As we all know, building a home is a complicated process with an abundance of moving parts and pieces. Synchronization of each step of the process ensures the success of the overall operation. Taking the home building process from a piecemeal approach to a well-oiled machine becomes the challenge.

One of the simplest, yet overlooked, practices successful builders implement into their everyday routine is the use of checklists. This low-risk, high-reward process is guaranteed to improve your quality, consistency, and overall customer satisfaction. 

Fortify Your Team 

Home building is a team sport. Builders are certain to have more success in the field when everybody is reading from the same playbook. 

When builders implement checklists into their everyday routine, it ensures every individual is following the same steps to achieve the end goal. Checklists provide clear steps on how to complete tasks so everyone — even those who aren’t as experienced in the field — are able to effectively and efficiently move forward in the building process. 

Checklists also help create transparency so trade partners know exactly what tasks they are expected to complete and how they are expected to complete them. This minimizes the potential for error and allows trades to take ownership of the work they are given. 

Incorporating checklists into the home building process has proven to keep schedules on track and ensure on-time delivery of materials, milestones, and closings. 

Trust Your Trades 
 
Checklists can and should be a collaborative effort between a builder and their trade partners. This allows the builder to receive more insight into processes they aren’t as well-versed in. It also provides the opportunity for trade partners to give their input into how certain tasks should be approached, completed, and documented. 

This aspect of checklists allows everybody to have skin in the game. By involving trade partners in the process, it demonstrates a level of respect and establishes trust within the relationship, thus leading to a more powerful team. 

Better Inspection Results

Reducing the likelihood of a failed inspection can save a significant amount of time and resources in the overall building process. Builders who use checklists are more likely to pass inspections and maintain positive relationships with local inspectors. 

Builders should take inspection requirements into account when formulating their checklists. As a result, they are able to clearly define these expectations with the rest of their team. This clarity and transparency leads to improved cycle time, fewer warranty claims, and better overall home quality. 

Build Buyer Confidence

Buyers are often slow to trust builders. Whether it be from past experiences, negative reviews, or warnings from the internet, the buyer-builder relationship has become a fragile balancing act. 

Checklists help fortify the buyer-builder relationship and establish confidence that the builder has the buyer’s best interests in mind. When builders take the time to document processes and procedures, they are able to clearly show the buyer all of the steps being taken to ensure the quality of their home. 

Organization Breeds Excellence 

Without a proper foundation, a structure is certain to crumble. Checklists lay the groundwork for the overall success of a team.

Our team of consultants is passionate about helping builders establish and communicate effective practices and processes. Fundamentals, such as checklists, are certain to lead to higher efficiency, profitability, and overall quality. 

Contact us today at info@shinnconsulting.com to learn how we can help you achieve greater levels of success! 

Jason Cook is a consultant at Shinn Consulting. He specializes in helping builders implement effective strategies in the field to improve cycle time, quality, and profitability. His areas of expertise include field audits, quality, schedule management, and superintendent training.