Some things just go together—chocolate and peanut butter, lobster rolls and Maine, or taking in a Red Sox game and eating a Fenway Frank (it’s a hot dog, and if you haven’t had one… well, they’re life-changing). Some things you just can’t picture without the other. So, what about quality craftsmanship and wearing a tool belt? Do you have to have years of hands-on experience to produce quality work? I fielded this intriguing question on NS Builders podcasts. My answer may surprise you. 

NO TOOL BELT REQUIRED

The question was this: “Do you think you can achieve a quality like yours (NS Builders) without having been a tradesman or craftsman of any sort?” OK… I know some of you will disagree with my take on this, but I’m answering as objectively as possible. 

Yes. 

You can run a very successful business as a builder or GC without cinching on a toolbelt. And it all comes down to understanding three key elements of business: (1) hiring the right people, (2) using the right materials and products, and (3) setting the bar high. Let’s dig into each of these a little more. 

HIRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE

I’m grateful for the carpentry background that I cut my teeth on. And who knows if I would be in the same position I’m in today had I not had that experience. 

But the truth is: I haven’t worn a tool belt in years. NS Builders has grown to the point where I’m managing and promoting the business full-time these days. This is why I’ve surrounded myself with talented, like-minded, hard-working people in order to achieve success time after time, project after project. And that only happens when you hire—invest in—the right people.

I’m extremely dependent on my capable project managers. They are exceptional at what they do. They come from very different backgrounds. Yet they all work in achieving the same goal—making NS Builders the go-to for high-end new builds and major renovations. They understand my drive and focus for this company and I see evidence of their passion for it every day. 

USING THE RIGHT MATERIALS

There are so many layers that weave together in producing quality craftsmanship. And one of those layers is materials. Your selection of materials and products will go a long way in delivering high-quality work. Instead of focusing solely on the cheapest product to “get by with”, broaden your outlook to think long-term results-oriented: Will this product last? What’s the longevity and durability? Are there health or safety concerns related to its use or installation? What’s the carbon footprint? All of these questions can be researched without being a craftsman by trade.  

And with an abundance of videos and tutorials to watch on social media, there’s no excuse for not knowing what constitutes quality craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in that arena; get to know the “pros”—their methods, style, and the products they swear by.  

SET THE BAR HIGH

Have one goal firmly in mind: to deliver exceptional work every time, on time, and on budget. Excellence never results from underperformance. So, promote within your company the vision of excellence. Ask each person to do their best in achieving that. Settle for nothing less than what you promised the homeowner. 

Use social media to your advantage in not only marketing but to hold yourself accountable for continually producing top-notch work. When you share your work—essentially opening yourself up to comments or criticism—then it forces you to micro analyze everything you do. Push yourself to do a better job than the previous one. 

Sure—it’s a huge benefit to grow up in the business and gain that real-world experience swinging a hammer. However, I do think it is possible to achieve a high level of craftsmanship without that background—if you understand the business itself and the various elements that work together to make it a success.

It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen. 

—Nick Schiffer