As a general contractor (GC), it’s our job to manage and coordinate all aspects of a home renovation project, from making sure that the correct materials and supplies are acquired to ensuring that everyone involved in the project is working together efficiently. We are responsible for making sure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Communication is key to this process.
It is essential that we keep our clients informed on the progress of the project, so they can trust their contractor and have confidence in the end result.
Regular updates on the progress of the project will ensure that the end result meets or exceeds our client’s expectations. However, even though traditional methods of communication such as phone calls or face-to-face meetings can be very productive and informative ways of exchanging information, they can be very time-consuming and eat up valuable time in your daily schedule. With the development of technology, there are many alternative methods of communication, such as video calls, emails, or text messages that can be just as effective and easier to manage.
Technology can be a total game-changer in the renovation process!
By utilizing internet tools and platforms to communicate with our clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, we increased our efficiency and effectiveness. For instance, we use project management software to track progress and share important information like plans, schedules, and budgets. Plus, online platforms are a great way to share visuals (photographs, videos, and other multimedia) to help clients see progress and help subs achieve the final result. Not to mention, we leverage them to conveniently share purchase orders, invoices, and other documents, helping to make the estimating and contract process smoother and reducing the chances of human-error induced delays.
Some of our favorite software to use in our process are:
1. ClickUp
ClickUp is our trusty, go-to management software. ClickUp is invaluable to us, providing the capabilities for everything from sales pipelines and project management to nurture flows. It’s used in the office and across our leadership team, and the automation features have been a real game-changer for us. Plus, the customer service team is responsive and proactive in helping us maximize the software’s efficiency. Not to mention, the automation makes sure nothing slips through the cracks!
2. Check the Level
Check the Level helps us keep track of our finances and projects with accuracy and precision. Our real-time accounting, time clock, project management, and other processes can all be managed with confidence and ease. We will be able to see precise figures and have peace of mind, knowing that our finances and projects are all under control.
3. Google Drive
Google Drive, the popular cloud storage system provides a secure and reliable way for our entire team to store, organize, share, and access all types of documents. We use Google Drive in all aspects like storing standard operating procedures (SOPs), architectural drawings, quotes, marketing documents, and much more!
4. DocuSign
With DocuSign, our clients can sign contracts and Change Orders (COs) from any part of the world without needing to bring any paper documents to someone’s house or to a meeting. This eliminates the need to wait for approvals, drastically expediting our processes.
5. Canva
Canva is an incredible tool for businesses to create stunning, branded visuals for marketing documents, advertisements, and even in-house documents and guides. By using Canva, businesses can easily create visually appealing items to showcase their brand and drive engagement with their target audience. Canva is perfect for Social Media posts!
6. Slack
Slack is one of the best communication tools on the market and our primary way of exchanging information between team members. It provides users with a great space to hold job chats, team chats, and so much more. The integrations with our other software make this an invaluable tool to help streamline processes and speed up overall workflow.
7. Calendly
We rely on Calendly to help us stay organized and manage our appointment-setting process. We use it to book consultations, onsite appointments, as well as meetings with members of our own team. The convenient scheduling system allows us to effortlessly book and keep track of all our appointments.
8. Loom
Loom is an incredibly useful program that allows you to create screen recordings of walkthroughs and SOPs that can be easily shared with your team. It’s an efficient way to communicate instructions and ensure everyone is on the same page.
9. Zoom
Zoom is a virtual meeting space that helps us connect with our clients remotely when we are not in the same area or meet with potential clients to evaluate if we are the right fit to work together. We also use Zoom for our weekly team meetings. It allows us to have face-to-face meetings without having to physically travel, helping us save time and resources.
To put it simply, successful communication is critical for the success of any home renovation.
Utilizing the latest technologies is the key to optimizing communication between the GC, homeowner, subcontractors, and vendors. GCs who keep up with the latest tech trends will be better prepared to provide homeowners with the data and coordination they need to get the results they’re after.