I am a construction lawyer at The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, PC in Richmond, Virginia and member of Virginia’s Legal Elite in Construction Law. I specialize in mechanic’s liens, occupational safety issues, contract consulting and review and general risk management for all levels of construction professionals from contractors to subcontractors to material men.
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Construction Law Musings, would be a great fit for us, and you too. We would love any articles, or comments you feel would be interesting, for homeowners and contractors. We look forward to sharing information with you as well!
Thank’s Bob Lewis, Denver CO
Thanks Bob. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Hey Christopher this is alittle off topic but I know you work with a lot of contractors and they may find this information helpful! We apply it to contractors but it really applies to all businesses!
Contractors and Retailers are lowering their prices all over the country. This is most likely a fundamental shift toward lower prices. Are you lowering your overhead?
Is 40% off the new 10% off, this seems to be a pattern that’s going to be around for quite a while. Homeowners are actively bargaining for lower prices on furniture, jewelry, appliances and electronics. This will carry over to the construction business, you can depend on it!
Contractors must act now, I look harder at businesses now that aren’t on sale. Sale, Specials, this day sale, that day sale, everywhere you look there’s a sale. This has already been run into the ground and we’re just getting started in this recession. Homeowners are as worried about losing money right now, as saving money so we’re putting together a short list of attributes and other tidbits that should help you.
1. Pedigree: “Providing great service to homeowners since 1975” this goes a long way with homeowners. Use it if you’ve got it!
2. “Your Local Plumber in Denver” says a lot. “All trucks radio dispatched” say’s something about you, no one cares about! It’s always, all about the homeowner!
3. Don’t waste time telling Homeowners what the competition doesn’t do. Tell them what you do well, that’s all that matters.
4. If you’re going to sell me something; ask me a question that has at least three benefits for me in it. Example: If we could provide your business with a remarkable Internet presentation, at an unforgettable web address, and the best price on the Internet; would that help your business right now in these uncertain economic times?
5. Showrooms: We have been at the same location for years in downtown Denver, with a beautiful showroom and a large assortment of widgets, we’re on the corner of this and that street with parking nearby, and we have some of the best designers in Denver…etc. So What! Who Cares what’s that do for me? That’s all about you! I don’t care about you. I care about what you can do for me, right now!
6. Always on time, Denver’s best warranty, 24 hour service, BBB, References, lowest prices…etc. You’re going to have to do better than that! That’s table stakes or the price to stay in the game if you will. Boring!
7. Your address, your telephone number, your new fleet, your friendly service, your locations, as seen on TV or heard on the Radio, truck number 121, list of services… Imagine this, I’m driving down I-25 I’m speeding, I’m looking for cops, I’m talking on my mobile phone (arguing with my significant whoever) my house payment is late. Now what is it you wanted me to remember about you? I don’t care about you until I need you! When I do you better be right in front of me!
Thanks for the allowing us to post on your blog! Bob Lewis
Great comments. Thanks. I think this is a helpful list of ideas.
Bob- If you want to formalize something as a guest post on Guest Post Fridays, please let me know.
I'm looking forward to your sharing of knowledge.
Thanks