Tips from an LP^® BuildSmart^™ Remodeler on Shifting Business Tactics in the Midst of COVID-19

Shifting your business model during a pandemic is probably not at the top of the list of things you considered for your 2020 business plan. With the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are needing to adapt more quickly than ever. In many other sectors, a shift to delivery-only services, remote learning and learning to "go without for now" are common.

In order to get a better picture of how the construction industry is shifting to adapt, we spoke with Brent Taylor, remodeler and owner of O.C. Taylor in Raleigh, North Carolina. You can read how Taylor previously served as the professional-of-choice for a recent renovation episode on Lifetime's popular home improvement show Designing Spaces. Recently, LP interviewed Taylor to offer expert insight and advice around the current, uncertain remodeling industry landscape. He dives into how remodelers can cope with the current crisis and prepare for the future by shifting business tactics.

LP Quick Tips: Ways to Shift Remodeling Business Tactics

• Focus on exterior renovations, like re-sides, roofs, decks, porches and fences, with products like LP Elements^® Performance Fencing
• Postpone bathroom or kitchen remodels until you can safely perform work in customers' homes
• Socially distance when interacting with customers, leveraging digital and phone communications over face-to-face interactions
• Talk to partners about co-marketing opportunities
• Leverage loyalty program benefits, including any pricing advantages or sales leads

"As an existing home exterior remodeler, I potentially have an advantage coming out of this pandemic," said Taylor. "Siding and roofing are performed on the exterior of a home. This does not disrupt a client's family like a kitchen or bath remodel. I can perform estimates from the exterior of a home to maintain social distancing. All other paperwork can be done online via email."

Read other industry Pro Advice on managing the effects of COVID-19

Being able to adapt your business to practice safely will be pivotal in the coming weeks and months. Homeowners will want to make sure that they can maintain social distancing during any renovation project. Shifting to out an outdoor-only focus for your remodeling projects is a great way to adapt to the current climate.

LP Quick Tips: Social Distancing in the Construction Industry

• Stagger work schedules to limit workers on the jobsite
• Hold virtual or conference call meetings instead of onsite ones
• Break down all-hands meetings into smaller groups
• Use video calls to give jobsite tours instead of actual walk-throughs
• Reduce or eliminate shared items (e.g., label tools by individual and eliminate shared water coolers)
• Have workers take breaks separately with limited congregating
• Work with products and applications that simplify installation with fewer people (e.g., LP^® SmartSide^® Trim & Siding is light enough to be carried by one individual)
• Institute tighter cleaning and sanitation schedules
• Encourage additional PPE and provide more wash stations or hand sanitizer onsite 

Taylor is a Master-Level member of the LP^® BuildSmart^™ Preferred Contractor Program, which provides him with LP product training, maximum cash rebates, co-marketing support, exclusive lead generation and much more. As a remodeler loyalty program, the LP BuildSmart program rewards those members that work hard. LP SmartSide re-side product purchases can be turned into LP BuildSmart points redeemable for tools, sales and estimating services, and co-branded marketing support. 

"Personally, I'd look at your manufacturer loyalty program offerings and how to utilize them," said Taylor. "Could they help to offer you more leads during this time? Could you be brushing up on product training or installation training for new products? Could they be helping you with new marketing materials? As a longtime member of the LP BuildSmart Preferred Contractor Program, I know they offer all these things. This slow(er) time is the perfect time to really utilize these types of resources."

Looking to the future, Taylor has shifted his business for the time being to respond to the current world. "I have personally transitioned my business from complete re-sides to focus more on siding repairs and screen porch enclosure systems to keep my company busy and quality crews employed. For any remodelers who are preparing for the times ahead, consider a temporary pivot. Flexibility is vital to the success of companies in the construction industry. Now is the time to adapt to thrive."

Looking to pivot your remodeling business in the wake of COVID-19? The LP BuildSmart program can benefit your business immediately and for years to come. Apply for membership today to be ahead of the curve and start enjoying the program's many rewards.

For more information on LP's coronavirus response, please visit LPcorp.com/COVID-19 or contact us at [email protected].