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As builders, developers and trade contractors we can become so focused on line item budgets that we lose sight of the big picture. We also cling to time tested ways of doing things. However, everything we do is integrated - change one specification or process and we undoubtedly impact another. With emerging technology, products and approaches, we must step back and understand them as they create opportunities across our products. Now more than ever, we must embrace the positive dynamic of this relationship more than we should fear the negative.
If you could build more sustainably and save $100 tomorrow by spending $60 today - would you do it? WOULD YOU? Many opportunities like this are passing the industry by because change may unfavorably impact one line item of cost and the value savings for other line items are not relentlessly pursued. In other cases, the labor costs associated with doing things “the way we always have” are impacting the industry more than the increased cost of implementing new products and technology. In the context of product specification and procurement decisions, this is a meaningful challenge to embrace.
SO, let’s illustrate how a positive change dynamic can work with a simple, yet outstanding, illustration related to vent boot installation. Impending code updates are going to rock the builder world in the next year or two with mandatory protection on all openings during construction, increased air quality and efficiency standards and potentially, required duct pressure testing on all constructed units. We are headed there already, so can we afford to rely on the time tested method of installation?
Sit back while you have a moment to reflect on what it takes to install each air supply opening in your home or business. Almost every day, it’s being done the “same way we’ve always done it”.
Drywaller packs mud around gaps in the openings between vent boot, backing and drywall.
Someone likely covers or will be needed to cover the vent boot opening to prevent overspray in the ductwork.
Painter removes the cover and in some instances, sprays the inside of the boot black to cover any silver finish or overspray that may be visible to the homeowner.
Painter may caulk the register to the drywall. Someone then masks vent boot and register to hopefully pass the duct pressure test.
SO, let’s count. That’s five to six trips up and down a ladder for every vent boot in the house. There are 10 – 15 vent boots in an average home – do the math.
Why do we do this? Because we’ve always done it that way! We’ve also enjoyed along the way many discussions regarding whether the boot backing was properly located, true and square, who is responsible for the test passing or failing. Etc., Etc. Etc.
SO, when an innovative product comes along that eliminates all that work, enables the HVAC contractor to own the entire system installation, protects the ductwork from dust and debris and provides a sustainable seal to ensure efficient ventilation, shouldn’t we embrace change and figure out how to make it work to our advantage?
At a time when every builder is scrapping for every dollar, this product and process improvement makes sense – it’s a positive change dynamic. Lead through innovation. Surpass the code. Deliver a better, more durable product. Save wasted time, energy and money. Send a little help to the bottom line to boot!
Embrace Change and let your customer breath easier…
SPEEDIBOOT.com
Posted by: mark on Tuesday, April 06, 2010 @ 17:14:15 EDT
