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The Outsource Hub for Home Builders

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The Bots are Coming: Are We Ready for the Disruption Ahead?

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Robot with human face

Jimdroid – Created by Tabitha Warren with a little help from A.I,

The past six months have been nothing short of a revelation. Last fall, I experienced an ischemic stroke—an event that was a bit terrifying and life-altering, but also utterly fascinating. While the recovery process has been grueling, it has also given me a rare, firsthand understanding of the intricate connection between the brain and the body—something most people never have to think about.

When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is cut off, damaging nerves and severing their connection to various parts of the body. In my case, I lost control of most of my left side. However, I was fortunate—my face, speech, vision, and cognitive function were largely unaffected. Even more encouraging, my doctors reassured me that I had the potential for full recovery since I could still move my fingers and toes. What they didn’t immediately share, though, was just how difficult that journey would be.

After months of intense physical therapy and relentless effort, I have regained control of most of my muscles. Just last week, I celebrated a significant milestone—full range of motion in my shoulder. Walking, however, remains a work in progress. I can do it, but let’s just say I won’t be winning any style points.

This experience has given me a deep appreciation for something most of us take for granted: the brain-muscle connection. Under normal circumstances, our muscles simply do what they’re supposed to without conscious thought. A stroke doesn’t damage the muscles themselves but disrupts the neural networks that control them. Recovery, therefore, isn’t about healing muscles; it’s about retraining the brain to find new pathways through endless, repetitive exercises.

Army of cartoon robots

What Does This Have to Do with Robotics?

We all know the robots are coming. Many of us have chuckled at videos of Tesla’s Optimus robot tripping down a hill. Skeptics argue that humanoid robots are still decades away from being truly useful, but my stroke recovery has given me a fresh perspective—I now firmly believe they’re coming much sooner than we think.

Why? Because AI learning mirrors stroke recovery in many ways. Just as my brain must repeatedly attempt movements to forge new neural pathways, AI systems refine their capabilities through repetition. The more they practice, the smarter and more autonomous they become, adapting to new tasks without explicit reprogramming. We’ve already seen remarkable advancements in autonomous driving—Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 13.2 shows just how close we are to full autonomy.

The Impending Disruption in Homebuilding

It doesn’t take much imagination to picture robots swinging hammers on job sites. But what will push the homebuilding industry toward this reality? Tariffs? Immigration reform? The growing need for affordable housing? The catalyst may not be clear yet, but one thing is certain: innovation is essential for reducing construction costs and ensuring builders can continue to thrive.

Remember Katerra? In 2015, it looked like this technology-driven, off-site construction company would revolutionize the industry. But despite massive funding, the company ultimately collapsed in 2021 due to a combination of overspending, the pandemic, and lender failures. However, Katerra was just the tip of the iceberg. Since then, AI has advanced at an exponential pace, and robotics is poised to play a crucial role in the next wave of construction innovation.

Are We Ready for What’s Next?

Probably not. Most industries are slow to embrace disruption, and homebuilding is no exception. But the shift is inevitable. That’s why homebuilders and trade contractors need to start preparing now—adapting to new technologies and finding ways to integrate AI and robotics into their processes before they get left behind.

At Outhouse.net, we’ve always been at the forefront of innovation. From launching our first interactive floor plan over 20 years ago to developing interactive site maps, kiosks, animations, virtual tours, and visualizers, we’ve continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing technology. And we’re not stopping anytime soon. We, too, understand the need to stay ahead of the curve.

The future is coming fast—are you ready?

Don’t Retire Print Marketing – Reimagine It

· · Leave a Comment

Brochure of a K. Hovnanian Homes house

People often ask us why a print company specializing in print for home builders is necessary. Heck, today, builders sometimes ask us if print marketing is still a valuable sales tool! The answer to both questions is a resounding “Yes!” We explain why in this post.

The Role of Print in New Home Sales

In a recent episode of the Digital Velocity Podcast, co-hosts Erik Martinez of Digital Velocity and Tim Curtis of NaviStone talk with Alex Kupski and Jake Hoffman, co-hosts of the Millennials in Print Podcast, about the Power of Print in the Digital Age. They conclude, “The more channels you’re present on and the more channels you’re marketing to people on, ultimately, the more effective you’re going to be. Print, just like social, just like email, just like your website, just like a commercial on TV, is a channel for you to market on. It’s another arrow in the quiver. It’s another way to reach people you might not have before.”

…the ubiquity of digital media has given print media a strange new power.” –Brandon Ortiz, Salesforce.com

Print marketing works best when paired with digital marketing. Digital marketing is often the most effective way to draw people in. With interactive site plans, interactive floor plans, renderings, virtual tours, visualizers, and Matterport tours, your website is arguably a home builder’s most potent marketing tool. But it is only effective for a home buyer’s few precious moments on your website. Print collateral, on the other hand, has a much longer life span. Brochures and floorplan/elevation minis often sit on a potential buyer’s countertop or table for weeks or months, a lasting reminder of your homes and communities. Not every prospect immediately purchases a home, so print is a great way to keep them focused on yours. 

David Weekley Homes brochure with cactus front cover, and homes on the back

Data shows that print used in tandem with digital marketing is one of the most effective sales strategies as the two mediums strengthen and reinforce each other. A study by InfoTrends found that 66% of direct mail is opened, and 56% of consumers who respond to direct mail go online or visit a physical store. A recent article in SFGate offers some great tips to sync your print and digital marketing efforts:

  • Place QR codes on print materials.
  • Provide digital opt-ins for direct mail.
  • Include social media reviews and comments on print materials.
  • Include hashtags and calls to action on print materials.

Although digital and print marketing take different forms, They work together to engage customers and keep your brand at the top of their minds.

It isn’t game over for print marketing. The game has only changed.”

The game has changed regarding print marketing strategies. When you discover the power of fusing “low-tech with high-tech,” you will separate yourself from the homebuilders who made the mistake of transitioning to 100% digital marketing.

Print is particularly effective where there is a physical customer presence – In industries where customers interact in person, such as model home sales offices, print materials provide tangible takeaways. Homebuilders can leverage brochures, direct mail, and high-quality printed floor plans to keep their homes top of mind for buyers who may not be ready to purchase immediately.

Print Remains Relevant in the Digital Age – As digital marketing becomes more saturated, print marketing offers brands a way to cut through the noise. As digital marketing becomes more easily ignored, physical marketing materials command attention, creating a lasting impression.

Moreover, print campaigns should be fully integrated with digital efforts. Rather than treating print as an afterthought, homebuilders can maximize impact by designing campaigns that blend the strengths of both mediums. Brochures, mailers, even print ads should include QR codes, personalized URLs, or augmented reality elements that direct potential buyers to interactive experiences online. Instead of evaluating print and digital separately, builders should use KPIs that measure how both contribute to lead generation and engagement.

Why Use a Builder-Specific Printing Company?

The challenge builders face that is unique to our industry is the weekly sales cycle. From week to week, home prices may change, lot availability changes, and options may vary. The typical strip-mall printer is not equipped to automate this process. Outhouse built their business to serve a single industry – HOME BUILDING. We do all work in-house, from CAD for your construction documents to print materials for your sales centers. This allows all teams, including architectural, rendering, graphics, interactive, and print, to work in tandem. By doing so, we create accurate, up-to-date print materials that are consistent and coordinated with your digital marketing assets. Utilizing the latest technologies, we print and deliver materials on time every week, on the builder’s schedule. Challenge solved – you send us your edits, and we coordinate these changes across all platforms.  

Professional Artwork Creation: Outhouse provides clients with the considerable advantage of having drafting and rendering services on-site, allowing coordination with the development of their artwork for all printed materials. This coordination offers clients superior accuracy, faster turnaround times, and lower overall costs.

Coordinated File Management:  Another advantage is the ease of managing and coordinating all created artwork with professional digital file and asset management. All artwork is kept up-to-date, consistent, and coordinated between city design reviews, printed sales materials, large format displays, and interactive web products and services.  

Superior Print Quality:  Superior brand standard quality and consistency every time on every product is only possible with the coordination, color calibration, and production of all graphics, printing, and display under one roof. Unlike a mass-market printer like Vista Print, Outhouse is not a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) printer. We believe that good enough is never good enough, and we have the magnifying glasses to prove it! On rare occasions when colors are incorrect or print quality is not up to snuff the first time off the press, we recalibrate and rerun the job.

Builder-Specific Delivery:  Unlike many industries, home building has a weekly sales cycle, and having your print delivered on time is critical. Outhouse understands this. We meet your deadlines your way on your weekly sales cycle.

Woodside Homes brochure with three homes

The bottom line is print marketing still plays an integral role in new home marketing and sales. There’s a reason the Outhouse Interactive Floor Plan has a save button. It allows prospective homebuyers to save their customized floor plans and print them out for further review. 

What about younger generations? Retail Focus Magazine tells us that print is 30% more memorable than digital. This applies to all age groups. You need look no further than nightclubs which hand out leaflets advertising upcoming events, and university welcome packs to know that print still appeals to young people. The magazine also notes the best campaigns are when print and digital work alongside each other instead of trying to compete. A younger audience may be digitally savvy, but they still appreciate a well-thought-out hard copy campaign.  

Although any printer can give you a halfway decent brochure, only a company like Outhouse coordinates your CAD, rendering, and interactive projects with your print materials and sales office displays. Even if our print pricing is a bit higher, you will save significantly more overall through efficiencies in coordination.     

Woodside Homes floor plan
When you update a plan, Outhouse coordinates the changes across CAD, print, and all digital marketing assets.

Is 2025 the Year to Break Out of the “Home Builder Box?”

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There are many brilliant people here at Outhouse, and one of them is our content creator and social media manager, Tabitha Warren. An enthusiastic advocate for the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, Tabitha made the bold decision to leave her full-time job as a tax accountant in her mid-thirties. But instead of retiring, she pivoted to a new career in digital marketing, joining our team at Outhouse while also helping other companies build websites. It wasn’t an easy transition, but through determination, hard work, and a relentless drive to learn new skills, she made it happen. Today, she’s a Canva expert, crafting stunning graphics and managing social media for most of our marketing efforts. What’s even more inspiring is her constant quest for the “next big thing.” Her curiosity and drive to adopt cutting-edge technologies push me, the old guy, to keep learning and reaching for more.





Tabitha Warren in front of husband Anthony





Tabitha Warren,  enjoying some free time with husband Anthony





In a way, Tabitha’s journey mirrors the challenges the home building industry faces. As she mentioned in her January 10th post, “Navigating Labor and Supply Chain Issues,” the industry enters another year trying to stay ahead. It’s not a lack of demand—there are plenty of families looking for new homes—but labor and supply chain bottlenecks, coupled with sticky inflation, that are driving home prices higher (thank you, pandemic). And let’s not forget the high interest rates that persist even after a couple of Fed rate cuts (thanks, lenders).







Builders and contractors who adapted quickly survived. 







The housing crash of 2008-2010 showed us that builders and contractors who adapted quickly survived. For many, that meant streamlining operations, letting go of staff (not-so-affectionately called “right-sizing”), and embracing new, cost-saving techniques. Some even chose to be acquired by other companies. Many long-time construction workers faced similar crossroads, and those who were willing to adapt to new careers—sometimes temporarily—are the ones who have thrived today.

The reality is, like the stock market, the home building industry is volatile. It’s a constant roller coaster ride with high highs and low lows, and rare are the moments when things are smooth sailing. The key to surviving and thriving? Being agile. Builders who can pivot quickly, streamline processes, adopt new methods and technologies, or even revert to time-tested strategies when necessary will be the ones who come out on top.





Image of a house blueprint transitioning to 3D exterior rendering










This is exactly why we built the Outhouse CAD department with this roller coaster in mind. Many homebuilders already rely on us for renderings and interactive tools, so it only makes sense to put our 30+ years of CAD expertise to work and help with drafting services. Here’s how outsourcing your drafting to us can benefit you:

• Uniformity for the Field Crew: Our approach ensures that your plans maintain a consistent look and feel across the board, no matter who the designer is.
• Compatibility is Key: Our 2D plans integrate seamlessly with other Outhouse services or external consultants—no hassle, just smooth collaboration. 
• You Own the CAD Files: Whether you build one home or a hundred from a single set of plans, the CAD files are yours to keep. 
• Accelerated Delivery of Marketing Assets: We can produce your interactive floor plans, site maps, virtual tours, visualizers, renderings, and brochures simultaneously, allowing you to hit the market faster and more cost-effectively.







Embrace the future (or more precisely, the present) with 3D photorealistic renderings, 360-degree virtual tours, and interactive floor plans. 







If your website still sports black-and-white stick drawings and static floor plans and site maps, it’s well past time to think outside the box. Embrace the future (or more precisely, the present) with 3D photorealistic renderings, 360-degree virtual tours, and interactive floor plans. Interactive tools are far more engaging than static images—they allow homebuyers to digitally add structural options, rearrange furniture, and even take virtual walks through rooms with integrated VR hotspots. These experiences help families emotionally connect to your homes, turning casual browsers into serious buyers. Plus, interactive features are proven to increase the time visitors spend on your site, which often leads to more sales. In today’s tech-savvy market, these tools aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re essential. Younger homebuyers, especially, love the gamified, interactive experiences.


















Outhouse.net excels at providing all the digital and print marketing assets that today’s homebuyers expect when shopping for new homes, including 3D renderings, virtual tours, visualizers, interactive floor plans, and interactive site maps for your website. And we don’t stop there—we also offer interactive kiosks, print materials, large format signage, and display options for sales offices.

Looking for more ways to expand your horizons? The International Builders Show in Las Vegas, happening February 25-27, is a fantastic place to explore the latest in construction technology and trends. If you’re attending, make sure to stop by and say hello to Outhouse principals and our OSC partner Blue Gypsy Inc. in Sales Central, West Hall W311. We’ll be sponsoring coffee and snacks throughout each day, and we’d love to meet you. All are welcome—even if you have a floor pass only!







This is what my home will look like? I was blind and now I can see! Hallelujah!


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—probably said by around 75% of new homeowners using interactive floor plans.








Outhouse video of site map, to interactive floor plan using furniture to scale floor planner





Buying a new home is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From the excitement of picking out the perfect neighborhood to the dread of deciphering traditional blueprints that look like a game of Tetris gone wrong, it’s a process that could use a little less stress and a lot more fun. Enter interactive floor plans—the unsung hero of homebuying, making lives easier and dreams closer to reality.





Interactive floor plans are like a crystal ball for future homeowners. Instead of squinting at static floor plans that seem more suited for engineers than everyday folks, you get an immersive, easy-to-use tool that shows you exactly what your new home could look like. Whether it’s a 2D layout or a 3D walk-through, these plans let you explore every nook and cranny of your potential palace.







Wait, so this is what my bedroom will look like with an actual bed in it? And I still have room for a yoga mat? This is sorcery!” —probably said by every millennial buyer ever.







With features that let you zoom in and customize layouts, interactive floor plans put the power back in your hands. Suddenly, picking a home doesn’t feel like a guessing game; it feels like designing your personal dream space—without the confusion and uncertainty.





The Stress of “What Ifs”? Gone.





Happy Homeowners, man and woman hugging. Man lifts woman into the air. Boxes scattered around room ready to unpack.
Happy homeowners courtesy of Adobe Stock





Buying a home comes with a million “what if”s. What if the kitchen’s too cramped? What if the living room doesn’t fit our couch that is basically a family heirloom? Interactive floor plans kick those doubts to the curb by letting you visualize your future home in a way traditional tools never could.







I’m sorry, I can just drag and drop then resize furniture to see how it fits? I feel like a one-person moving company!” —an exasperated but thrilled first-time buyer.







Customization for the Win





Interactive floor plans are more than just pretty pictures. They’re customizable, allowing you to play around with layouts, options, and even kitchen appliances. Want an open-concept kitchen? Boom, done. Thinking about adding a home office? See exactly how it fits before committing.







I just turned my three-bedroom into a four-bedroom with an office nook, all before my second cup of coffee. Take that, HGTV!” —a suddenly confident buyer.







Not only does this customization make the process fun, but it also reduces miscommunications with builders. When you know exactly what you want, there’s no room for “I thought you meant this” moments. It’s a win-win.







It’s like visiting the model home, minus the awkward small talk with the sales agent.” —an introverted and happy new homeowner.









I was sick, and I designed my future house in my pajamas with a tissue stuffed in one nostril. Modern technology really peaked here.” —a satisfied buyer who fully recovered and is now living their best life.







Builders, Take Note: Happy Buyers = Happy Sales





Interactive Floor Plan labeled with many of the pros for both builder and buyer





For builders, offering interactive floor plans isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. Buyers are more likely to commit when they feel confident in their choices. And nothing boosts confidence like being able to see, tweak, and explore your home before it even exists. Since the first IFP was created decades ago, Outhouse.net is leading the charge, helping builders provide these tools that make buyers swoon.





Conclusion: The Homebuying Hero We Deserve





Interactive floor plans aren’t just about convenience—they’re about transforming the homebuying journey into something exciting and stress-free. They bring clarity to the chaos and turn dream homes into tangible realities. And hey, if you’re lucky, they might just save you from buying a house with a kitchen island that’s one cupboard short of perfect.







Thanks to interactive floor plans, I found my dream home and avoided a layout disaster. Now I’m just wondering if they can help with furniture shopping, too.”—a relieved new homeowner and soon-to-be dedicated IKEA customer.







Head Shot of Outhouse Partner Stuart Platt


Stuart Platt, Managing Partner at Outhouse LLC restructured his 25+ year company to an Office Optional (OffOp) business model in 2018. Stuart’s version of the OffOp model enabled the company of nearly 40 employees to downsize its physical office from 14k sf to 6k sf. Based in Phoenix, local employees desiring to work in the office for a few days, weeks or months can reserve any open desk whenever they want. The remaining employees work from home, fulltime across 10 different states and counting. Schedule time to talk with Stuart at IBS by emailing him at [email protected].









Want to work smarter, not harder? The Outhouse/Blue Gypsy Coffee Station in Sales Central has just what you need: 
• Coffee and snacks to improve hustle
• Relaxation to improve recall 
• A chance to schedule time with your favorite Home Builder Digital Assets Expert, Kevin Weitzel, here :
https://calendly.com/kevin-weitzel/sales-central-meeting




Navigating Labor and Supply Chain Issues in Home Building


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Challenges Faced by an Aging Construction Worker Due to Delayed Retirement Age and Physical Strain. Concept Retirement Age, Physical Strain, Aging Workers, Construction Challenges, Delayed Retirement generated using AI by Anastasiia on Adobe Stock
Aging Construction Worker Image Generated by AI for Adobe Stock










The home building industry is facing some rough seas. Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions are rocking the boat, messing with project timelines and profits. The industry lost a ton of construction jobs during the pandemic – over a million, in fact. Things have picked up, but the homebuilding industry was still short almost half a million workers at the end of 2023. And it’s not just finding people; getting materials is a headache too. Construction costs have jumped by almost 40% since 2020, and supplies take forever to show up on site. It used to take under 7 months to build a typical house, but now it’s over 8 – all thanks to these problems.  





This isn’t just a temporary storm; it’s a whole new weather pattern for home builders. Builders might want to adjust their sails if they want to stay afloat. In this post, we’ll dive into what’s causing these issues, how they’re affecting the industry, and what can be done about it. Plus, we’ll look at how Outhouse can help builders work smarter, not harder.





Where Have All the Workers Gone?





The labor shortage is a big problem with deep roots. One reason is the “silver tsunami” – experienced workers are retiring, and not enough young folks are stepping up to take their place. For every five retirees, the home building industry only gets about two new workers. That gap is getting wider and wider, leaving home building high and dry, especially for skilled trades. Across the U.S., the construction industry has about 8.3 million construction workers, with 3.4 million in home building, but it’s not enough. A whopping 65% of builders can’t find enough finish carpenters. This drives up labor costs and throws off schedules. To put it in perspective, the industry needed over half a million extra workers in 2024 just to keep up. This is even worse than the shortage during the housing boom back in the mid-2000s, even though fewer homes are being built now. Something has to give!  





Image courtesy of CanvaPro





So, why aren’t young people interested in construction?





    

  • College Craze: Many young people think a college degree is the only ticket to success, so they’re not going to trade schools.
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  • Tough Job: Construction can be tough on the body and sometimes dangerous, which doesn’t appeal to everyone.
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  • Competition: Other industries like manufacturing are also scrambling for workers, so everyone isl fighting over the same talent pool.
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Supply Chain Snags





The pandemic really showed the world how fragile our supply chains are. Closed borders, factories shutting down, and transportation issues created a real mess, making it hard to get materials and driving up prices. It didn’t help that everyone started panic-buying, which made things even worse .  





Lumber prices went through the roof. Appliances, windows, and doors were like gold dust. Projects got delayed, and costs went up all around.  





Even though the pandemic is mostly behind us, the supply chain is still tangled. The war in Ukraine, high energy costs, and ongoing shipping problems are keeping things unpredictable. Some companies are turning to tech to help, using things like “control towers” to track materials and adjust to changes quickly.  





close up architect showing new house project with tablet, empty land plot background generated by AI for Adobe Stock
Tablet computer showing new build generated by AI for Adobe Stock





Strategies for Success





Builders should consider being proactive to navigate these challenges. Here are some strategies that can help:





Finding and Keeping Skilled Workers





    

  • Invest in the Future: Builders can create apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training to bring in new talent and keep our current workers sharp. Some industry groups like the Home Builders Institute (HBI) and Lowe’s Foundation are putting money into training programs to get more people into the trades. Programs like The House That She Built work to educate young people about the opportunities available in the building industry. 
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  • Cast a Wider Net: Look beyond the usual places to find workers. Reach out to women, veterans, and people who were formerly incarcerated. Partnering with community groups and schools can help us connect with potential employees.  
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  • Show Appreciation: To keep good workers, consider offering competitive pay, offer great benefits, and give them chances to grow. Think health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for promotions.  
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  • Embrace Technology: Technology can help do more with fewer people. This includes things like automation, prefabrication, and digital tools for managing projects . By investing in technology, home builders can make jobs more efficient and appealing.  
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Getting Needed Materials





    

  • Team Up with Suppliers: Strong relationships with suppliers are key to getting needed materials on time. Open communication and working together can help everyone in the supply chain anticipate problems and find solutions.  
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  • Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: Have backup plans. Find new suppliers and consider using different materials if current suppliers run into shortages or hike up prices.  
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  • Plan Ahead: Ordering materials in advance and keeping enough on hand can help avoid delays and price swings.  
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Working Smarter, Not Harder





    

  • Simplify Choices: One way to ease the strain on the supply chain is to offer fewer product choices, sticking with materials that are readily available .  
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  • Package Deals: Offering pre-selected material packages can make things easier for everyone and ensure that everything works together.  
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  • Order Early: For important things like windows ordering them six months ahead of time and storing them can prevent delays. This takes some planning and space, but it can be worth it.  
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  • Speak Up: Advocate for policies that can help fix supply chain problems. This includes supporting efforts to increase production of things like electrical transformers.  
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How Outhouse Can Help





Outhouse.net has some great tools that can help home builders work more efficiently and deal with labor and supply chain issues. By outsourcing your drafting to Outhouse, you can save money and get top-notch expertise .  





Here’s a quick look at what we offer:















Here’s how these tools can help:





    

  • Less Rework: Accurate plans mean fewer errors and less time and money wasted on fixing mistakes.
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  • Clearer Communication: IFPs and other visual tools help everyone understand the plan, preventing confusion and delays.
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  • Smoother Operations: Outhouse products help streamline the design and construction process, making things more efficient.
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Riding the Wave





The labor shortage and supply chain disruptions are tough challenges, but home builders can overcome them. By investing in the workforce, building strong relationships with suppliers, using technology wisely, and taking advantage of tools like those offered by Outhouse, home builders can weather this storm and continue building quality homes efficiently and profitably.


A La Carte or Package Deal? Lessons Home Builders Can Borrow from Automakers


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interactive site map zooming in on home site.










When it comes to marketing and visualization tools, home builders often face a familiar question: Should I buy individual products a la carte or go with a bundled package?





At first glance, buying just what you need seems efficient. Maybe you only need renderings right now or just a few virtual tours for your latest community. But over time, a piecemeal approach can lead to higher costs, inconsistent results, and more time spent managing vendors than building homes.





The auto industry figured this out long ago.





Built to Standard, Not to Chaos





When you buy a new car, you don’t choose every nut, bolt, and feature separately. A team thoughtfully designed the trim package you selected to meet your needs, whether it’s an affordable commuter or a luxury performance vehicle.





That’s not just convenience. It’s a strategy. The buyer inherits the cost savings delivered by standardized packages, simplified production, and streamlined quality control.





Home builders can benefit from that same mindset.





When Outhouse tools are created together, design, scale, and branding stay perfectly aligned.





Efficiency Through Bundling





Bundling services, like interactive floor plans, renderings, virtual tours, and interactive site maps, can lower costs in the long run. Procurement in quantity allows teams like Outhouse to offer competitive pricing while ensuring consistent design, branding, and technical accuracy across every asset.





    For example:





    

  • Renderings & Interactive Floor Plans: When the same team creates both, they align perfectly in scale and style, saving time on revisions.
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  • Interactive Floor Plans (IFPs) & Virtual Tours: These tools share data and visual assets, which means your buyers see the same details online that they’ll experience in person.
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  • Sitemaps & Interactive Floor Plans: When designers create these tools at the same time, your buyers experience a seamless journey, from understanding where a home sits on the site to exploring how they would live inside, reinforcing brand consistency and improving usability.
    • 






And just like in the auto industry, bundling creates a smoother, more predictable workflow. You spend less time managing separate vendors and more time focusing on what you do best: building dream homes for your buyers.





Simplifying the Buyer’s Journey





A well-structured package also makes things easier for your customers. When your digital tools, renderings: interactive floor plans (IFPs), interactive site maps, work together seamlessly, buyers can visualize their new home faster and with more confidence.





That consistency builds trust and reduces confusion, helping potential buyers move from browsing to building more quickly.





3D rendering, interactive floor plan, interactive site map





How Outhouse Can Help





At Outhouse, we understand that every builder’s needs are different, but efficiency doesn’t have to mean compromise. Whether you’re ready for a full-service visualization package or want to start small and grow, we’ll help you find the right fit.





We offer bundled solutions that bring consistency, quality, and savings together under one roof, just like the auto industry’s most trusted brands. From renderings to virtual tours to interactive tools, our products work together beautifully.





When you keep your marketing materials built to the same standard, you’ll see better results: faster, smoother, and more affordable.





Want to learn more about choosing the right level of service?





Check out our blog: Good, Better, Best: Finding the Right Fit for Your Builder Marketing Needs.









Contact Outhouse, LLC to find out how we can help with all your home-building website needs











Contact Us 













Managing Effectively with OKRs


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Professional team looking at white board
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock: AdobeStock_102205126










After going through the process of creating OKRs, it’s essential not to fall into the trap of “setting and forgetting.” Creating OKRs without regularly sharing and reviewing results is like hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket. The modern business environment offers countless distractions, each vying for your attention. However, to execute successfully and elevate your performance, regular and disciplined reviews of OKR results must become part of your operating rhythm—a cadence embedded in your corporate culture.










Weekly Meetings





Let’s start with the basics: Weekly Meetings. The purpose of these sessions is threefold: assess progress, identify potential issues before they escalate, and, especially as you begin using OKRs, ensure your team stays focused on what truly matters. Here are some key topics to cover in your weekly meetings:





    

  • Logistics: Begin by determining who should attend the meeting, what time works best for everyone, and where the meeting will be held.
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  • Priorities: What are the key priorities—the tasks that must be accomplished this week to move closer to achieving your OKRs? It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of urgent issues, but it’s crucial to ensure the priorities discussed are directly tied to the achievement of your OKRs.
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  • Status: During the meeting, gauge the team’s current level of confidence. Has it increased or decreased? More importantly, why? If progress is on track, implement mechanisms to maintain momentum. If confidence is waning, it’s time to discuss how to shift resources strategically to get back on course.
    • 




  • Engagement: OKRs should challenge and motivate people to engage in the breakthrough thinking necessary to reach new heights. Use the weekly session to assess the team’s mood. Are they still actively engaged, or are they simply going through the motions without genuine commitment?
    • 




  • The Big Picture: Earlier, we defined a health metric as something the company monitors frequently because it represents successful strategy execution. Well-designed OKRs should ultimately drive the success of your overall health metrics, so ensure you’re keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
    • 











Weekly Quadrant Focus





One way of managing your OKRs effectively is to break down your weekly focus using a quadrant approach. This method ensures that your team stays aligned with the goals that matter most, while also keeping an eye on the broader picture.





Upper Right | Setting Bold Objectives and Quantitative Results





At the start of each quarter, we set a bold, qualitative Objective along with three quantitative Key Results. The Objective serves as the inspiration for the quarter, guiding our efforts and providing a clear direction. The Key Results are the measurable outcomes we expect if we focus on the right activities.





Each week, we revisit these Key Results and ask ourselves: Are we getting closer to achieving them, or are we falling behind? At the beginning of the quarter, we start with a 50% confidence level—a 50/50 (0.5) chance of hitting the target. As the weeks progress, this confidence level may fluctuate. If it drops from, say, 80% (0.8) to 20% (0.2), it’s a signal that something has changed. The critical question then becomes: What happened, and how can we address and improve this Key Result?





Lower Right | Monitoring Health Metrics





While we aim high with our Objectives, we can’t afford to ignore the fundamentals—our “health metrics.” This lower-right quadrant is where we track these vital signs of our business, ensuring that while we reach for ambitious goals, we don’t lose sight of what’s already working well.





For example, if our Objective is radical revenue growth, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of new clients. However, we must also protect our relationships with current clients. In this quadrant, we might monitor Customer Satisfaction, rating it green, yellow, or red. This helps us ensure that our drive for growth doesn’t come at the expense of the clients who have already invested in us.





Upper Left | Weekly Initiatives to Advance OKRs





In the upper-left quadrant, we focus on the specific initiatives we need to tackle this week to advance our OKRs. These are the three to five critical actions that will move the needle.





We don’t list every task here—just the ones that must happen for us to achieve our Objectives. Life always throws plenty of distractions our way, but the secret to success lies in focusing on what truly matters. By sharing these initiatives, we can challenge ourselves to ensure we’re investing our time in activities that directly contribute to our Key Results.





Lower Left | Heads Up for the Month Ahead





Finally, the lower-left quadrant is our “heads up” space—a pipeline of important activities expected in the coming month. This area is crucial for keeping the entire team, including Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Admin, prepared and aligned.





By anticipating what’s coming down the road, we avoid being caught off guard. This forward-looking approach ensures that everyone is ready to support key initiatives when the time comes.





A house with graph showing value over time
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock: AdobeStock_668453216





End of Quarter Reviews





At the end of each quarter, it’s time to move beyond subjective assessments and grade your performance. The two primary components of the quarterly review meeting are the “what” and the “how.”





    

  • The “What”: This involves assigning grades (scores) to each of your key results based on performance throughout the quarter. Each team (or individual, if your OKRs are connected that far into the organization) will determine their final score and provide the rationale to peers, colleagues, and superiors. This transparency offers a valuable opportunity for teams to learn from each other’s objectives, key results, triumphs, and challenges—showing what’s possible when the entire organization is aligned.
    • 




  • The “How”: While the grades are important, the real value lies in the discussions that follow. These conversations should challenge conventional views, uncover assumptions, and test hypotheses. In our experience, many organizations struggle with these meetings, where honesty and candor should take center stage. Some companies are able to engage in passionate, no-holds-barred discussions, while others are hampered by an overly polite culture that stifles genuine debate. Recent research into effective teams highlights the importance of psychological safety as a critical enabler of group success. To make the most of your OKR data, you need to carefully structure your meetings to maximize learning and drive meaningful change.
    • 






Updating OKRs at the End of a Quarter





The mechanics of OKR creation are straightforward. At the beginning of each year, the company establishes its highest-level set of OKRs, which may include both strategic annual OKRs and more tactical quarterly OKRs. These “corporate” OKRs provide the context for the connecting process, where business units, teams, and possibly even individuals create their own OKRs to demonstrate their contribution to the overall strategy.





At the end of each quarter, OKRs are graded, and new OKRs are developed throughout the organization. Some OKRs may remain the same for several quarters, especially those that are critical given current strategic or operational challenges. You may also carry forward OKRs that weren’t fully achieved but remain strategically important. Any OKRs that were successfully completed will likely be replaced with new ones that once again stretch the team to deliver their best.





Scoring the Results





Here’s a quick guide to interpreting OKR scores:





    

  • 1.0 Score: This represents an extremely ambitious outcome—one that may have seemed nearly impossible at the outset. All key results should be written as a 1.0 to foster breakthrough thinking. It might feel like a “moonshot” if the company has never approached that level of performance before.
    • 




  • 0.6 – 0.7 Score: This level signifies difficult but attainable progress, and it’s what you hope to achieve at a minimum. It’s a lofty target—challenging but achievable based on past results.
    • 




  • 0.3 Score: This is the “business as usual” target, representing performance that can be achieved with standard effort and little or no assistance from other teams. It’s considered mediocre—precisely what OKRs are designed to eliminate. If a team only reaches a 0.3 on a key result, it’s crucial to understand why.
    • 











In our experience, those new to OKRs often encounter one of two outcomes: either they score all ones, or they find themselves scratching their heads because despite their best efforts, their reports are filled with zeros.





After a few quarters, your key result scores should average around 0.6 to 0.7. If your scores are consistently higher, it may indicate that your targets aren’t aggressive enough, and you’re not fully leveraging the talent and potential of your teams.










By following these practices, you can ensure that your OKRs aren’t just another set of goals but a powerful tool for driving strategic execution and achieving your company’s most ambitious objectives.





And with that, we conclude our five-part series on OKRs. We hope these insights help you harness the full potential of OKRs in your organization. Here’s to your success!





CONTACT INFO NEEDED





Bill Gelbaugh


Bill Gelbaugh is one of our Senior Partners here at Outhouse and champions our OKR efforts.





Summarized by Bill Gelbaugh from: Objectives and Key Results by Paul R. Niven and Ben Lamorte





With additional material from Measure What Matters, Lattice OKR 101 and Perdoo




Driving OKR Alignment to Create Employee Engagement


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OKR target with bullseye arrow
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock: AdobeStock_1012677617










Now that we’ve crafted our OKRs, it’s time to focus on how teams within your company can work together to accomplish these goals. While OKRs empower teams with a significant amount of autonomy, the key to overall corporate success lies in connection and alignment. As you communicate your corporate OKRs, it’s crucial that everyone in the organization not only understands them but also recognizes their importance and how they contribute to the company’s success. A well-executed alignment process creates a direct line of sight from every individual employee back to the corporate OKRs.





Connecting OKRs from top to bottom within your organization helps illuminate the relationship between what employees do and how those actions lead to overall strategy execution. This connection fosters learning in two directions. First, as business units, departments, and individuals develop their OKRs, they showcase their unique roles in creating value for the company. To do this effectively, they must understand the business’s strategy, which deepens their grasp of the organization’s purpose. Second, as leaders analyze OKR scores across the company, they gain valuable insights into how different parts of the business are contributing to the overall strategy.










How Deep to Connect





Ultimately, your goal should be to extend the use of OKRs throughout the entire company. But how quickly should this be done? Should you rush to connect all levels within the first year, or take a more measured approach over several years?





OKRs have the potential to be a transformative tool for your business, sparking new thinking that leads to previously unimagined levels of success. To realize this potential, the framework must be embraced and utilized at all levels of the company, helping you foster fluency in a new corporate language: strategy execution. The faster you connect, the faster your employees will master this new approach, and the sooner you’ll see results.





We believe in the power of momentum and recommend moving aggressively but thoughtfully when connecting OKRs. Aggressively means connecting quickly and deeply across all levels of the company. Thoughtfully means ensuring you can answer these critical questions affirmatively before proceeding:





    

  • Do we have executive support for OKRs?
    • 




  • Do we have a clearly documented strategy reflected in our top-level corporate OKRs?
    • 




  • Are we committed to using OKRs to manage the business, regardless of the initial results?
    • 






If you can overcome these hurdles, a rapid rollout may be appropriate.





Preparing Your Groups for Connecting





Young people putting their fists together as symbol of unity and achievement, top view. Group of people fist bump assemble together over workplace. Teamwork concept, copy space in middle
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock: AdobeStock_909279080





In a previous post, we discussed the importance of a mission statement, which conveys your core purpose as an organization. Every business group that will create connected OKRs should develop a mission statement that clearly outlines why they exist and how they add value to the organization.





Armed with their mission statements, each group must then answer a fundamental question: “How do we support the organization’s mission and strategy?” This question primes groups for the task of connecting by having them enumerate in advance how they are going to support the company’s overall strategic goals.





The Key to Connecting Is Influence





The purpose of the connecting exercise is to allow all groups—even individuals—to show how they influence the overall corporate OKRs. This process begins with the top-level set of OKRs. These are the critical levers of your success, and everyone in the company must deeply understand them before you begin connecting. Let’s assume you’re starting from the corporate level. The first real connection occurs when business units study the corporate OKRs and ask, “Which of these OKRs can we influence the most, and how?”





The goal of a well-executed connection process is to provide a direct line of sight from every individual employee all the way back to the corporate OKRs.





Creating Alignment





Ensuring your people are aligned around a common purpose is the number one job for any successful corporation. Connecting OKRs provides an outstanding opportunity to drive that alignment through every job and function in your firm. There are two types of alignment you’ll be fostering during the alignment process: vertical and horizontal.





Vertical Alignment





This is the type of alignment most people think of when considering connecting goals across an enterprise. Vertical alignment creates OKRs that flow downward, eventually reaching the individual employee level. However, as we’ve previously noted, this does not mean the executive team dictates a number of obligatory goals that are forced upon lower-level groups regardless of fit or necessity. Instead, vertical alignment is facilitated when teams, departments, or individuals look to the OKRs of the group to whom they report and ask: “How can we influence those OKRs? What can we do and measure at our level to drive both our success and theirs?”





Here’s an example of driving vertical alignment: The CEO of a mid-sized company declared that customer retention was the top priority. Traditionally, customer retention had been the sole domain of the customer success team, which managed ongoing client interactions and renewals. After the CEO’s announcement, everyone assumed that the customer success team would simply work harder to drive retention while other departments would continue focusing on their current priorities. However, with OKRs in place, the company could create a culture of alignment across all teams.





The product team, for instance, had typically focused on features that would attract new customers or differentiate the company from the competition. With the new focus on customer retention, they began asking, “How does this product improvement drive customer retention?” The marketing team also shifted its outlook, taking time at their user conference to interview customers and gather valuable survey data on retention. Even the sales team adjusted its approach, now taking time to call on their installed base to ask how they could add more value and emphasize long-term relationships.





Each of these teams did something different—something relevant to their specific function—but the common denominator was identifying actions that supported the corporate strategy of increasing customer retention. That’s vertical alignment in action.





Horizontal Alignment





While most companies are familiar with the concept of vertical alignment, horizontal alignment is equally important but often overlooked. In the modern enterprise, much of the work involves disparate teams coming together to solve customer issues or create new value. When one unit can’t depend on another, damaging consequences such as duplication of effort, missed opportunities, and escalating conflicts can occur. OKRs can help fill this gap.





Creating horizontal alignment isn’t complicated. It simply requires having the discipline to hold detailed conversations with other units throughout the company to discover mutual dependencies. Both teams then create OKRs that reflect these dependencies. The resulting OKRs may be unique to each unit, or in some cases, they may decide to use “shared OKRs.” Shared OKRs are particularly useful when multiple teams work closely together to achieve a result, ensuring that everyone is aligned and contributing to the overarching goal.





Dividing line down road painted as an arrow in Autumn scene.
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock: AdobeStock_894649161





Confirming Alignment of Connected OKRs





Creating a set of corporate OKRs that improves focus on what really matters is one thing. However, the value of an OKR implementation increases exponentially when you connect, allowing all participants to announce their contribution to the bigger picture. Connecting may be the most essential part of your OKR process, so it’s critical to ensure it’s done well. Once you begin rolling out the program and having lower-level groups develop their OKRs, you can’t assume that those OKRs are aligned. You must check each set to ensure they draw a clear line of sight back to your strategic goals.





Next up… Managing Effectively with OKRs.





Bill Gelbaugh


Bill Gelbaugh is one of our Senior Partners here at Outhouse and champions our OKR efforts.









Multigenerational Living: A New Era in Home Design


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The landscape of American households is undergoing a significant transformation, with multigenerational living on the rise. This trend, highlighted by industry voices like Sara Gutterman of Green Builder Media, has sparked a demand for innovative housing solutions that cater to the needs of families across different generations. Lennar Homes, a leading homebuilder recognized for its commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking practices, has risen to the occasion with its NextGen® – The Home Within A Home® concept. This innovative approach revolutionizing how families live together is at the forefront of this movement. .





Lennar's NextGen Home Exterior Elevation with first level floor plan
Lennar’s NextGen home courtesy of Builderonline.com





NextGen: Redefining Multigenerational Living 







Lennar’s NextGen homes offer a unique solution to the challenges of multigenerational living. These homes feature a private suite with its own entrance, kitchenette, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. This design allows families to live together while maintaining privacy and independence. Lennar emphasizes the importance of flexibility in housing design, stating, “NextGen homes offer the perfect blend of togetherness and autonomy, allowing families to live in harmony while respecting individual needs.” 


Lennar NextGen Floor Plan





The Rise of Multigenerational Households 





The trend towards multigenerational living, echoed by publications like Green Builder Media, is driven by a variety of factors, including economic pressures, cultural shifts, and the desire for closer family ties. Sara Gutterman notes, “Multigenerational living is not just a trend; it’s a reflection of the changing dynamics of American families. Forward thinking builders provide solutions that supports these evolving needs.” 





The Benefits of Multigenerational Living 





Multigenerational living offers a range of benefits for families. It can provide financial support, shared responsibilities, and emotional closeness. Sara Gutterman believes that “Multigenerational living can foster a sense of community and belonging, creating a supportive environment for all family members.” Here more about generational homes and marketing on Sara’s interview on the Home Builder Digital Marketing Podcast.  





Green Builder Media’s Next Generation Influencer Group: Amplifying the Conversation 





Green Builder Media’s commitment to understanding and shaping the future of housing extends beyond construction. Through initiatives like the Next Generation Influencer Group, the company actively engages with thought leaders and influencers like Sara Gutterman, fostering conversations about emerging trends and innovative solutions in the housing industry. You can learn more about it at their webpage: Influencing the Future. 





A young man and two young women collaborating in front of a computer screen.
Happy business people working on computer by wavebreakmedia courtesy of CanvaPro





The Future of Generational Housing 





As the demand for multigenerational housing continues to grow, companies like Lennar Homes and Green Builder Media are committed to leading the way with innovative solutions. Sara Gutterman envisions a future where “homes are designed to adapt to the changing needs of families, fostering connection and support across generations.” 





Conclusion 





Lennar Homes’ NextGen concept and Green Builder Media are a few of the companies redefining multigenerational living. These companies provide innovations like flexible and supportive environment for families of all sizes, fostering connection and independence. As the landscape of American households continues to evolve, builders could learn from these smart companies and be poised to meet the needs of families with innovative and adaptable housing solutions. 





*Floor plan image courtesy of www.lennar.com/nextgen/.







Crafting Great OKRs Part Two


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Stock Image of happy group of people using sticky notes on glass board for planning OKRs.
Photo Courtesy of Adobe Stock: OKR3-1-AdobeStock_275135207










In our previous post, we discussed the characteristics and tips for creating effective OKRs. Now, it’s time to dive into the actual process of crafting OKRs that can drive your business forward. This post will guide you through each step, from creating and refining OKRs to aligning them across your organization and finalizing them for action.





The Process to Create Great OKRs










Create





The first step in crafting OKRs is to start small. Rather than using a large brainstorming group, which can lead to chaos and diluted focus, we recommend forming a very small team—just two or three people. This small group can dedicate the deep, time-consuming concentration needed to draft a set of OKRs that truly address your business challenges.





These small teams are tasked with tackling specific business problems and discovering creative solutions. They need the bandwidth to immerse themselves in the details—analyzing your competitive environment, scrutinizing your strategy, and identifying your core capabilities. These elements are the raw materials that lead to effective OKRs, and they must be carefully considered.





Whether you’re working at the corporate level or within a team, your small group should aim to document two to three objectives, each with one to three key results. These should be set at a stretch level—the 1.0 scoring level—to inspire high performance. (To be explained in detail later.)





Refine





Once your small team has drafted the initial set of OKRs, it’s time to bring them to a wider audience for review. Before your first full team meeting or workshop, share the draft OKRs with the relevant leadership group. If you’re working on corporate-level OKRs, this will involve the senior leadership team. For team-level OKRs, the team’s leadership group will need to be involved.





The purpose of this session is to critically examine the draft OKRs. The small team should explain their choices, and there should be vigorous debate to ensure that the OKRs are aligned with the broader goals of the organization. The objective is to reach a consensus on the OKRs that will guide your efforts for the upcoming quarter.





Align





In today’s business environment, much of the work is cross-functional, with teams collaborating to solve problems and create new ways of working. When crafting OKRs at the team level, it’s crucial to keep this context in mind.





After you have refined the OKRs, it’s time to take them on a “road trip” around the organization. This involves discussing your draft OKRs with other team leads, especially those on whom you depend or who depend on you. This step is all about ensuring alignment across teams, so everyone is working towards the same goals.





For instance, if one of your key results is highly dependent on another team’s assistance, you’ll want to ensure they acknowledge this dependency and pledge their support. Similarly, you’ll want to understand how your team can support other teams in achieving their OKRs.





Finalize





Once the alignment process is complete, it’s time to finalize your OKRs. If you’re working at the team level, the team lead and partners should meet with their superior—likely a member of the senior executive team—to get final approval for the OKRs.





Transmit





The final step in the crafting process involves two key tasks. First, you need to load your OKRs into a software system or a tracking tool such as Google Sheets or Excel. This is a simple but vital process. OKRs must be rigorously and formally cataloged to maintain the integrity of the entire OKR process.





Second, you need to communicate the OKRs to your team and beyond. We strongly recommend sharing them widely using a variety of media. An in-person meeting, such as an all-hands or town hall style gathering, is particularly effective. This provides an opportunity for employees who weren’t directly involved in the OKR creation process to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the decisions made.





The OKR Crafting Process




















OKR Football Example










How Many OKRs Should We Have?





The late screenwriter Nora Ephron, famous for writing classics like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and Silkwood, had a remarkable talent for capturing the essence of a story. But before she became a Hollywood legend, Ephron was a journalist. She often credited her high school Journalism 101 teacher, Charlie Simms, with teaching her the most valuable lesson she ever learned about storytelling.





On the first day of class at Beverly Hills High School, Simms introduced his students to the concept of a “lead”—the opening sentence that captures the most critical elements of a news story. He explained that a good lead answers the who, what, when, and where. To drive the point home, he gave the class their first assignment: write the lead to a story based on the following facts:





Kenneth L. Peters, the principal of Beverly Hills High School, announced today that the entire high school faculty will travel to Sacramento next Thursday for a colloquium on new school methods. Among the speakers will be anthropologist Margaret Mead, college president Dr. Robert Maynard Hutchins, and California Governor Edmund “Pat” Brown.





The students furiously hammered away on their typewriters, each trying to craft a concise lead that summarized the who, what, when, and where. Their leads were variations of: “Margaret Mead, Maynard Hutchins, and Governor Brown will address the faculty on…” or “Next Thursday, the high school faculty will…”





When they finished, Simms reviewed their leads and set them aside. Then he told them they were all wrong. “The lead,” he said, “is ‘There will be no school Thursday!'”





In that moment, Ephron realized that journalism—and storytelling in general—wasn’t just about regurgitating facts. It was about figuring out what really mattered, cutting through the noise to find the point that resonated most.





Ephron would later say that this lesson worked as well in life as it did in journalism. And, as it turns out, it works great for OKRs too.





When you gather with your team to decide on your OKRs, you’re faced with a universe of possibilities. Customer concerns, shareholder interests, employee needs, competitive pressures—the list is endless. These are the organizational equivalent of the “who, what, when, and where.” Your challenge is to cut through the clutter and identify what is most important, what will have the most impact right now—essentially, the “lead” of your business story.





Woman giving thumbs up, holding a sign that says "Less is More."
Courtesy of Adobe Stock (edited in Canva Pro): OKR3-2-AdobeStock_295108345





So, how many OKRs should you have? We recommend following the principle of “less is more.” There is a significant opportunity cost to increasing your inventory of OKRs—namely, a lack of clarity and focus around what the company’s true priorities are. When you begin your OKR process, we suggest generating a small number—a handful at most—of objectives that are crucial to executing your strategy for the year. Then, as the year progresses, adjust your tactical objectives each quarter to keep moving those strategic objectives forward.





Next up… Driving OKR Alignment.





Bill Gelbaugh


Bill Gelbaugh is one of our Senior Partners here at Outhouse and champions our OKR efforts.









Let’s Get Moving! Election Results, the Dow is up, and What’s Next for Production Homebuilding?


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Introduction










Hello! I’m Bill Gelbaugh, one of the Partners here at Outhouse, LLC. This morning, as I wrapped up our Sales and Finance meetings, one message came through loud and clear: It’s time to move forward! The election is behind us, the Dow is up, and there’s a sense of renewed energy in the air. Now that we have more political clarity, the focus is shifting toward what’s next—and that’s especially important for us in the production homebuilding market.





With the recent boost in market optimism, now is a great time to look at how the industry can leverage this momentum. In this post, I’ll dive into what we can expect for the production homebuilding sector in the coming months, how post-election shifts might impact our industry, and why we believe now is the time to act decisively. So, let’s dig in and see where the opportunities lie.





A symbolic growth graph against a breathtaking sunset, representing economic success and growth in a beautiful natural setting.
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock





Post-Election Economic Climate and Market Optimism





Historically, election outcomes tend to influence market sentiment—and the initial post-election reactions often set the tone for the months ahead. With the recent election behind us, we’re already seeing an upward tick in the Dow and other major indices. This surge reflects a sense of renewed investor confidence, as markets generally react favorably to political stability and clarity. For those of us in homebuilding, this optimism in the financial markets is a promising indicator that demand and capital may flow more steadily in our direction.





Beyond market indices, the now decided political environment can bring some welcomed consistency to economic policies impacting homebuilding, from mortgage rates to tax incentives for residential construction. With clear policy paths, businesses are more likely to invest and make bold moves, something that could directly benefit production homebuilders and our clients. This is a window of opportunity to embrace a proactive approach and align ourselves with the positive momentum shaping the market.





New Homes Under Construction
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock





Implications for the Production Homebuilding Market





With the election wrapped up and market signals leaning positive, the production homebuilding market has an opportunity to gain ground. Here are a few key areas where the recent changes and optimism may impact our sector directly:





    

  1. Interest Rates and Financing
    A critical factor for both builders and buyers is access to financing, and with the market’s optimism, there may be greater stability in interest rates moving forward. If the Federal Reserve maintains a balanced approach, mortgage rates could stay at manageable levels, encouraging prospective buyers to make their move. For builders, favorable interest rates can mean better loan conditions and a greater willingness among lenders to fund new projects—particularly in areas experiencing housing shortages.
    2. 




  2. Housing Demand and Policy Initiatives
    The election outcome could influence policies that either directly or indirectly affect the homebuilding industry. For instance, any new measures to support affordable housing initiatives or incentives for new construction could stimulate demand and support the overall growth of the sector. With policy stability, builders can better anticipate regulatory requirements and plan their projects accordingly, which is key to keeping up with buyer demand.
    3. 




  3. Investor Confidence and Capital Availability
    As the Dow rallies, investors tend to gain confidence in placing their funds in high-demand sectors, and housing continues to be one of them. Real estate often sees capital flow when the market trends upward, meaning developers might find more opportunities to attract investors or partners. With growing interest from both individual and institutional investors, the production homebuilding sector is positioned to secure the capital needed to meet demand and scale up production.
    4. 




  4. Consumer Confidence Through Enhanced Buyer Experiences
    In today’s market, homebuyers seek a visually immersive, engaging buying experience. Outhouse, LLC meets this need by offering Brilliance Award-winning, cutting-edge interactive floor plans and advanced product visualization tools that allow buyers to envision their future homes in vivid detail. With customizable interactive floor plans, buyers can explore design options, experiment with layouts, and personalize features, fostering a hands-on, immersive experience that builds excitement and confidence in their investment. 
    Beyond digital solutions, professional printing and display services ensure impactful, high-quality visual materials for model homes, sales centers, and signage, enhancing every stage of the buying journey. By integrating Outhouse’s innovative visualization and display solutions, builders can elevate brand presence, attract discerning buyers, and deliver a seamless, tech-forward experience from first look to final sale.
    5. 




  5. Integrating Technology in Construction for Faster, Cost-Effective Builds
    As the housing market gains momentum, now is an ideal time for builders to invest in innovative construction technologies. Advanced methods like modular construction and 3D-printed components can help address labor shortages, accelerate project timelines, and manage costs—all key factors for meeting today’s growing housing demand. To scale efficiently, builders need to integrate cutting-edge technology into their processes, making tech-driven project marketing and sales essential.
    Outhouse, LLC supports builders with high-quality drafting, rendering, and visualization services that offer precise, visually compelling representations of projects. These detailed renderings enable builders to present homes in the best light, capturing buyer interest and building trust.
    Overall, the production homebuilding industry is positioned to thrive in this period of optimism and opportunity. With clearer policy direction and market momentum post-election, builders can confidently move forward to meet strong housing demands nationwide.
    6. 






Close-up of a clock face with 'NOW OR NEVER' slogan emphasizing urgency and the importance of timely action in a high-stakes moment
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock 





Conclusion: Let’s Get Moving—The Time is Now!





With the election behind us and positive market signals on the rise, there’s no better time for production homebuilders to take decisive steps forward. The stability we’re seeing now creates a window of opportunity to expand, innovate, and meet the growing demand in residential construction. By capitalizing on market optimism and embracing the right tools, builders can stay competitive and create lasting value for clients.





At Outhouse, LLC, we’re here to support this vision. Our industry-leading drafting and rendering services, award-winning interactive floor plans, product visualizations, and top-notch printing and displays make it easy for builders to deliver a polished, immersive buyer experience. With our solutions, you can showcase projects in their best light, connect with clients effectively, and set a high standard for quality and professionalism.





So, let’s get moving! The time is ripe to elevate your home building projects, and we’re ready to partner with you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to see how our technology and services can help you maximize this moment—and build a brighter future for your business.





Bill Gelbaugh


Bill Gelbaugh is one of our Senior Partners here at Outhouse and champions our OKR efforts.









Crafting Great OKRs Part One


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Part 3 of our Unlocking Outhouse’s Potential with OKRs series










In our journey so far, we’ve explored why OKRs are valuable and how to prepare your organization for this powerful framework. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the art of crafting OKRs that truly drive results. In this post, we’ll focus on what makes for an effective Objective and Key Result, ensuring they align with your company’s broader goals.





Characteristics of Effective Objectives





An Objective is a concise statement that outlines a broad, qualitative goal designed to propel your organization forward. For those new to OKRs, the challenge often lies in understanding what makes a good Objective. Let’s break it down:





Inspirational





A well-crafted Objective is more than just a collection of words describing a business goal. It should compel your team to strive for a higher standard of performance. The power of an Objective lies in its ability to challenge your team to think differently. For example, instead of aiming for a modest 10% improvement, an Objective that pushes for a 50% increase will force your team to solve tough problems and rethink their approach. That’s the essence of what OKRs are meant to achieve.





Qualitative





Objectives should represent what you hope to accomplish, expressed in words rather than numbers. While numbers are crucial, they belong in your Key Results. The Objective is about setting the direction and the ambition, not the metrics.





Attainable





Striking the right balance between inspiration and reality is crucial when crafting Objectives. While it’s important to push the limits of what your team believes is possible, you also need to be realistic. Encouraging your team to stretch their imaginations is key but remember that every Objective should still be within reach with the right effort.





Doable in a Quarter





Assuming you’re setting Objectives on a quarterly basis, they need to be achievable within that three-month period. If your team suspects that an Objective will take a year to accomplish, then it’s probably closer to a strategy or vision than a quarterly goal.





Controllable by the Team





Whoever drafts the Objective, whether it’s at the corporate, department, team, or individual level, must be able to control the outcome. If your Objective isn’t met by the end of the quarter, and your first thought is to blame external factors like “Sales didn’t deliver,” then you’re missing the spirit of OKRs. The Objective should be something your team can directly influence.





Provide Business Value





Your Objectives should be directly tied to your strategy and should create tangible value for the business if achieved. If there’s no clear business benefit at the end of the day, then it’s probably not worth the effort.










Tips for Creating Great Objectives





Avoid the Status Quo





When setting Objectives, aim to push the boundaries of what your team can achieve. Avoid Objectives that simply recite what you’re already doing, like “Maintain market share” or “Keep training employees.” If you can accomplish an Objective without changing how you work, it’s unlikely to drive significant progress.





Use Clarifying Questions





Sometimes, the best way to get to the heart of an Objective is by asking simple, clarifying questions. For example, if someone suggests that you should “Create value for our customers,” dig deeper. What do they mean by “value”? Are they referring to a specific segment of customers, or all customers? Escalating from abstractions to specifics will help you identify the true Objective that needs focus.





Frame Objectives in Positive Language





Your Objectives should be framed in a way that motivates and compels your team to take action. For instance, instead of saying “Reduce the amount of junk food I eat,” you might frame the Objective as “Eat more calories from healthy food.” The latter encourages proactive behavior and has a higher likelihood of success.





Start with a Verb





Every Objective should start with a strong action verb that drives the intended direction. Do you want to “maximize loyalty,” “build loyalty,” or “leverage loyalty”? The choice of verb shapes the actions that follow, so it’s essential to be deliberate in your wording.





Identify What’s Holding You Back





A powerful way to create meaningful Objectives is to identify the barriers that are preventing your team from executing your strategy effectively. What challenges are holding you back? Taking an unvarnished look at these obstacles can help you set Objectives that address critical issues and drive progress.





Use Plain Language





While it’s important to be precise, your Objectives should be written in plain language that everyone in the organization can understand. Avoid jargon and acronyms whenever possible, or if you must use them, ensure that everyone knows what they mean. Clear communication is key to ensuring everyone is aligned and understands the importance of the Objective.










Characteristics of Effective
Key Results





If Objectives set the direction, Key Results are the benchmarks that measure your progress along the way. They answer the question, “How will we know if we’ve met our Objective?” While it might seem straightforward, creating effective Key Results that accurately gauge progress can be challenging. Here’s what to keep in mind:





Challenging





Research has shown that setting high goals leads to better performance and greater satisfaction at work. When drafting Key Results, aim high. Challenge your team to push their limits and think differently. However, ensure that the goals are still within reach, so your team stays motivated to achieve them.





Measurable





Key Results should always be qualitative and measurable. Whether it’s a raw number, a dollar amount, or a percentage, your Key Results need to be tied to clear metrics. Progress should never be a matter of opinion—numbers provide the clarity needed to gauge success.





Specific





When writing Key Results, clarity is crucial. Ensure that everyone involved understands exactly what the Key Result means and what success looks like. This shared understanding prevents miscommunication and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal.





Owned





Those responsible for delivering Key Results should be actively involved in their creation. When team members help shape the Key Results, they’re more likely to be committed to achieving them. Ownership drives accountability and engagement.





Progress-Based





According to Harvard Professor Teresa Amabile, the most important factor in boosting motivation and creativity is making progress in meaningful work. Your Key Results should reflect this principle, allowing your team to see and celebrate progress as they work towards the Objective.





Vertically and Horizontally Aligned





Your Key Results should align both vertically with your team’s broader goals and horizontally with the objectives of other teams. Regularly reviewing and sharing Key Results ensures alignment across the organization, fostering collaboration and coherence.





Drive the Right Behavior





The saying “You get what you measure” holds true. Once you focus on a specific metric, you’re naturally drawn to improving it. Think carefully about the behaviors each Key Result might encourage and ensure they align with your broader objectives.










Tips for Creating Key Results





Focus on the Key, Not All Results





This exercise isn’t about listing every possible outcome—it’s about identifying the most critical results that will drive progress on your Objective. Focus on what truly matters and avoid the temptation to track every potential action.





Describe Results, Not Tasks





Key Results should focus on outcomes, not activities. For example, “Add twenty-five qualified opportunities to the pipeline” is a Key Result, while “Email a prospect” is a task. The former measures progress, while the latter is just one step along the way. Focus on the results that signify true progress.





Use Positive Language





Just as with Objectives, framing your Key Results positively can have a powerful impact. For example, instead of “Lower error rate to 10%,” try “Increase accuracy to 90%.” The positive framing can boost motivation and commitment.





Keep Them Simple and Clear





While Key Results should be robust, they should also be easy to understand. Complexity can lead to confusion and misalignment, so keep your Key Results straightforward.





Assign an Owner





Key Results need a clear owner—someone who is accountable for their achievement. Without an owner, responsibility can become diffused, leading to inaction. Make sure someone is clearly responsible for driving each Key Result to completion.





By following these principles and tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting OKRs that not only inspire your team but also drive meaningful progress. Remember, the power of OKRs lies in their ability to align your organization’s efforts, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same ambitious goals.





Next up… Crafting Great OKRs – Part 2.





Bill Gelbaugh


Bill Gelbaugh is one of our Senior Partners here at Outhouse and champions our OKR efforts.















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