I came up with an idea tonight while reading a book. Son Tom does remodels between about $50K and well over $1M.
I thought about creating a 3-ring binder, actually it will probably be two binders.
They will contain sections such as: Tops, Tile, Cabinets, Flooring, Tile, Marble, Appliances, Paint, Wall coverings, Doors, Windows, Trim, etc.
For example the section about tops would include the differences and pros an cons. Section on cabinets would include manufacturing type, finish type like lacquer finish, vacuum formed, laminate, etc. Trim would include clear vs finger jointed, foam, etc. Paint would explain the pros and cons of flat, eggshell, semi, or gloss, latex vs alkyd, rolling vs. spraying, etc. Countertops would cover the whole gamut.
Many people got so confused when trying to select products and that often delays getting to a final price and/or allowances.
This will be just enough to educate them about the basics and done in a manner that would not contribute to confusion, but instead illuminate them as to differences.
Actually, it could be used for even smaller $$$ amount remodeling projects. It would be given to the potential customer before the first meeting or during that 1st meeting for them to peruse and learn about the various projects – “before†they start discussing with us what they want.
Bad or good idea? your expanded comments?
Replies
Great Idea!
Now do one one footings, basement walls, and waterproofing, so I won't have to do it myself (|:>)
Seriously, how long should I expect it to take before I've gotten a handle on all the paperwork and stuff that a business should have?
SamT
Sam, if I decide, once it's complete, to sell the binders, I can add those necessary sections to include those ares you mentioned - and more.
I think the binder, and/or it's individual sectins will go a long way in allowing us to get our prices as opposed to some of our law ball competitors. And the reason is that the contents of these binders will show not only what "should" be done, as far aa the "application" areas, but the importance of "why" their done, and cannot be compromised.
I keep in my truck a binder with about 100 pages that's entitled: "Sealant Technical Manual" detailing the importance of using the correct sealant, in a correct application method, and for pertinent application situations. Downloaded and printed it from the Geocel web site. Condo Board members I've shown it to have make comments like: "Boy. I never realized the importance of using the right caulk in the right place."
"Boy. I never realized the importance of using the right caulk in the right place."
There's a show on HGTV in Canada; at one time it was called "A Repair to Remember", starring Meg Ruffman. She's a comedian whose husband is a real GC; she did all kinds of dorky repairs etc. It was always funny, and usually full of double entendres. One time, she was recaulking a bathtub. Sitting in the tub, she looked at the camera and said "There's a lot of different caulks in this world, and a girl's got to know which one fits her needs."
I like your idea of the binders; it emphasises the importance of making all those decisions based on the different variables. Sitting down with a client and the binders will let them understand the need to make informed decisions.
Well, I googled for the tech manual with no luck. did it for geocel and found a bunch of them. Geocel.com, IIRC, is a software company.
I did find Sealings and coatings.com's product info page, which lists industry wide sealants with spec sheets.
SamT
Sam, here's their rul:
http://www.geocelcorp.com/
Thanks Sonny,
O'course, thier servers down.
Bwha ha ha
SamT
Sam, it's working now, but I could't find the download. You might have to email them, but if they can't help you let me know and I'l make a copy in color f and snail mail it to you.
The 2nd page of the Sealant Technical Manual says it was Designed and produced by:
Greg Brook Communicatoins
14519 Meeting Camp Rd.
Centereville, VA 20121
Phone: 703-631-6430
Fax: 703-631-6346
E-mail: [email protected]
It's in 5 sections:
1. Why is this stuff important
2. Types of sealants
3. Choosing and using sealants
4. Sealant project guids
5. Brand Cross-referrence
Also, ASTM spoecs, Geocel & ASTM specs, Product yield, Glossary of terms.
The entire manual is in layman's terms.
Forgot: Editor: David J. Kratowicz is Technical/Market Communication Coordinator, Geocel Corp. You can probably email him at: [email protected]
Edited 5/4/2004 6:44 pm ET by Sonny Lykos
At this address:
http://www.geocelcorp.com/r/sealants_manual/
I find a form to fill out so one can download the tech manual, but after filling out the form and clicking the "submit request" button I get a page not found error.
I sent an e-mail to Geocel.
I like the manual idea. Sometimes I want to cut up my FHB and JLC to include some of the articles in such a scheme.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
Wait a second. Talk about being dumb. Watch me as I slam my hand into the side of my head. I have the manual in the parts in my hard drive. They're in pdf format. Email me and I'll send them to you guys.
.
"I like the manual idea. Sometimes I want to cut up my FHB and JLC to include some of the articles in such a scheme."
Don't forget the color copiers. You can make one to one copies. Also if you get the CDROM versions and have a color printer you can print out the pages.
If I'm not mistaken aren't there copyright protections on the articles and photos that make up the Taunton CDs?
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Sure there are.
But fair use would allow making a copy for use in YOUR notebook.
But not to put into multiple copies that you distributed.
I was cautioning because in Sonny's second post he said "Sam, if I decide, once it's complete, to sell the binders, I can...." ...
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