Your 20-Point Action Plan for a Successful Building Business

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

Article By: Ben Roberts

If you want to grab your business by the scruff of its neck and make it the best it can be, then read on. We’ve written a 20-point action plan to help you on your way.

And if the following seems daunting and even unattainable… do not worry! There’s nothing on the 20 ‘to-do’s that can’t be solved by HBXL Building Software. EstimatorXpress, PlansXpress, Health & Safety Xpert, ContractsXpert, and BuildProjex – they’ve all got your back.

Like it or not, to win the work, increase profit and grow the business – you need accurate number-crunching, consistency, proper project management, detailed documentation and contracts, and outstanding customer service.

Our clever software tools will fix the cracks in your admin. We’ll help you build the business, so you can concentrate on building extensions, loft conversions, houses…

Stay on Top of Your Projects

If you want a successful construction business in 2024, just as one of team in the live web chat, or you can try any of our building software for 14 days, for no cost at all.

Okay, so let’s dive into your 20-point plan.

Your 20-Point Action Plan

  1. Ensure Accurate Quoting: You risk putting your hand in your own pocket to fund your mistakes. It’ll all start adding up.
  2. Use Proper Estimating Software: Don’t rely on error-prone spreadsheets or average costs. Get professional, proven estimating software like EstimatorXpress.
  3. Account for Every Item: Include every single material, from screws to plasterboard. No slacking.
  4. Use Up-to-Date Material Prices: Material prices keep rising. Use the latest ones and compile them into one list to negotiate discounts with your builders’ merchant.
  5. Apply Current Labour Rates: If you can’t get a price from your subbies, err on the side of caution. Otherwise, it will bite you on the bum.
  6. Factor in Wastage and Wear: Include wear and tear on equipment, wastage, and inflation. Ignoring these will impact your bottom line.
  7. Include a Decent Profit Margin: Yes, even after all the above. Cover business investments and unexpected problems. Be brave; good work and professionalism attract business.
  8. Provide Detailed Information to Customers: Don’t leave anything in doubt. If they move the goalposts, they pay for changes.
  9. Identify Profitable Jobs: Avoid being a busy fool. Analyse which types of jobs are profitable and ditch the loss leaders.
  10. Use a Build Program: Ensure the right people, materials, and equipment are on-site at the right time.

And the Final 10…

  1. Stay in Control: With multiple projects, distribute workers, equipment, and materials intelligently. Merge projects and see the impact of changes.
  2. Manage Cash Flow: Stay on top of cash flow and stage payments. Remember, turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, and cash is reality.
  3. Track Quotes and Follow Up: Don’t let potential customers slip away.
  4. Adhere to Legal Requirements: Comply with CDM 2015 to avoid hoping for the best. Use the law to support you.
  5. Prepare Health and Safety Documents: Ensure you have all the required health and safety documents for a surprise HSE inspection. Protect your staff and the public.
  6. Use Pre-Agreements: Stay compliant with Trading Standards. Use documents like ‘Notice of the Right to Cancel’ and ‘Start Work Now Form’.
  7. Issue Enforceable Contracts: Ensure timely payments with enforceable building contracts and related forms.
  8. Add Design to Your Offerings: Save money on architects’ fees and gain control over changes. It’s another revenue stream and can be a game-changer.
  9. Invest in Marketing: Use your 2024 profits to invest in marketing. Wrap your van, get logoed clothing, create a website, or run Facebook ads.
  10. Enjoy Free Time: Imagine having your evenings and weekends back…

HBXL Building Software Can Handle It All

EstimatorXpress offers detailed, bespoke estimating or hundreds of pre-configured quote templates, giving you comprehensive estimates for lean-tos, garages, extensions, loft conversions, renovations, and new builds in no time.

Import data from EstimatorXpress into Health & Safety Xpert for tailored health and safety documents, including risk assessments, COSHH assessments, and method statements specific to the project.

Import EstimatorXpress data into ContractsXpert for all your contractual needs, including Small Works Contracts, Consumer Contracts, and Subcontracts. It references CDM 2015 and clarifies responsibilities.

Import any or all of your estimates into BuildProjex for all you job management needs. Assign tasks, communicate with subbies and clients, and manage both your order and build schedules.

Combine PlansXpress with EstimatorXpress for seamless take-offs and costing. PlansXpress provides the plans, and EstimatorXpress uses them to generate almost instant estimates.

Ready to Transform Your Business?

For a successful construction business now and in the future, schedule an online demonstration with the HBXL Building Software team, or try the software for 14 days. We’re ready to chat on 0117 916 7898. Your building skills, our building software. Together, let’s build a great business.