In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon Clayton talks with Linden Dover, co-founder and COO of Weaver, an online platform that assists architects and design professionals in finding, vetting, and hiring building contractors. Linden shares the rigorous three-step approach adopted by Weaver to vet contractors, emphasizing the importance of continual assessment. He also discusses his past experiences, specifically a 2016 instance regarding a rogue contractor that eventually led to the founding of Weaver. Ultimately, the continual vetting process maximises the chances of a successful match between a project and contractor and also ensures clients have a pleasant experience.

Today's Guest...

Linden Dover is an entrepreneur and seasoned property development professional with a deep-rooted passion for design, craftsmanship, and innovation. As the Co-Founder and COO of Weaver, an online platform connecting contractors to home renovation projects in the UK, he has cultivated a thriving network of trusted professionals. The platform, recognized and backed by influential industry leaders like BTOV, FJ Labs, and Atlassian Executives, stands as a testament to his commitment to elevating the construction and renovation industry.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:01 Meet the Guest: Linden Dover

01:57 Linden's Personal Journey and Relocation to Mallorca

03:02 The Birth of Weaver: A Story of Overcoming Challenges

06:55 The Weaver Vetting Process: Ensuring Quality Contractors

14:38 The Importance of Continual Assessment

16:47 The Two-Way Vetting Process: Ensuring Quality Projects

18:31 Tips for Finding the Right Contractor

23:09 The Importance of Respect and Communication in the Construction Industry

27:54 Linden's Favorite Place: A Hidden Gem in Mallorca

29:37 Conclusion and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

Do your due diligence: Don't just rely on looks or recommendations. Interrogate and thoroughly assess potential contractors.

Visit ongoing projects: Whenever possible, go visit a project that the contractor is currently working on. This will give you a good sense of their workmanship and the way they conduct themselves on site.

Verify credentials: Check if the contractor has the appropriate insurances and references for your specific type of project. Make sure they have the necessary experience and expertise.

Get references and verify them: Reach out to past clients and ask them about their experience working with the contractor. Ask about their communication, timeliness, and ability to resolve disputes.

 Continual assessment: Look for contractors who are continually assessed and have a good track record. Consider working with platforms or networks that provide ongoing evaluation and feedback.

Consider specialization: If your project requires specific skills or expertise (e.g., sustainable design, unique materials), ensure that the contractor has experience in that area.

Avoid solely focusing on price: While cost is an important factor, prioritize factors such as communication, timeliness, and overall fit for your project. Cheaper quotes may lead to unexpected costs and low-quality work.

Provide feedback: Communicate with contractors and provide feedback on their performance. This helps them improve and ensures transparency.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about Weaver at…

https://www.weaver.build/architects

Linden’s LinkedIn Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/linden-dover-1b080315

Linden’s Email Address

[email protected]

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In The Next Episode...

Jon chats to Janine Coombes, a service positioning expert about how to better position your offers and feel confident in how much you charge.