With hundreds of high-quality photos and such innovative tools as a virtual “book” about the design/build process, there’s something for every homeowner at www.landisconstruction.com.
But the site’s goal isn’t so much to please everyone as it is to narrow the field to a qualified few. “It saves us a lot of time,” says Ethan Landis, co-owner of Landis Construction, Washington, D.C. “By the time someone contacts us, they usually know they want to work with us.” For instance:
A “prices” page lists average cost ranges of a variety of projects. People appreciate the straightforwardness, Landis says. If the prices scare some away, both parties are spared an awkward conversation later.
The “contact us” page is essentially a screening form that collects information about the prospect’s home, budget, and schedule.
Another page invites people who “are seriously interested” in hiring the company to request a password that will let them access its references and standard documents. “We don’t want them to call our references unless it’s clear we can work together,” Landis says.
New features are always in the works. Yerko Pallominy, the company’s photographer (and also a designer) says one plan is to enhance the “contact” function so that people can attach photos of their home, rather than attempting written descriptions.
