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Being a builder or remodeler has many challenges: callbacks, deadlines, litigation, difficult customers, and not the least choosing the right materials for a job, getting them to your jobsite on time and in one piece, and then installing them correctly.
When it comes to building supplies, there are thousands of new materials and products released every year. As a builder or a contractor, the decision-making process to purchase a product, new or otherwise, isn't easy. Is a product proven? Will it work? What are the specs? If there's a problem with a product, whom do you call? Working with a knowledgeable supplier can take away many of the questions and concerns builders have.
First kid on the block
The building industry isn't exactly a Lewis and Clark industry. Discovering and trying a new product just isn't in many builders' realm; most are comfortable using the same products for jobs year after year. But, some builders and remodelers embrace new materials or products as yet another way for their company to stand out in the crowd or as a means to improve their building practices and projects. This can sometimes feel a bit risky, and not all builders are willing to stick their neck out to try new things.
Kate Walter, project manager at Alward Construction, is always interested in trying new materials-sometimes her clients demand it; other times it's the architect driving the decision to try something new. Kate typically gets information on new products from Rick Wasilchin, her sales rep at Truitt and White. "Often times he'll bring a new product to our attention," she says. For example, he showed her a new backerboard product called DenShield which she found comparable to products she had used in the past like Wonderboard or Hardie Backer. "DenShield turned out to be much lighter and easier to handle and install than the other products we were using," she says.
Dave Grubb of David Construction, often finds out about new materials by talking to other builders or doing some research on the Web. "But, truthfully, I'll usually wait for Truitt and White to start carrying something. I figure, if they're committed to a new product, they've done some research," he says. He also taps into the in-store salespeople for the "next round of info" such as how a product works, if it's recommended and what kind of track record it has. For example, if it's a new siding product, he gets important specs and information from Truitt and White that sometimes aren't available by surfing the Net, like the need to prime the edges or specific fastener information.
Importance of partnerships
Truitt and White offers more than just good advice on the latest new products or materials. The Window and Door Field Service Department helps builders with specifying, installing, and problem solving issues related to windows and doors. If there's a problem on your jobsite with windows or doors, or you need help measuring for a custom opening, the program lets builders turn to Truitt and White.
Kate describes a situation common to many larger companies that have a number of employees ordering and specifying windows in different ways for different jobs. "There's no one way to do this, and as a result, jobs got a little jumbled," she says. Earlier this year Alward Construction realized they needed to get all their staff on the same page. "Truitt and White helped structure a seminar for us and reviewed the features and product details of the various window manufacturers," Kate says. They provided information on choosing product, how to specify, and what custom sizes manufacturers offered. "They developed a spec sheet for our staff that was all-inclusive for going out and doing field measurements for windows," she adds.
While Dave's company installs the windows and doors on all of his projects, he works with Truitt and White on "doing the measurements or figuring out things if it's complicated. And, if it doesn't quite go together right, they have a division for window and door service that I can call." For instance, if a door isn't latching quite right Dave says a Field Service Department technician from Truitt and White comes out and "dials it in. And that's great. Because these windows change…every couple of years there's a new latch or a new part of this or that, and I don't always have time to figure out how to keep up with it," adds Dave.
Customer service
Truitt and White's sales reps are on the frontlines with builders and remodelers. Whether it's notifying customers of a problem, price changes, or that an order has arrived, the sales rep always tracks Dave down. "With other vendors, I'm the one who has to keep calling about what's going on. Truitt and White makes it easy for me," he says.
On a recent job, Kate recalls there were problems with the Pozzi doors she ordered. Truitt and White dispatched someone the same day. "Initially, it seemed that it was some adjustments both in the casement window cranking systems and a three-point locking systems for the doors. They eventually adjusted the three-point locking system and followed up with replacing the entire casement sash. They try real hard to make it right. That's one of the reasons why we keep going back," says Kate.
Dave recalls a recent experience where he brought in a new employee responsible for purchasing materials. "I showed him around the store, and as I walked around every employee was sticking their hand out and introducing themselves," he says. "With a new employee, things are always a little tentative, so it was really helpful," adds Dave.
Dave says his new employee is fairly new to construction. "I can send him to Truitt and White with a materials list. If he hands the list to someone they can usually direct him to the needed materials. They're helping him find things, while helping him learn."
Whether you construct 100 homes a year or remodel a dozen, it's important to have a supplier you can turn to and trust. Truitt and White helps you save time and money, guides you through difficult situations, and offers you knowledge on the latest products and materials, giving you more time to do what you do best: build.
Copyright © 2004 Truitt & White, all rights reserved
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