Comparing how similar-sized builders across the country fared during the market upheaval of 2008 can help builders benchmark their own businesses and plan for the future.

During the upcoming NAHB “Building Conversations” webinar, “Cost of Doing Business,” one of the authors of NAHB’s biannual “Cost of Doing Business Study,” and other panelists will discuss the most recent study’s results and explain how builders can benefit from comparing their own financial results against the industry as a whole.

The webinar will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9.

The study illustrates how builders of different types and sizes weathered the economic turmoil of 2008 and will enable builders to compare their operations against those of like-sized peers.

Topics to be discussed during the webinar include:

• Highlights of the results of the 2010 edition of NAHB’s “Cost of Doing Business Study”
• How builders can use the survey results to gauge the health and efficiency of their business
• The importance of benchmarking
• What the survey’s results mean for the home building industry

Panelists include:

• Chuck Shinn, principal of the Shinn Group of Companies: Builder Partnerships, Shinn Consulting and the Shinn Group. For more than 35 years, Shinn has provided management consulting services and educational seminars exclusively to the housing industry. Through Shinn Consulting, he and his team work with builder clients to help them realize greater profits and efficiencies. Shinn has also spent 35 years working with manufacturers through NAHB's National Council of the Housing Industry — The Leading Suppliers of NAHBI. He has been co-chair of the organization and also chaired its education committee.
  
  
• Rose Quint, NAHB assistant vice president for survey research. Quint’s responsibilities include planning and conducting industry surveys, specifically in the areas of builder sentiment, remodeling, housing affordability and acquisition, development and construction financing issues. She is also responsible for special research projects, such as studies on builders’ profitability, consumer preferences, construction costs and membership census. 

The webinar is presented by the NAHB Business Management and Information Technology committee and NAHB BuilderBooks.

Other Webinars in the 'Building Conversations' Series

Other webinars in the series include:

• “Syndicate Financing,” Thursday, Oct. 14
  When no credit is available, a next logical step for builders and developers to pursue is syndicate financing. Experts will discuss how to develop a proposal and locate partners. They will also address what to include in contracts and the pitfalls to avoid.
  
  
• “Green Building Codes & Standards,” Thursday, Nov. 11
  Participants will learn the latest benefits and breakthroughs from NAHB’s green building program.

Replays Available on Webinars Already Held

On-demand recordings of the webinars already held are available within a week of their live webcasts. On-demand participants who did not register for the live webcasts must register for the on-demand recordings. 

• “Using Social Media to Sell Homes,” held on June 10
  Carol Flammer, best-selling author of the book, “Social Media for Home Builders: It’s Easier Than You Think!” and other experts on social media provided tips and tools for using social media to build brands, engage customers and sell more homes.
  
  
• “Using Home Technology to Boost Profits,” held on July 8
  Expert panelists will illustrate how builders can work with electronic systems contractors (ESCs) to easily incorporate home technology into their projects — at every price point — to create a profit center for their businesses.

The fee for each webinar is $24.95 for NAHB members and $34.95 for non-members. The fee for the five-part series is $99.75 for NAHB members and $149.75 for non-members. Participants must be registered to hear a webinar or its rebroadcast.

To Register

To register, www.nahb.org/buildingconversations.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org/buildingconversations; or  e-mail Mary Knowles at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8057.

How Does Your Business Measure Up?

“The Cost of Doing Business Study, 2010 Edition,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides home builders with a rare glimpse at profitability, cost of sales and expenses from hundreds of home builders across the country.

Several categories — including volume, operation type and land vs. no land costs — are analyzed to help builders fine-tune comparisons between study results and their companies.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.