In the last two years, the construction industry has changed dramatically. Covid turned the world upside down just as I had just started Faultless Carpentry & Construct. Lots of people told me to beware as there might not be much work due to Covid and a change in consumer behaviour. Thankfully, they were wrong and we have been lucky to have had consistent work ever since day one and it’s no secret, that the building industry is absolutely booming. Consumers are looking inwards for their disposable income spending and home improvements are at an all-time high.
As a fourth-generation carpenter, I have spent countless hours chatting about the construction industry and running a business with my father (who had his own building company and now works as a commercial building site supervisor) and my grandfather (Opa) (who started his building company in 1966). I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to sit down with my Opa and father to interview them both on their experiences with the construction industry during their time before my Opa's recent passing.
How do you measure success in the building industry?
Dad - Sure, some people measure success by financial gain, although money comes and goes. I believe success is measured by the knowledge and skills you attain and are able to pass on to the next generation. Being able to build cool buildings is also very gratifying.
Opa - If you can last a long time as a builder. 10 per cent of builders go bankrupt every year, for us we were in business 50 odd years and we always lasted because we worked with our own money, never with borrowed money. You then don’t have people breathing down your neck asking for their money back.
What are the key challenges you think you have had in building a successful business?
Dad - Cash flow and staying on top of outstanding debts. Many companies don’t stay on top of this, falling behind and using the next job to pay for the last job which will finally catch up and end in financial stress.
Opa - Well, the worst challenges I thought I had were the shortages of materials, you had to weave and turn and try to get materials so you can still do your jobs.
What do/did you enjoy most about the building industry?
Dad - Building interesting structures and mentoring others.
Opa - The variation of work, you could be doing one thing one month and something entirely different the next month
How are you efficient on-site?
Dad - Time management, get to the job 1hour before the trades do. I plan the day and put together priority lists. I still love having a whiteboard in my site office planning and looking ahead with detailed programs for at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
Opa - By being personally involved on-site with the job.
How have you handled a situation in the past where your client has changed the brief or shifted the goalposts?
Dad - Roll with the punches, as nobody is perfect. The lack of planning and at times poor documentation can lead to these issues. It’s more cost-effective to resolve such issues at the front end.
Opa - My belief is talking, if you keep on talking and they keep on talking you get to an agreement.
Why did you become a builder?
Dad - It’s in the blood. I just love buildings, details and design. I would say it’s not a job, it’s a passion.
Opa - Mainly because my father was a builder, I grew up in a builders' household so I was always involved. I went to jobs with my father from a very young age and I was the boss's son.
How have things changed over your time of being a builder?
Dad - Technology and systems have advanced, and people’s skills and knowledge have reduced. Red tape and compliance requirements have taken over much of the time that we would otherwise spend on quality and skill towards the task.
Opa - Well it's very different now because of communications being the mobile telephone rules the roost. 40 years ago it was unknown. I used to have to keep someone in the office all the time in case clients or anyone rang up needing information or work to be booked.
Opa also spoke about how buildings have changed over his time of being a builder. He thinks it is more efficient to have roof trusses factory-built these days than to build them on the job. There used to be a lot more in roofs, different variants and more working out. Now they try to do away with those intricate roofs and only have one hip or straight gables.
I spoke with Opa about material shortages that he experienced during his time in business. We found it funny that we were both finding material shortages at the time of building but due to very different reasons.
When I think about what I enjoy most about the building industry, I completely agree with Opa and Dad about the joy that building interesting structures and the variation of work brings. I also enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories too. It seems I am a chip off the old block as they say. I also, like my Dad, put lists together and I am personally involved in every job. I think that is the best way to be efficient. It's funny to see Dad and Opa’s answers about why they became a builder, my answer is exactly the same, it truly is in the blood and I have had correct carpentry and building practices ingrained in me since I could hold a power tool. I remember my dad taking me to building sites on Saturday mornings or throughout school holidays and that's mostly where the passion grew. This is exactly why I chose my business name and why my clients trust me to deliver a consistently high standard of work on every job. When you choose Faultless Carpentry & Construct, you’re choosing guaranteed quality and attention to detail.
I thoroughly enjoyed putting this together as it shows a small insight into the building industry over the last 60+ years. Some things have changed whilst other things, like core practices that make a great carpenter, have stayed exactly the same.
In loving memory of Gerrit Aalbert Zevenboom
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