Getting a remodeling project 100% done is often so hard that no one wants to discuss what went right and what could have gone better. Everyone is worn out and relieved to be moving on.
Basically, the idea of kicking around the body of the now-dead/done job is not very appealing.
While working with Kraft Custom Construction recently, Ed Kurz, an employee of the company, said “It’s not a body, it’s a baby.”
What a powerful statement!
You and your team have sweated bullets to pull off the project. Now that the project is done, the client’s life has changed. You have turned their house into the home they wanted. Their life going forward will be different—ideally better—because of all you did for and with them.
That is the baby, this new beginning.
It works the same for your remodeling company. Every time a project is completed your company is different. Why? Because of the experience and knowledge the coming gained. Your company will be more effective, a better partner, going forward.
That is the baby, too. Your company’s future will be different because of having done the project.
How can you ensure that? Harvest the lessons by doing a job completion review. “How can we do more of went well and not make the same mistakes on future projects going forward?” That is the tone to set.
After all, you are not attending a memorial service. You are attending a celebration of having DELIVERED on all your promises. Congratulations, and have a cigar!
