Contracting in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria requires mind curling finesse. Not only is the navigation of the sub-contracting systems dangerous and potentially expensive to a crippling degree for an outsider, but customers are especially nervous given all they’ve been through. They don’t need a contractor who will create an even bigger headache for them. How does a general contractor go lean while maintaining a robust presence in the arena of rebuilding?

One thing is certain. Change is inevitable. Progress is optional. If you want to take your contracting business to the next level utilizing the opportunities brought by disaster relief, here are six ways to think about managing your business using what you know best, building houses, as a metaphor.

Great Design
Just like a house, a robust contracting business needs to be created from a design meant to serve the needs of the occupant and the environment surrounding the home. Your contracting business needs to service you, first by creating a worthwhile income that offers strong growth potential, and it needs to serve the larger community. Just like a home design needs the plumbing in the right place, a contracting business needs to plan its location, supply chain, and storage around an efficient plan.

Preparing The Site
No matter how good the location, if usage isn’t planned correctly, jobs become more difficult to navigate, expenses mount, and customers often end up let down. This is not a formula for taking advantage of construction opportunities after a natural disaster. Like mom said, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”

The Foundation
Not as concrete as a building foundation, the foundation of a contracting business is a mix of its financing, its staff, and its equipment. A contractor with a commitment to growing their business needs to have sufficient cash flow, an experienced staff, and presentable equipment. It’s important that things look nice. In a disaster relief situation, word of mouth goes a long way toward getting new customers.

Sound Structure
Similar to the foundation principle but more or less its child, a sound structure is the humming of a well-planned business that is running soundly on all cylinders. Don’t ever underestimate the need to take time to keep your side of the street clean and tidy.

Roof
Keep covered and you won’t get rained on. The roof is a metaphor for your business acumen and your insurance coverage. No one has to tell you how to keep from being screwed. You’ve learned those lessons. But remember, things move fast in this environment and scammers are out to take advantage of any loop holes or lapses in coverage. Don’t get caught!

Curb Appeal
More on keeping things clean – this counts for a lot. Just do it. You know what you have to do. Take the time and do it. Curb appeal in today’s world means how your company appears to the public in person and online. Keep your website, Facebook and Instagram up to date. Pay attention to your staff and they will be happy to keep your buildings, vehicles and equipment in a state that would make a grandmother compliment you.