects

Finding a good contractor

adminContract — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:25:42 +0000

If you are in the market for a contractor, and have the opportunity to speak to some of their
past customers, here are some questions that you can ask when you speak to them.

Past client interview questionnaire:

How did you hear about them?
What made you choose them?
Was the work completed in a timely manner?
Was the pricing comparable to the competition?
Did you get any other quotes?
What companies did you get quotes from?
Why didn’t you choose those companies?
Was the jobsite kept clean?
Were the workers polite?
Was the contractor easy to talk to?
Were the contractors safe?
Were there any accidents on the site?
Was anything damaged during the work?
Were the damages repaired or did you receive reimbursement for them?
Was the job completed as expected?
Are you happy with the results?
Is there anything that you are really happy about?
Why would you recommend this contractor?
Did they build what you want, or what they wanted?
Were there any mistakes?

You may not want to ask all of these, or simply not be given the time. In either event, the more
answers you get, the surer you will be to having the right person on your job.
If you would like to have more information, please contact

BryanKGrimm@ContractorsMarket.com