Why a Lighting Partnership Benefits Electrical Contractors
When a contractor works with a lighting partner, such as Aterra Designs, they hand off the responsibility of designing, selling, and documenting all lighting and electrical options for homeowners. Aterra represents the design aspect of the process, while the materials are purchased and installed by the contractor.
Aterra designers have the technical knowledge, market awareness, product information and design expertise necessary to create the most beautiful and functional lighting for homes. When electrical options are handled by lighting experts instead of by the builder’s sales team, clients are offered new products and any questions they have are answered on the spot. No need for multiple calls or emails to the contractor. A good design partner handles everything related to architectural and decorative lighting, low voltage, electrical, HVAC, home technologies, and audio/video.
On average, Aterra designers sell two to three times more electrical options as a builder’s salesperson, resulting in higher revenue for the contractor. Since the designs are created by professionals, contractors need not worry about conflicting products or code violations that may cause issues down the line.
How We Create Accurate Documentation
Aterra Designs’ proprietary administrative system is detailed but easy to use. After designers meet with home buyers, an order is entered into the system and generates a fully dimensioned, lot-specific plan for the electrical contractor in real time. This helps reduce field errors and walk-through times.
Three separate levels of reports are generated by the system: the sales report, the builder report, and the contractor report. This gives each party access to only information that is relevant to them and thus speeds up the process and alleviates confusion. Any changes made are inputted directly into the system, along with the version control for a builder’s base standards.
Common Misconceptions about Working with a Lighting Design Partner
A common fear when considering whether a contractor should work with a design professional, is the concern that it will take a long time to get everyone on the same page and that it will cause disruptions. However, Aterra has perfected the ability to incorporate a contractor’s pricing, symbols, and parts assemblies into their system. Aterra also specifies those manufacturers chosen by the contractor.
All existing contracts remain in place, the contractor sets prices on all products offered, and contractors and piecemeal laborers benefit from option sales that is above base contract amounts. Flat or decreasing margins are resolved with double option sales in the lighting and electrical categories. Aterra represents the design aspect of the process, while the materials are purchased and installed by the contractor.
With a lighting partner working as an electrical liaison between the electrician, home buyer, and builder, electricians can focus on what they do best – installing. Increased efficiency, fully detailed plans, and consistently higher option sales also maximize electrician profits and ROI. If this type of partnership sounds like something that could allow you to work more efficiently and increase your revenue, reach out to our team for more information at info@aterradesigns.com. We focus on lighting and electrical design and documentation so you can focus on installation – it’s a win-win.