The lumber industry knows me as an outspoken, opinionated lumber market analyst and forecaster. This month, I would like to introduce you to Matt Layman, part-time remodeling contractor. I am now beginning my 7th month of total rehab of my wife’s 70-year old 3 BR, 2 BA family home. Her parents lived their entire married life together in the home and her two sisters grew up in this 1200 sf home which her parents added onto twice. We bought the home last August, after both her parents had passed, with the goal of updating the home that Purvis and Ruth bought new in 1948 to keep it “in the family.” We will move in by the end of March.
I tell that story because, from the commodity lumber perspective, I had no clue what a small home builder’s or remodel contractor’s job was like. I have seen the light. So, I created this hypothetical Help Wanted advertisement for us lumber and CM folks to consider.
Help Wanted:
General Contractor
Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Requirements:
Product knowledge of any and all categories to include (and not limited to)
- Applicable building codes, permits, restrictions
- Environmental Regulations
- Site Preparation
- Foundations
- Framing
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Flooring
- Painting
- Landscaping
- Alternative solutions for unexpected circumstances
Responsibilities:
- Human Resources: Hiring of all personnel
- Marketing: Website, Social Media, local and national organizations
- Sales…includes product samples, recommendations and alternative
- Accounting…the books
- Purchasing…arrange for all products needed to complete the project
- Inventory Control…on hand when needed, loss prevention
- Production Supervisor…subcontractors, crew
- Scheduling…on site every day to monitor presence of personnel
- Quality Control…inspect each and every aspect of the process; insure quality, safety, care, and cleanliness of jobsite
- Payroll…pay promptly and as promised
- Accounts Payable…keep supply lines open
- Accounts Receivable…returns, exchanges, open invoices
- Budgeting…monitor change orders, production delays, cash flow
- Customer Service…If the customer happy, everyone is…well, employed.
Compensation:
- Whatever is left over after the final beat-down.
Conclusion:
When builders come to visit, or ask for an on-site meeting, remember and appreciate what is on their plates. Each of us is one of many who occupy just one of the above bullets.
Looking Forward...ML
A veteran lumberman, Matt Layman publishes Layman’s Lumber Guide, the weekly forecasts and buying advisories that help component manufacturers save money on lumber purchases every day. You can reach Matt at 336-516-6684 or Matt@laymansguide.info.