Business Management for Building Professionals [PDF]

Business Management for Building Professionals Course Description

Topics Covered

Many business owners in the home building business industry acquired trade skills by working for others. At some point, they decided they would be more successful by starting their own businesses. While trade experience and competence are essential when starting a business, successfully staying in business and making a profit requires skills and tools that many business owners have never acquired. This course explains critical elements and presents practical tips and tools for managing a business successfully.

Section 1: Business Basics

Audience • Builders and remodelers, with or without experience managing a business • Professionals in fields related to the homebuilding industry who are interested in understanding the challenges and best practices involved in managing a small to medium home building/remodeling business.

Course Objectives As a graduate of this course, participants will be able to:

Section 6: Performance – The Journey

• What Does It Take to Run a Successful Business?

• Complying with Laws and Regulations

• Wearing Multiple Hats

• Managing Customer Relations

• Three Functional Areas of a Company

• Estimating

• Elements for Success: The Six P’s

• Payroll Reporting

Section 2: Planning – The Map

• The Business Plan

• Lead Tracking

• Vision Statement

• Recordkeeping

• Mission Statement

Section 7: Progress – Evaluating the Journey

• Business Goals Section 3: Planning – The Budget

• Chart of Accounts • Accounting Methods • Income Statement

• The Importance of Monitoring and Evaluating Progress • Using Financial Reports to Monitor Progress • Break-Even Analysis • Slippage Chart

• Balance Sheet • Steps to a Simple Budgeting • Using Margin and Markup to Create Pricing Section 4: Process - The Itinerary

• Describe the three basic functional areas of a business.

• Job Descriptions

• Describe how to plan effectively for achieving business success.

• Procedural Manual

• Identify performance tools to help you achieve success.

• Job Cost Reporting • Scheduling

• Types of Business Ownership

• Identify methods for recruiting, interviewing, training and retaining quality personnel.

• Marketing

• Benefits of Planning

• Identify common business challenges and ways to overcome them.

• Describe the organization and processes that a company needs to have in place to run efficiently.

• Leading and Managing Employees

• Organizational Structure

CE and Designation Criteria

• 6 AIA/CES LU • 6.0 CE for AIBD • Required for: CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGP, CGR, Master CGP • 6 NAHB Continuing Education Hours for CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

• The Workflow • Essential Systems Section 5: People – Your Travel Companions

• Types of Workers • Employee Handbook/Company Manual • Human Resource Considerations

• Identify methods for evaluating your progress.

NAHB Designation Help Line: 800-368-5242 x8164, [email protected].

Marketing & Communications Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I) Course Description Millions of Americans are living longer and more active lives. With their changing lifestyles, maturing Americans are also looking to revitalize their homes. Identifying these opportunities and developing the skills to interact with 55+ customers can help you grow your business dramatically. Learn best practices in communicating and interacting with this exciting and evolving population, and take advantage of one of the fastest growing market segments in remodeling and related industries.

Section 2: Analyzing the Aging in Place Market

• Gathering Data • Studying Market Characteristics and Needs • Assessing Company Readiness Section 3: Assessing the Aging in Place Market

• General Access Points • Access to Specific Aging in Place Segments Section 4: Selling Aging in Place Solutions

Audience for this Course

• Prepare the Meeting

This course will benefit individuals in the following roles: builders, remodelers, and allied professionals interested in serving aging in place market.

• Establish Rapport

Course Learning Objectives

• Determine Next Steps

After this course you will be able to:

• Close the Sale

• Describe the three segments within the Aging in Place market that present business opportunities for building professionals • Implement a process for promoting new opportunities for products and services in the Aging in Place market • Enhance your sales process with effective techniques for the Aging in Place market

• Explore Client Situation • Conduct House Survey • Reinforce Company Expertise


• 0.6 AOTA CEU • 6.0 CE for AIBD • Related Designations: CAPS, CGA, Master CSP • 6 NAHB CE for: CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

Topics Covered Section 1: Identifying Aging in Place Market Needs

• Aging in Place Market Segments • Factors that Impact Aging in Place Market


Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II) Course Description

Topics Covered

The maturing of the U.S. Baby Boomer population is a huge opportunity for builders and remodelers. As this consumer group expands, more and more are interested in remodeling their home to fit their new lifestyle and abilities. This Certified Aging-inPlace Specialist (CAPS) course will help you understand the guidelines and requirements of accessibility, the importance of doing an assessment with input from occupational and physical therapists as well as qualified health care professionals, and the significance of good design in making modifications that can transform a house into a safe, attractive, and comfortable home for life.

Section 1: The Market

Audience for this Course This course is intended for builders, remodelers, vendors, manufacturers, architects, designers (building and interior), trade contractors, real estate professionals, health industry professionals, and the academic community.

Section 7: Design Solutions

• Default Design Considerations

• Industry Data • Statistical Information Section 2: Contractual Considerations

• Contractor’s Library

• Kitchens

• Insurance • Death-Survivorship Clause • Termination of Contract • Nondisclosure of Illness • Obtaining Legal Advice Section 3: Categories of Design and Building Standards

• Categories of Design • Building Standards Section 4: The Assessment

• Who is the Decision Maker?

• Estimate and schedule the Aging in Place project while regarding special considerations

• Utility (Laundry) Rooms • 0.6 AOTA CEU • 6 AIA/CES HSW LU • 6.0 CE for AIBD • Related Designations: CAPS, CGA, Master CSP • 6 NAHB CE for: CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

• Affordability Considerations • Partnering with an Equipment Consultant

• Recommend specific design solutions for the Aging in Place client

• Closets

• Partnering with a HPC • Client

• Describe methods for performing a needs assessment to identify and prioritize the needs, wants and wishes of the Aging in Place client

• Bathrooms


• Presentation


• Consider contractual and legal concerns for building professionals providing design solutions to the Aging in Place client

• Access • Entryways, Stairs, Ramps, and Vertical Transportation

• HIPAA

Course Learning Objectives • Describe the home ownership market as it relates to the three segments of the Aging in Place market

• Drives, Garages, and other Vehicular Access Areas

• Home Audit Section 5: Estimate and Schedule Considerations

• Job Scope • Estimate • Schedule • Construction Agreement Package Section 6: Executing the Job

• Building Around the Client • Communication • Post Completion Activities

• Identify considerations for executing the job while the client is in residence


Construction Contracts and Law Course Description

NAHB Contracts Subscription Website

Protect your business against legal problems with well-written contracts. Many construction or remodeling companies are too small to hire full-time legal staff so it’s important to understand basic contract law. This course provides a step-by-step explanation of how contracts sustain positive customer and supplier relations, provide for resolution of disputes, and minimize the risk of litigation. You will learn about mandatory and optional provisions, warranties, and arbitration procedures. Special emphasis is given to troubleshooting contracts for detrimental provisions.

Save 20% on NAHB Contracts

• Elements of a Remodeling Contract

The NAHB contracts subscription website offers access to a variety of residential construction contract forms and documents developed by NAHB, exclusively for home builders and remodelers. You can save hours of work, which means saving hundreds of dollars, with every contract use. By registering for this course, you will receive a promotion code for 20% off NAHB contracts offered on the NAHB contracts subscription website. This promotion code is valid if used by January 31, 2017. For more information, Visit nahbcontracts.com.

• Anticipating Hidden Conditions

Audience

Topics Covered

• Architects/Planners/Designers • Builders/contractors including: 50+ housing, commercial, custom, production and small volume • Insurance Agents • Lawyers • Real estate agents • Remodelers • Subcontractors/Specialty Trades

Course Objectives As a graduate of this course, participants will be able to:

Section 1: Elements of a Contract

• Elements and Form of a Contract

Section 4: Remodeling Contracts

Section 5: Warranties

• Express and Implied Warranties • Reinforcement of Contractual Provisions • Prerequisites for Warranty Service • Providing Warranty Service Section 6: Subcontractor Agreements

• General Requirements of a Subcontractor Agreement • Special Provisions • Drawing up Subcontractor Agreements Section 7: Construction Law

• Advantages of Written Contracts

• When to Get Legal Advice

• Overview of Construction Contracts

• The Role of the Construction Lawyer

• Contract Interpretation

• Legal Counsel Services

• Contract Benefits and Interpretation

• Overview of Federal Laws and Regulations Affecting Construction

Section 2: Sales Agreements

• Elements of a Sales Agreement • Evaluating a Change Order • Matching Terms and Definitions

Section 3: Construction Contracts

• Describe elements, benefits and interpretation principles of contracts.

• Construction Cost and Draw Schedule

• Describe contracts recommended for builders and remodelers (Sales Agreements, Construction Contracts, Remodeling Contracts, warranties and subcontractor agreements), including mandatory and optional provisions.

• Conditions for Commencement of Construction

• Identify additional resources related to construction law.

• Plans and Specifications

• Explain how contracts sustain positive customer and supplier relations, provide for resolution of disputes and minimize the risk of litigation.

• Default Remedies

• Construction Cost – Cost-Plus Contract

• Resources for Locating More Information • Consulting Counsel Section 8: Dispute Avoidance and Resolution

• Dispute Avoidance • Dispute Resolution • Common Construction Claims • Avoiding and Addressing Disputes CE and Designation Criteria

• Types and Impacts of Delays

• 6.0 CE for AIBD

• Liquidated Damages for Late Completion

• Related Designations: CGA, CGB, CGR

• Rights and Responsibilities During Construction • Retainage

• 6 NAHB Continuing Education Hours for CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

• Mechanic’s Lien Contracts • Recording of Documents, Liens, Releases, Filings and Notices of Intent


Profitable Business Through Quality Practices Course Description Exceed customer expectations and increase repeat business by delivering exceptional service to your customers. This course will teach you key strategies for creating value and providing a quality building/remodeling experience for your homeowners. Topics include meeting the quality challenge with customers, with competitors and within your company. This is a “must” for the builder or remodeler who is ready to take his or her company to the next level.

Course Learning Objectives As a graduate of this course, you will be able to: • Explain the differences between quality, perception, and value • Explain how to build quality practices with customers • Explain how to build quality practices within the company • Explain how to build quality practices with competitors

Topics Covered Section 1: Quality

• Quality is • Builders’ and Remodelers’

Section 3: Quality Practices Within the Company

• Statement of Quality for Internal Organization • Written Statement of “Features” • Making of a Reputation • Standards of a Quality Project • Costs of Poor Quality • Compromises • Management Processes for Quality Service • Staying Current Section 4: Quality Practices and the Competitors

• Company’s Message • Distinguish the Company from the Competition with a Unique Message • Culture of Uniqueness • Rise Above the Competition CE and Designation Criteria

• 6.0 CE for AIBD • Related Designations: CGA, CGB, CGR • 6 NAHB Continuing Education Hours for CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

• Perception of Quality • Benefits of Delivering Quality Products • Quality Products Section 2: Quality Practices and the Customers

• Quality Practices and the Customers • Differences in Customers and their Expectations • Appearance of Professionalism • Guide the Customers’ Expectations • Meet the Communication Challenge


Project Management Course Description

Topics Covered

Learn project management concepts and strategies designed to help you increase your professional value and the value you bring to your company and customers. This course will teach you the basics of successful project management. A successful project is one that is built on time, on budget, and to the customer’s satisfaction. The course explains the role of project managers during each phase of a project, including the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases. Project management tools and effective management of trade contractors will also be discussed. Business owners, project managers, superintendents, sales managers and anyone involved in the pre-construction and construction process will benefit from this introductory course.

Section 1: Project Management: The Basics

Course Learning Objectives After this course you will be able to: • Explain the basics of successful project management

• Objectives of Successful Project Management

Section 5: Project Management Duties During the Project

• Communication • Site Management

• Benefits of Professional Project Management

• Trade Contractor and Vendor Management

• Characteristics of Successful Project Management

• Problem Solving • Change Management

• Key Elements of Effective Project Management

• Change Order Management

• Project Management Responsibilities

• Management of Customer Relationship

• Common Project Management Practices Section 2: The Pre-Construction Process

• The Transfer Process • Outcomes of the Pre-Construction Phase • Pre-Construction Set-Up Process • Pre-Construction Conference with the Customer • Pre-Construction Conference with Key Personnel

• Execute the pre-construction project management functions nd responsibilities

Section 3: Project Management Tools

• Implement the tools available for efficient project management

Section 4: Management of Trade Contractors

• Tools

• Financial Management

Section 6: Post Project Management Duties

• Warranty Procedures • Customer Survey • Trade Contractor and Vendor Evaluations • Measuring Success CE and Designation Criteria

• 6 AIA/CES LU • 6.0 CE for AIBD • Related Designations: CGA,CGB,CGR 6 NAHB • NAHB Continuing Education Hours for: CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

• Characteristics of Trade Contractors

• Manage trade contractors effectively

• Trade Contractor Policies

• Perform project management duties during the project

• Trade Contractor Agreements

• Complete the duties and responsibilities of post-project management

• Trade Contractor Pricing and Bidding

• Trade Contractor Payments • Ways to Train and Motivate Trade Contractors • Problem Solving with Trade Contractors


Universal Design/Build Course Description

Course Learning Objectives

Universal Design/Build presents a shift in the approach to residential design and construction. Comfort and convenience regardless of age, stature or ability is the hallmark of inclusive design. Designers, suppliers, builders, remodelers, and health care professionals will benefit from the creative design concepts and practices presented to develop market-driven projects that are highly functional, yet integrated and aesthetically appealing. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) courses are not a pre-requisite and CAPS graduates will find benefit by expanding into the broader spectrum of universal design that offers a much wider target audience.


Audience for this Course This course is intended for: • Design/build professionals including builders, remodelers, interior designers, architects, kitchen/bath designers, developers, civil engineers • Health care professionals including occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, discharge planners, nurses, case managers, rehabilitation engineers • Public and private agency staff including housing finance agencies, community development agencies, CHODOs- community housing development organizations • Allied industry partners including product manufacturers and suppliers, consultants, planners, real estate professionals, appraisers, home inspectors, bankers, electronic systems contractors Although Marketing & Communications Strategies for Aging & Accessibility (CAPS I), Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II), and Business Management for Building Professionals (CAPS III) are not prerequisites, they are highly recommended.

Section 5: Indoor Environmental Quality

• Acoustics

• Describe the significance of integrating UD concepts in residential construction

• Daylighting

• Distinguish between accessibility solutions and UD solutions

• Air Quality

• Describe ways that design can be both functional and attractive • Identify and implement solutions for simple and complex scenarios that address various household compositions, budgets and changing needs of clients • Use effective marketing and communication strategies throughout the process • Locate resources, products, materials and services

• Artificial lighting

Section 6: Doors and Windows

• Doors • Windows Section 7: Kitchen

• Kitchen Functions: Storage, Preparation, Cooking, Serving, Clean-Up, Health and Wellness • Kitchen Lighting • Materials and Products • Auxiliary Kitchens Section 8: Bathroom and Bedroom

• Bathroom

Topics Covered Section 1: Universal Design Overview

• Closet and Dressing Area • Bedroom

• UD Defined • Global and societal factors that impact UD • Benefits of UD

• Health and Wellness CE and Designation Criteria

• 12 AIA/CES HSW LU • 1.2 AOTA CEU

Section 2: Developing a Universal Design Program

• Developing a UD program • Tips for Gathering and Discussing Clients’ Needs Section 3: Foundations, Entrances, and Exterior Routes of Travel

• Entrance Decisions

• 1.2 CEU for IDCEC, IIDA, IDC & ASID • 12.0 CE for AIBD • Related Designations: CGR, CGB, GMB, Master CSP • 12 NAHB CE for: CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

• Foundations • Landscaping Techniques • Entries • Garages • Home Outdoor Spaces Section 4: Interior Passages and Vertical Circulation

• Single vs. Multistory Housing • Interior Passages • Vertical Circulation
