Celebrating 250 episodes of “The Building Code” podcast with expert builder tips you can’t miss

“The Building Code” podcast is celebrating a major milestone – hitting 250 episodes! ? Did you know, only about 2% of podcasts make it to 250 episodes? It’s true! We’ve been bringing builders the best in industry insights, expert advice and inspiration for almost six years.

In this special episode, we’ve gathered advice from top builders and Buildertrend insiders to help you bring more value to your construction business. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. We’ve got even more insights that didn’t make it into the episode. Let’s dive in!

Price for profit, not optimism

Pricing is one of the most common pain points for builders, but it doesn’t have to be. As Steve Tankersley, owner and president of Tankersley Construction put it, “Most builders are really good craftspeople, great at getting things done, but horrible at pricing.” Builders often fall victim to what he calls “hope-ium” – an overly optimistic approach to cost estimation designed to meet unrealistic client budgets. While this might seem like the easiest way to win a job, it can lead to serious problems down the road, including under-delivering and diminished profit margins.

Steve’s advice? Start with tough but honest conversations about costs. By setting realistic expectations with clients and knowing your business’s numbers inside and out, you can ensure your desired profit is built into every project. Breaking the cycle of overpromising and underselling starts with realistic pricing strategies.

Start projects on the right track

Transitioning a project from planning to execution is often a chaotic process, but Tim Coughran, president of Alderview Construction, has a simple solution: internal kickoff meetings. “This meeting is crucial for fostering transparency within the team and setting the field up for success,” Tim said.

A kickoff meeting ensures that everyone – from pre-construction teams to onsite crews – is aligned on key aspects like the construction budget, project schedule and contract terms. This shared understanding reduces the likelihood of miscommunication and keeps the project running smoothly from day one. Investing time in this step upfront can save countless hours and headaches later, making it a non-negotiable practice for any builder looking to elevate their operations.

Stay ahead of rising costs

Benji Carlson, director of content at Breakthrough Academy, also offers sage advice about adapting to the rising costs of materials – something that every builder is grappling with in today’s economic environment.

Rather than absorbing higher costs and eroding profit margins, successful builders pass on these increases in a way that’s transparent and fair to the homeowner. Educating clients about the market realities, negotiating terms early and adjusting contracts to reflect these rising costs are all strategies that can help protect your bottom line.

Foster a culture of care

Building a successful team requires more than just technical skills. Joe Christensen, co-owner of Cardinal Crest Homes believes in creating a culture of genuine care. “You can’t fake caring for people,” Joe said.

By taking the time to understand employees’ personal and professional lives, builders can foster a supportive and motivated team. This approach not only boosts morale but also enhances overall business performance. When employees feel valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond for the company.

Set intentional goals and get your team involved

When it comes to achieving long-term success, intentionality is key. Adam Copenhaver, founder and owner of CopeGrand Homes, emphasizes the power of structured goal-setting and regular check-ins. For Adam and his team, this practice is essential for staying on track and ensuring that their long-term vision isn’t lost in the day-to-day grind.

To make sure goals are actually achieved, Adam recommends quarterly meetings, regular training sessions and using 12-week goal-setting cycles.

“It’s important to get participation out of your team to achieve your goals,” Adam said. By involving your team in the goal-setting process, everyone feels a sense of ownership, which fosters collaboration and boosts morale. When a team is aligned and motivated, achieving even the toughest goals becomes a collective effort.

Engage your team creatively

Managing a construction business isn’t just about overseeing projects – it’s about optimizing every part of your process. Scott Hale, director of customer journey insights at Buildertrend, shares a unique way to motivate teams and improve efficiency.

This kind of creative engagement not only makes day-to-day tasks more enjoyable but also ensures that the team stays aligned and focused on the goals at hand. By incorporating friendly competition or incentive-based structures, you can improve both productivity and morale across your team. It’s about finding fun, effective ways to make essential processes feel more like a team challenge than a burden.

Think long-term for big wins

In a fast-paced industry, it’s easy to focus on daily tasks and lose sight of long-term goals. That’s where strategic planning comes in, said Meg Billings, owner of Meg & Co. Homes. “We do a strategic plan each year to lay out all of our big targets,” she explained. By breaking three-year goals into annual and quarterly steps, Meg ensures her business stays on track.

She also recommends the book “Vivid Vision” by Cameron Herold as a guide for creating clear, actionable long-term plans. With a strategic approach, builders can accomplish far more than they might think possible. It’s all about taking manageable steps toward a bigger vision.

Build a network of champions

One of the most powerful ways to grow your business – and elevate the entire industry – is by building a strong, supportive network. Michael and Danielle Gutelli founders of Clark + Aldine emphasize the importance of connecting with a diverse range of professionals within your industry.

“Build a network of champions,” Michael said. This network isn’t just about meeting the right people – it’s about making meaningful, lasting connections with individuals who share your values and goals.

These connections can provide invaluable insights, referrals and support for your business.

Leverage tools and take care of yourself

Katie Kath, partner and creative director at JKath Design Build + Reinvent, highlights the importance of using tools like Buildertrend to streamline operations and free up time for what matters most.

But Katie’s advice doesn’t stop there. She also emphasizes the value of self-care.

“I prioritize self-care and maintain a consistent exercise routine,” she said. Whether it’s spending time cooking or enjoying hobbies, these activities help her recharge and approach each workday with clarity and energy. For builders, finding the balance between professional and personal life is key to staying motivated and inspired.

Relationships matter

Construction is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about people.

While technical skills are essential, Adam Shaeffer, co-owner of Cardinal Crest Homes’, experience shows that prioritizing relationships with clients, trade partners and team members has a ripple effect.

When clients feel valued and trade partners know their contributions matter, projects tend to run more smoothly. Referrals also come more naturally, and the work itself becomes more fulfilling. At its core, construction is a people business. By fostering strong, genuine connections, builders can create a foundation for long-term success.

Marketing is a tool, not a goal

Katlyn Slocum creative director at Katlyn Slocum Design reminds builders to think strategically about their online presence.

“Your website is more of a sales tool than it is a marketing tool,” she said. While a great website is essential, it’s marketing efforts – like paid ads, SEO and social media – that drive traffic and convert visitors into clients.

By viewing marketing as a dynamic process rather than a one-time task, builders can continuously attract and engage their audience, ultimately leading to more opportunities and growth.

Celebrate episode 250 with us!

This milestone episode is packed with even more insights and advice to help you grow your business, streamline processes and deliver better results. Listen to Episode 250 of “The Building Code” now and join the celebration!

What was your favorite tip from the blog or episode? Let us know by leaving comments on our social channels:

Facebook group: The Building Code Crew

Instagram: @thebuildingcodepod

TikTok: @thebuildingcode