A Study to Identify and Exploit Mutual Frustrations Among Seattle Area Residential Builders Regarding Trade Contractor Relations

Abstract

This descriptive research document investigates the existence of common frustrations among Seattle area residential builders regarding trade contractor relations. The study opens with an extensive exploration of what the body of literature has to say about the current state of affairs within the local, national and international construction industry. Statistics are examined from the residential construction and real estate markets in Seattle, the State of Washington as w ell as the United States. The rest of the literature review is organized into several broad categories including Quality, Risk, Collaboration, Safety, Scheduling and Information Technology. Each one is discussed and distilled to the key elements that play a role in relationship between builders and their tradesman. It is argued that the information in the literature review forms the framework for the focus of the research survey. The survey was distributed in written form as a questionnaire to a sample of 35 Seattle area builders, 27 of which provided a complete response by the deadline. Drawing upon the amalgamation of the literature and the data gathered from the 27 respondents, a foundation will be built in support of three strategic recommendations. Each recommendation advises trade contractors as to how they can capitalize on the widespread shortcomings of their competitors. The recommendations can be considered individually or collectively as plausible methods of market differentiation or simply further avenues of research. Finally, as the study concludes, four potential areas for further study will be suggested.