Reviving Efficiency: How Contractor Foreman Transformed Revive Works Remodeling’s Operations

Reviving Efficiency: How Contractor Foreman Transformed Revive Works Remodeling’s Operations

The construction industry has long grappled with productivity challenges, with many companies relying on outdated, manual processes for project management and estimation. This case study explores how Revive Works Remodeling, a residential remodeling company in Portland, Oregon, leveraged Contractor Foreman to revolutionize its operations and achieve remarkable results.

Company Introduction

Revive Works Remodeling (RWR) was established in 2014 by Alan Pierce, a professional artist. RWR is a full-service residential general contractor specializing in whole-home remodels, bathroom/kitchen remodels, aging-in-place modifications, and home repair. With a decade of experience in the Portland area, the company has built a reputation for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

Challenges before using Contractor Foreman

Before implementing Contractor Foreman, Revive Works Remodeling faced several operational challenges:

  1. Time-consuming estimation process: The company relied on Excel and Word templates, requiring repetitive data entry and constant customization.

  2. Inefficient document management: Project files, invoices, and architectural drawings were scattered across various platforms.

  3. Lack of centralized cost tracking: Difficulty in maintaining up-to-date product, labor, and rental costs.

  4. Manual lead management: Time wasted on manually entering leads from the website.

  5. Subcontractor and vendor management: Tracking licenses, insurance documents, and other paperwork was cumbersome.

Alan Pierce, Owner of Revive Works Remodeling, described the situation: “Prior to using Contractor Foreman, I used Excel and Word templates where I had to repeatedly input the same data and endlessly customize. I was spending 20 hours a week making bids.” 

Solution Identification

After evaluating various CRM software options for six months, Revive Works Remodeling chose Contractor Foreman. Alan Pierce explained the decision: “I chose Contractor Foreman because to someone like myself who is not an extremely techy person, it was understandable, clear, and it was rated #1 in the U.S. The program as a whole also has a large and specialized enough framework that I felt I could stick with it and grow into the program for the entire lifetime of my company.”

Implementation

The implementation process was smooth, with Pierce noting, “Overall the platform is pretty user-friendly” The company primarily uses Contractor Foreman for estimating, but team members also use it for uploading progress photos, accessing architectural plans, and checking subcontractor scopes of work. Clients are also given access to view project files and progress photos.

Key Features Utilized

  1. Estimating module with cost library

  2. File attachment and organization

  3. Inventory management

  4. Client and subcontractor portal

  5. Lead management integration

  6. Subcontractor and vendor management

Results and Impact

The implementation of Contractor Foreman led to significant improvements in Revive Works Remodeling’s operations:

  1. Time Savings:
    – Estimation process: Reduced from 20 hours to less than 5 hours per week
    – Overall time saved: Approximately 982 hours per year (20 hours per week)

  1. Improved Accuracy:
    – More precise product, labour, and rental cost tracking
    – Quarterly cost updates ensure up-to-date pricing

  1. Streamlined Lead Management:
    – Saved 52 hours per year through website lead form integration

  1. Enhanced Document Management:
    – Saved approximately 100 hours per year in file retrieval and organization

  1. Efficient Subcontractor Management:
    – Saved 50 hours per year on workers’ comp payroll reporting

  1. Increased Profitability:
    – Net margin increased from 7% to 25% over four years of using Contractor Foreman

Alan Pierce emphasized the impact: “Contractor Foreman eradicated the need for double data entry and the tedious task of shifting the design of my word and excel estimate templates for each and every new estimate. This saved me approximately 15 hours a week and 780 hours a year.” 

He added, “Our net margin has also increased significantly because of the ability to get the accurate calculation from building any estimate. In the four years we have been using Contractor Foreman, our net margin has gone from 7%-25%. It definitely has been a game changer for us.”

Real-World Example

In 2021, Revive Works Remodeling experienced a sudden influx of leads due to an SEO boost. Pierce recounted, “We went from 3-5 leads a month to being inundated with over 20 leads in less than a month, which meant I had to schedule 15-20 site visits and build 15-20 estimates from projects ranging from $2,000 to $150,000 in less than a month. Using Contractor Foreman, I managed to finish all the estimates requested using the ability to pull sections from similar past projects and make minor modifications to them, which greatly reduced the time spent and allowed me to get all the estimates out in a timely manner with a simple and professional aesthetic.”

Future Outlook

While highly satisfied with Contractor Foreman, Revive Works Remodeling suggested some areas for improvement, including “having a slightly clearer more engaging bank of video tutorials and more opportunities for one on one coaching.”

Conclusion

The implementation of Contractor Foreman has transformed Revive Works Remodeling’s operations, leading to significant time savings, improved accuracy, and increased profitability.

The software has allowed the company to focus more on income-producing activities and growth by streamlining processes from estimation to project management.

As Alan Pierce summed up, “Overall Contractor Foreman has saved me about 982 hours per year which is time I can now focus on income-producing activities like marketing, sales, estimating and project management.”