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Having been in the TV industry for more than a decade, and in the construction industry for even longer, I’ve come to learn a thing or two. While I wish I’d come to these realizations before starting out, I’m a believer in the process and how wisdom is only achieved through experimentation and folly. Regardless, it’s important to learn from your mistakes. Here are the top lessons I've picked up throughout my career, which may be helpful to you down the road.
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
Bryan Baeumler
10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His Career
January 26, 2018
Having been in the TV industry for more than a decade, and in the construction industry for even longer, I’ve come to learn a thing or two. While I wish I’d come to these realizations before starting out, I’m a believer in the process and how wisdom is only achieved through experimentation and folly. Regardless, it’s important to learn from your mistakes. Here are the top lessons I've picked up throughout my career, which may be helpful to you down the road.
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
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Measure Twice (Then Twice More)
1/10Measure Twice (Then Twice More)
1/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
This has become my motto. I would have saved so much money and time on past projects had I always double-checked measurements. A millimetre here and a quarter-inch there makes all the difference. I feel so passionate about this concept that I even wrote a book about it, so trust me… measure twice.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerMeasure Twice (Then Twice More)
PHOTO 1 of 10READ LESS -This has become my motto. I would have saved so much money and time on past projects had I always double-checked measurements. A millimetre here and a quarter-inch there makes all the difference. I feel so passionate about this concept that I even wrote a book about it, so trust me… measure twice.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Don’t Cut Corners
2/10Don’t Cut Corners
2/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Early in my career I’d try to get a job done quickly so I could move onto the next task. Starting out is difficult, and it’s easy to focus on the cheque at the end of the project, but if you’re serious about your work, it pays to be conscientious by getting the task done to the best of your ability. This is how you’ll earn a well-respected reputation, and get hired for more jobs down the road.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerDon’t Cut Corners
PHOTO 2 of 10READ LESS -Early in my career I’d try to get a job done quickly so I could move onto the next task. Starting out is difficult, and it’s easy to focus on the cheque at the end of the project, but if you’re serious about your work, it pays to be conscientious by getting the task done to the best of your ability. This is how you’ll earn a well-respected reputation, and get hired for more jobs down the road.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Always Ask
3/10Always Ask
3/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you’re not sure how to go about a specific job, then ask someone who does. When starting out, it can feel like you need to have all the answers, but it’s impossible to be an expert in every element of your industry. Trying to solve an issue that you’re not yet knowledgeable about will only lead to added costs and could jeopardize your reputation.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerAlways Ask
PHOTO 3 of 10READ LESS -If you’re not sure how to go about a specific job, then ask someone who does. When starting out, it can feel like you need to have all the answers, but it’s impossible to be an expert in every element of your industry. Trying to solve an issue that you’re not yet knowledgeable about will only lead to added costs and could jeopardize your reputation.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Amount of Work Involved
4/10Amount of Work Involved
4/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
If I’d known how hard I’d have to work to get to where I am now, I would have chosen a different career path. I’m kidding! I was always meant to do this job. But the amount of work required is no joke. Starting your own business is tough, and keeping it moving requires a great deal of time and effort – so don’t think you can just sit back and count the money.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerAmount of Work Involved
PHOTO 4 of 10READ LESS -If I’d known how hard I’d have to work to get to where I am now, I would have chosen a different career path. I’m kidding! I was always meant to do this job. But the amount of work required is no joke. Starting your own business is tough, and keeping it moving requires a great deal of time and effort – so don’t think you can just sit back and count the money.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Contingency Plans
5/10Contingency Plans
5/10Photo Credit: pexels.com
When starting a new construction project, we always talk about contingency plans. I'd often hear that a project should have a 10% contingency budget for unforeseen costs, but in my experience, 25% is more realistic. Reno budgets are often ballpark figures due to the nature of the work, so I quickly learned that customers should consider a larger contingency when tackling a renovation.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerContingency Plans
PHOTO 5 of 10READ LESS -When starting a new construction project, we always talk about contingency plans. I'd often hear that a project should have a 10% contingency budget for unforeseen costs, but in my experience, 25% is more realistic. Reno budgets are often ballpark figures due to the nature of the work, so I quickly learned that customers should consider a larger contingency when tackling a renovation.Photo Credit: pexels.com
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You’re Only as Good as the People You Employ
6/10You’re Only as Good as the People You Employ
6/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
The people who represent your company are paramount to the success of your business. The individuals you hire will be the ones wearing the company uniform and are the faces of the organization. Don’t skip the interview process and ensure you hire the right people for the job.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerYou’re Only as Good as the People You Employ
PHOTO 6 of 10READ LESS -The people who represent your company are paramount to the success of your business. The individuals you hire will be the ones wearing the company uniform and are the faces of the organization. Don’t skip the interview process and ensure you hire the right people for the job.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Strategic Planning
7/10Strategic Planning
7/10Photo Credit: unsplash.com
Before you begin, put a plan in place. I went into the industry as an expert in my field, but without experience in starting a business. I may have written down some ideas, but I didn’t create a concrete plan. If I was starting again, I’d devote more time to developing a detailed strategy, which would have helped me save time in the long run.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerStrategic Planning
PHOTO 7 of 10READ LESS -Before you begin, put a plan in place. I went into the industry as an expert in my field, but without experience in starting a business. I may have written down some ideas, but I didn’t create a concrete plan. If I was starting again, I’d devote more time to developing a detailed strategy, which would have helped me save time in the long run.Photo Credit: unsplash.com
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Stay True to Yourself and Your Clients
8/10Stay True to Yourself and Your Clients
8/10Photo Credit: Bryan Baeumler
It’s important to know what makes you tick. If you’re passionate about a project, you’ll complete it to the highest standard possible. Have a clear plan of what your business will focus on and keep to it. The same goes when working with clients: When quoting a job, be upfront about pricing and the costs involved. Customers respect honesty.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerStay True to Yourself and Your Clients
PHOTO 8 of 10READ LESS -It’s important to know what makes you tick. If you’re passionate about a project, you’ll complete it to the highest standard possible. Have a clear plan of what your business will focus on and keep to it. The same goes when working with clients: When quoting a job, be upfront about pricing and the costs involved. Customers respect honesty.Photo Credit: Bryan Baeumler
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Listen to Your Customer
9/10Listen to Your Customer
9/10Photo Credit: Getty Images
By no means is the customer always right, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard his or her opinion. We hire professionals to do jobs we can’t, so reassure customers that you know best, but listen to their ideas, concerns and desires. This will give you a better understanding of the customer’s overall vision for the project. Sometimes the moans and groans can be easily remedied if you take the time to listen.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerListen to Your Customer
PHOTO 9 of 10READ LESS -By no means is the customer always right, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard his or her opinion. We hire professionals to do jobs we can’t, so reassure customers that you know best, but listen to their ideas, concerns and desires. This will give you a better understanding of the customer’s overall vision for the project. Sometimes the moans and groans can be easily remedied if you take the time to listen.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Find Fun in the Process
10/10Find Fun in the Process
10/10Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
No one told me how much fun this whole process would be. I’ve been able to meet some of the most inspiring people, and have experienced so many amazing things. I never thought working for yourself could be so rewarding. If you’re starting out, don’t forget to have fun, after all – that’s what it’s all about! <br><br> On a related note: Working in construction is never the same, as the technological advances and varying trends make every day a learning one. Embrace this and you will be successful.Bryan Baeumler10 Things Bryan Baeumler Wishes He Knew Before Starting His CareerFind Fun in the Process
PHOTO 10 of 10READ LESS -No one told me how much fun this whole process would be. I’ve been able to meet some of the most inspiring people, and have experienced so many amazing things. I never thought working for yourself could be so rewarding. If you’re starting out, don’t forget to have fun, after all – that’s what it’s all about! <br><br> On a related note: Working in construction is never the same, as the technological advances and varying trends make every day a learning one. Embrace this and you will be successful.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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