Lessons from 10 Years in the Building Business
Insights from Mark Anderson - our Owner Operator (Passive Home Builder in Wanaka, New Zealand)
When I look back on the past ten years in the building business, one thing stands out more than anything else: change. In this ever-evolving industry, everything is in constant flux – from the clients we work with and the jobs we take on, to the makeup of our team and the innovations that shape our work. Over the years, I've learned that embracing this constant state of change is the key to staying grounded and successful in the business.
Embrace Change and Spread the Load
The first lesson that hit me like a ton of bricks is that nothing stays the same. Once you make peace with this fact, the constant shifts and adjustments won't throw you off balance. In this industry, clients come and go, job scopes change, and your team evolves. It's essential to understand that you don't have to carry the weight of these changes alone.
“Spreading the load is crucial. Recognise that there are experts out there who can help. You don't have to take on every task single-handedly. It's about finding the right people to collaborate with and building a team that complements your strengths and weaknesses.”
Finding Your Niche and Staying True to Your Values
One major shift I made in my business was identifying a niche or target audience. For us, it's all about catering to people who want to build passive and performance homes. It might seem daunting, but this specialization has streamlined our operations for both ourselves and our clients. We are no longer chasing every opportunity, but instead, we focus on what aligns with our values.
“We've aligned our business according to our own principles, not anyone else's.”
This includes our marketing strategies, team selection, and the clients and projects we choose to take on. Learning to say "no" becomes easier when you have a clear sense of your values and objectives.
Streamlining Everything
As the years have gone by, I've realised that all aspects of our business need to be more streamlined.
Getting more streamlined and clear on who we are and what we do, means we can optimise everything:
Marketing: Promoting what truly matters to us and our clients.
Team: Carefully selecting the right individuals to join our crew.
Clients/Jobs: Choosing projects that resonate with our values and turning down those that don't.
Building Systems: Establishing consistent processes on-site to maintain efficiency.
The bottom line is that streamlining leads to a more efficient and effective operation.
Taking Action Over Planning
I've come to believe that doing is often more valuable than planning. You can have the most elaborate plans in the world, but it's taking action that brings results. In our line of work, you need to be proactive and adaptable.
Reflecting Your Beliefs & Habits in Your Business
Your business is a reflection of who you are, your beliefs, and your habits. What you believe you can achieve, you will achieve. It's not just about building structures; it's about building a legacy that mirrors your principles.
Delivering an Exceptional Client Experience
Ultimately, our goal is to provide clients with exceptional service and an enjoyable building experience.
“By being calm, confident, and experts in our field, we can ease their worries and stress. “
Trust is the cornerstone of these relationships, which often become long-term friendships due to the personal nature of building a home.
Building Technology and the Path Forward
The building industry has seen significant technological advancements, some for the better and some not so much. Looking back at past mistakes, we can adopt techniques like thermal modelling and WUFI modelling to prevent potential issues, such as mould growth, early in the planning stage. We must learn from our history, especially in places like New Zealand, where we remember the challenges posed by leaky homes.
As for the future, the possibilities are limitless.
To keep evolving, we need to open up conversations about products, techniques, and systems from around the world. Bringing in experienced individuals can elevate our industry to new heights. However, we must overcome the resistance to change that still lingers in some corners of the industry.
Questions like, "Do we really need to build to passive levels?" and misconceptions about air tightness and the issue of mould can be tiresome. We must address these issues head-on, especially in regions like Wanaka, where it’s so dry mould is never an issue. And ventilation systems installed correctly mean a lower likelihood of mould (a story for another day).
“Too often, people in the building industry resist taking ownership of problems. But if we collaborate and take responsibility, we can build far better homes for everyone.”
Perseverance and Self-Belief
Throughout my journey, I've often faced moments when I wanted to quit, throw in the towel, and walk away. However, with the support of great partners and the ability to back myself, I've found the strength to keep moving forward.
In conclusion, a decade in the building business has taught me that change is inevitable, and success lies in embracing it. By finding our niche, aligning our business with our values, and delivering exceptional service, we can make a lasting impact in an ever-evolving industry. As we look to the future, let's continue pushing boundaries and fostering a culture of innovation to build better homes for all.
Reckon we know what we’re talking about? haha. Drop us a line if you want to know more - info@mabuilding.co.nz.