New Cutting Edge Tool in Custom Building

May 25, 2010 - PRLog -- "During the five years of working closely with homeowners, designers, and builders, I repeatedly heard the woeful stories of the custom building and remodeling experience from both sides", recounts Kramer-Pope. "It seemed to be endemic to the process. Frankly, I was shocked to discover that typically, meetings weren't routinely scheduled nor conversations and promises documented.  With so many details, money and reputations at stake, it made no sense to me that this was the standard of practice, or should I say, non-practice!"  

Having a passion for clear communication to prevent conflict, Kramer-Pope declared, "It doesn't have to be this way." Recognizing what was missing, she created Listening Arts, a communication facilitation and training company exclusively serving custom building and design professionals.  

Over the past 2 years, Kramer-Pope has demonstrated that the 5 projects with weekly facilitated meetings, complete with documentation and an agenda, all resulted in highly satisfied homeowners who gladly referred the builder to their friends. As one homeowner said, " I look forward to the meetings. They provide me a place where I can rely on getting my questions and concerns addressed. The notes make it easy for me to remember what I have to do or what was said. When I tell my friends about the process the say they wished they had this kind of service during their home building experience. You've made it simpler and seamless."

As for the builders, Pat Elston, of Elston Construction, had this to say; "Along with presenting a greater level of professionalism to my customer, the meeting notes saved me on a number of occasions." Gary Dorris, of Dorris Construction, reports; "This service has transformed my business and superintendents' confidence levels. They no longer feel put on the spot or caught off-guard when interacting with the homeowner. They feel prepared for their interactions knowing they have a weekly forum at which to present progress, answer questions and ask for what they need from the homeowner.  I can't imagine doing business without our project communication specialist. "

It's more than just communication practices. It's also about building awareness and educating the homeowner about the process before, and as, it unfolds. From letting them in on the practices, expectations and assumptions inherent in the process, to being an educator throughout the project, the custom building professional who has a well thought-out customer service delivery system stands to be a cutting-edge leader in the custom building industry for unparalleled service.

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Listening Arts...advancing reputations, accountability and communication excellence. Serving custom building & design professionals, their staff and clients to assure mutual understanding and peace of mind throughout the project's life and beyond.