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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 17 February 2010 01:52 |
I think that almost every time I have finished a job I have found myself with leftover materials. The materials have always been in great shape, like a window that was installed but then the homeowner changed their mind and decided to do something different. The window was practically brand new, but could not be returned to the supplier. There have even been a few times that I have had tools that I purchased for a specific task on a job and after completion of the task no longer had use for them. The question then is, what do I do with all of these like new items that I really don't need anymore? The problem is that most builders are like me, and the answer is throw them into storage thinking they will find a use for them someday. The problem is someday never comes, and many of the items end up going to the landfill to clear out the storage area. However, at Timberline Building Company we have found an alternative solution, a solution that can help the average do-it-yourself homeowner as well as other contractors, while being environmentally concious. We have been using a new website called BuildSwap.
What is BuildSwap?
 BuildSwap is an online method to buy and sell anything related to the construction industry; specifically any type of construction or building related materials, tools, or equipment. Many people might say, "can't I just find and sell all that kind of stuff on craigslist?". Of course you could, craigslist is great for finding and selling items. However, the benefit of using BuildSwap over craigsling is that BuildSwap is a website that was built for a specific niche market, the building industry. If you are looking for a living room sofa, you're not going to find it on BuildSwap. You’re also not going to find any personal ads. The advantage to the seller is that you know that people who come to the site are looking for items like yours, and the advantage to the buyer is that if you are looking for something construction-related your chances of finding it from a reputable source on BuildSwap is pretty good. Another advantage is that, at Timberline we have sold many items through BuildSwap and we have yet to have someone try to dicker on the price. The individuals who come know what they are looking for, and they are satisfied with getting a quality "new" product at a less-than-new price.
Advertising with BuildSwap
Advertising in the building world is difficult. Whether it is too difficult and time consuming, or just costs too much money, for most builders and contractors advertising and marketing just doesn’t happen. However, BuildSwap has the ability to include a business logo with every listing. This is an excellent way to increase brand recognition, especially with the ability to target a specific audience who is interested in building related items. This is especially beneficial for suppliers. They have the opportunity to market to all who use the BuildSwap site, from homeowners to contractors and builders.
For homeowners the advertising also provides security, you can see that what you are looking for comes from a reputable and professional business, and I think that is where BuildSwap really shines over the competing websites; BuildSwap presents a professional image for the company selling the item, and lets you, the user, find exactly the building related item you need for your project.
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Written by Kemish Hendershot
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Tuesday, 22 December 2009 02:01 |
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A few weeks ago I posted a section about why now is a good time for home buyers who are considering building to get their project underway. This post in a continuation of those comments for those who are in an existing home, but are not thinking about moving. As we all know, and as I already discussed, the housing market has been in disarray for some time now. As a result, there are many hard working contractors who are out of work. I'm sure we all hate to see anyone suffer and we do not want to take advantage of anyone. However, the current state of the housing economy presents a mutually beneficial situation for current homeowners in which they may be able to help the out of work contractors as well as themselves.
Current homeowners who have ever considered remodeling will never, I believe, find a better time than now to get their project started. There are many businesses who are anxious for work and homeowners can take advantage of their availability at less than normal prices. Homeowners will also find many builders and contractors who may not have performed remodels in the past due to lack of time, but who are now willing to take on those types of projects, providing their extensive knowledge of construction techniques and methods to any remodel, renovation, or addition you may have in mind. |
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Written by Kemish Hendershot
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Friday, 11 December 2009 18:54 |
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The past year has been interesting for the housing industry... and by interesting I mean difficult. I continue to hear stories of contractors, builders, and suppliers who have had to close their doors for good. These are businesses who have been around a long time, and who would have liked to have been around for a lot longer. One of the saddest parts of these tales to me are when I hear about those who are really hard workers, those who are willing to work but just cannot find anything right now. I think we all feel that the economy will rebound and the housing business will get back to normal, but when?
Right now is a great time for home buyers. Prices are down... land is cheap and existing homes get less expensive the longer they are on the market. There are many stories about homes going for almost half their cost. Many homeowners would think, "with existing houses so inexpensive, why build?". For many homeowners, they are right, and the building industry will not recover completely until the large inventory of existing homes clears out of the market. However, there are many potential home buyers who know what they want in a home, or maybe they already have land purchased. For these individuals now is a great time to build a home. Material costs are down and labor is cheap. Builders are always anxious to please homeowners, but right now they are all looking for work and, I'm sure, are even more willing to do all they can to please their potential customer. So, if you are thinking about building a home I don't foresee there being a better time than now to get your project underway. |
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