Square & Plumb Builders

Introduction

Square & Plumb Builders is a full-service residential builders in the North Shore, providing contracting services ranging from a High-Performance Build to a kitchen renovation, all taken with the same level of relevance, craftsmanship and exquisite attention to detail. With a mission to build with integrity and a commitment to preserving the beautiful New England Architecture, they are stewards of homes, craftsmen and problem solvers.

For co-owner, Chris and Rita Camargo, the challenge wasn't building exceptional homes, it was building the business behind them. They partnered with HELM to implement construction-specific financial systems, job cost accounting, estimating processes, and operational structure that would provide the clarity and confidence needed for long-term, sustainable growth.

The Challenge

When Chris started Square & Plumb Builders more than twelve years ago, his focus was simple, build great homes.

Like many builders, the business grew quickly. The work kept coming. Bigger projects came in. Revenue increased.

But behind the scenes, the business wasn't keeping up.

"We were just go, go, go. We never had time to put any processes together."

Chris was estimating, managing projects, running the business, and building the homes. When Rita joined the company, she quickly realized they both needed help.

"We know how to build a house. We've done that so many times that it's muscle memory. Running a business is a completely different animal."

Why HELM

The business fundamentals were in place, but Square & Plumb had reached a point where they needed systems designed specifically for the construction industry.

Their previous consultant had provided valuable guidance, but estimating, job cost accounting, project management, budgeting, and financial reporting each come with challenges unique to construction. Chris and Rita wanted a partner who understood those challenges firsthand.

Everything changed after Rita heard Paul Eldrenkamp mentioned on The Build Show. Curious to learn more, she searched for him online, discovered HELM, and immediately reached out.

"We'd been looking for help, and this seemed like exactly what we needed."

What made HELM different wasn't simply that they offered business consulting, it was that they understood construction.

HELM helped Square & Plumb build construction-specific systems and processes that worked together, including estimating, CSI coding, QuickBooks, job cost accounting, budgeting, sales, project management, and operational workflows. Rather than replacing what they had already built, HELM strengthened and evolved those systems to support the next stage of the Square & Plumb's growth.

The Impact

Both Chris and Rita describe their first year with HELM as laying the foundation rather than chasing quick wins.

They've rebuilt their QuickBooks file, implemented CSI codes, connected estimating with accounting, and begun using job cost accounting.

Although they know the biggest financial insights are still ahead, they already understand the value.

"We're finally at a point where everything is connected."

More Than Systems

For Square & Plumb, the value hasn't just been learning new processes.

It's been learning how to run a business.

"Chris was running everything alone."

"We were growing. Revenue was growing. Everything was growing. But we were all over the place."

They also found something they weren't expecting, a community.

"Construction has always been a very lonely journey for us."

Through HELM, they've connected with other builders, industry leaders, educational events, and a network of professionals who share their values around quality construction.

"HELM brought us into a community we didn't even know existed."

Advice for Other Builders

When asked what they'd tell another builder considering HELM, neither hesitated.

"Become clients as soon as you can. Don't wait ten years like we did."

Rita explains:

"Your business is going to run much smoother if you get expert help and can focus on what you do best—which is construction. Learn how to run the business."

Chris agrees.

"It's worth every penny."

He also encourages smaller builders not to assume they're too early.

"Don't think you're too small. Start building the systems now and grow with them."

Looking Ahead

Square & Plumb sees this first year as the beginning.

The systems are in place.

The learning continues.

The next step is using the data they're collecting to make smarter business decisions and continue building a company that's just as strong behind the scenes as it is on the jobsite.

"We're still in the middle of the journey... but now we're building the business the right way."

Contact us to see how integrated systems can support your business.

Case Study: From Building Homes to Building a Business