Specialization
Why trying to do it all in construction hurts profit, quality, and timelines. Learn how focusing on core trades leads to 40% faster delivery and more consistent margins.
Hey, you're still here!
Glad we didn't scare you off with all the AI talk last month. 😅
This month, we're talking about something way less futuristic - but even more important if you're in the trenches like us.
Specialization.
(Not the shiny, buzzword kind.)
The kind that comes from experience, from tough calls, and from being brutally honest about what's working… and what's not.
So let's be real.
It's easy to have that "do-it-all" mindset in construction.
But when you're juggling too many trades, things always start to slip.
And it's usually:
- Profit.
- Quality.
- Timelines.
The numbers back it up.
According to a Dodge Construction Network report:
- Subcontractor delays are the #2 cause of missed deadlines.
- 57% of contractors say offering too many services hurts their profitability.
- Companies that are specialized report 40% faster timelines and more consistent margins.
And we experienced this at ProFormance as well.
Here's what happened:
For a while, we were taking on drywall and paint.
Made sense — it was work we could handle, and clients liked the all-in-one convenience. So we kept saying yes. But the more jobs we ran, the more it became clear.
Drywall and paint…
Slowed down our other trades.
So, we had to be honest with ourselves. Drywall and paint were draining us. So we made the call to drop them.
Not because it's not valuable work (it is). But because we're not the best ones to do it. We decided to stay specialized and focus on our main trades roofing, siding, house wrap, soffit & fascia.
(And bring in real specialists when the job calls for it.)
We're not trying to be everything to everyone. We're just trying to be really damn good at what we do.
If you've ever had to make a call like this.
To do less so you can deliver more, you get it.
We're sharing this not because we've got it all figured out — but because this kind of honesty is rare in our space.
We think it matters.
Maybe this newsletter is just a sign. A quiet nudge to reevaluate what you're offering.
What you're saying yes to and what it might be costing you.
Specialization is powerful.
So let this be a reminder that it's okay to stick to what you're good at.