Preventing good jobs from going bad
This is the premise for most of the reality shows on HGTV, which have helped stimulate the home improvement market. That said, there is nothing more exhilarating and satisfying than landing a huge contract—selling is half the battle. More importantly, however, is making sure crews show up on time and follow through with their scheduling promises.
During peak business season the minds of some landscape contractors, and pool builders for that matter, are running on overdrive. To avoid forgetting or arriving late to an onsite meeting, the best remedy is to double-check daily appointments every night and morning, and confirm with a member of the crew that he/she can physically fulfil these obligations. Even if they are running late, one rule of thumb crew members should follow is to call the client or contractor they are scheduled to meet. This is not a good start when attempting to build a rapport with the client, especially if they have rushed home from work to make the appointment.
Leave a lasting impression
Once the project starts moving forward, after the pool and landscape design has been approved, make sure to leave a lasting impression by thinking outside the box to create a unique backyard oasis. By thinking beyond the steel or concrete pool frame, clients will be ecstatic about the end result. Some distinctive ideas include: running water over a tiki hut into the pool, creating unique soundscape opportunities by having a water feature shooting out of the outdoor kitchen, as well as creating exclusive focal points, lighting vistas, and swim-up bars. Give the client some bragging rights about their backyard.
In essence, the true value of running an efficient jobsite, which involves a landscaper and pool builder, is simply peace-of-mind for the client. All parties know their roles and honour the client’s needs and wants, while at the same time respecting the neighbourhood. Ultimately, it is up to the contractors to leave a positive impression with their clients while respecting all of the trades involved in that particular project. An efficiently run job site between a landscape contractor and a pool builder is not only well-respected, it is priceless.
John JJ Bouwmeister is a partner at Bouwmeister Inc., and Botiki Inc., in Stouffville, Ont., He has 20 years’ experience in landscaping technology and landscape design. He holds diplomas from Humber College’s horticultural program, Ryerson University’s landscape architecture program, and the Toronto School of Business. Bouwmeister can be reached via e-mail at johnb@bouwmeister.com.
