Mark Hodges is principal of Blueprint Strategic Consulting, providing planning, organizational development, and quality management consulting services to the home building industry. Write him at [email protected].

It turns out not all home builders are experiencing a shortage of skilled trades. | Photo: guruXOX / stock.adobe.com
It Turns Out Not All Home Builders Are Experiencing A Shortage Of Skilled Trades | Photo: Guru Xox / Stock adobe

5 Steps to Circumvent the Labor Shortage and Be a Builder of Choice

The construction labor game has changed. Here are a handful of ways home builders can win over trade contractors and keep skilled trades coming back
May 9, 2022
Experience shows that when you deliver a defect-free home, homeowners are far less likely to ask for service once they’ve moved in. But, if that's not possible, it's important to be proactive when offering service. | Photo: Auremar / stock.adobe.com
Experience Shows That When You Deliver A Defect Free Home, Homeowners Are Far Less Likely To Ask For Service Once They’ve Moved In But, If That's Not Possible, It's Important To Be Proactive When Offering Service | Photo: Auremar / Stock adobe

Improving Customer Service After Closing

Get out in front of repairs after move-in to keep homeowners happy and the word about your home building business positive
Sept. 13, 2021
How much a company pays its employees is important. But engaging and retaining staff is about a lot more than money. | Illustration: Zenzen / stock.adobe.com
How Much A Company Pays Its Employees Is Important But Engaging And Retaining Staff Is About A Lot More Than Money | Illustration: Zenzen / Stock adobe

How to: Management Tips to Keep Your Team Together

Your best employees need more than money if you expect them to stay and help build your business. Follow these steps to keep your top talent
May 24, 2021
Illustration: jolygon / stock.adobe.com
Today’s Consumers Are Making Homebuying Decisions Based On Complete Information They Have Gathered About The Product

A Message for New-Home Salespeople: Stop Trying to Sell Homes

You’re not in the sales business. You’re in the knowledge business
Feb. 4, 2021
Illustration: Photobank / stock.adobe.com
Illustration: Photobank / Stock adobe

7 Leadership Lessons Learned

Takeaways from great (and not-so-great) bosses yield the footings of effective leadership
Nov. 12, 2020
Consider these aspects of process improvement to permanently improve operational efficiency and effectiveness in your business. | Photo: bong / stock.adobe.com
Consider These Aspects Of Process Improvement To Permanently Improve Operational Efficiency And Effectiveness In Your Business | Photo: Bong / Stock adobe

Is Your Problem-Solving Like Playing Whac-A-Mole?

Up your problem-solving game with these steps for process improvement
Oct. 3, 2020
Home building purchasing managers are often motivated to buy products at the lowest price—a sensible objective that can result in countless poor and expensive decisions. | Illustration: Rzoog / stock adobe.com, modified by Larry Nigh
Home building purchasing managers are often motivated to buy products at the lowest price—a sensible objective that can result in countless poor and expensive decisions. | Illustration: Rzoog / stock adobe.com, modified by Larry Nigh

Are You Getting a Good Deal on Your Purchasing?

A little due diligence and a total-cost mindset go a long way toward helping you make more cost-effective purchasing decisions
April 2, 2020
Alarming fact: Of the 180 days it usually takes to build a home once it’s permitted, the home sits empty for at least 90 days. | Photo: BillionPhotos.com / stock.adobe.com
Alarming Fact: Of The 180 Days It Usually Takes To Build A Home Once It’s Permitted, The Home Sits Empty For At Least 90 Days | Photo: Billion Photos / Stock adobe com

7 Steps to Building Homes Faster and Reducing Cycle Time

Seven ways (plus some extra tips) for home builders to cut cycle time in today’s labor-constrained market
Feb. 5, 2020