Basement/remodle/ Kitchen Contractors. How Do Us Sparkies Find Them

Bsecdone

I have been doing mostly service calls since my business has started. But, I am looking for some ocntractors for basment/kitchen and remodle work. Is the best way to find contractors, trolling th ephone book and calling every single one?

The other question I have is that some of the contractors that are interested want referenced and reference sheet about myself/company and the like. Not a problem, but what do I make a reference sheet look like. I want to impress them but not look like I'm full of myself.

Thanks in advance. I love this place.

realpurty2

Make a project portfolio with highlights of your recent work, pictures and text. You can have it bound into a booklet and laminated at Staples for less than $3 each or at a bare minimum, buy some presentation folders and insert the pages into it. Include a business card.

Visit the GC's office and introduce yourself personally, leaving a folder with him along with business card.

You can also mail them, but I don't think it's as professional as a face to face.

__________________
Woman in a Man's World.

Bsecdone

Sweet thanks. Do you have any examples?

EMCustom

If you're in Central PA send me a PM. You can contact some supply houses in your area and ask them who the good contractors are- those with good reputations and those that pay their bills on time.

As far as a reference sheet, I guess they mean something like a resume? Maybe a paragraph or two about your experience and credentials, professional affiliations, your company's specialties, etc. Another paragraph or bullet list about significant or unique jobs you have done or what sets you apart from the competition. Then maybe 3-5 references to round it out. I'd keep it all on 1 page, but that's my 2 pennies. Good luck!

Same Old

Honestly pretty pictures sell homeowners, not so much GCs.

GCs have just as hard of a time finding competent subs as subs have finding competent GCs. Introduce yourself and ask to bid on any upcoming work he has. Odds are he'd like to have another sub that he feels comfortable with. If you can compete with his current subs on price and take care of your end without babysitting you will soon be his first call. I have several subs that are my only call because they consistently deliver.

Someone should start a service magic type site for subs and gcs to connect. B to B only.

realpurty2

Tell that to the GC's who are having to explain to an owner why the conduit looks like a snake, why there is MC cable like spiderwebs, and little tidbits of wire scrap all over the lot.

Anyone can talk a big game, but when you can show visual proof of top notch work, it's not going to hurt you in any way.

__________________
Woman in a Man's World.

fathersonfab

This is all good stuff.

Bsecdone

I'm in Denver. But, i'll call a few supply houses here and see what's up. thx

Mike Finley

Anybody who did something like that would be about 10 steps ahead of anybody else I have had to drag every god damn bit of information out of in trying to determine if they had even 1% of what we are looking for in a sub-contractor.

I've never met a sub-contractor yet that tried to sell me on themselves in any way that related in anyway to what I am looking for. It's always me pulling information out of them and trying to figure out what they are about.

Totally agree.

Bsecdone - I'm in Denver and use subs on a regular basis. I wouldn't promise you anything, because right now I have an absolutely fantastic electrician that we use on just about every job. But we are getting bigger and bigger and it's just a matter of time before we will need another electrician to work with.

But I'll warn you upfront, you've never worked for a GC like us before. We have the best subs in the business, if you aren't the best you won't last with us, they never have to worry about getting paid or any BS, but they do have to figure out real quickly what we are all about.

dougchips

The last sub that I hired walked into my office with a briefcase full of photo albums. Most were up close photos of his finish work with some pictures of the whole job. It is one thing to say "I can install vinyl siding" and another to show pictures of how his work looks.

Another impressive thing was he offered me references but really wanted me to stop by his local job sites and talk to the homeowners.

Try to call ahead and set an appointment, ask what type of coffee that drink and bring it. For some reason when people bring me a cup of coffee they get my ear.

__________________
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Bsecdone

Cool, I love all the tips. I will try the coffee idea too and have lots of pics..

Mike I'd love to come talk to you. I downloaded the pdf fourm on the site for sparkies. I'll be in touch next week. From these few tips I have 6 meetings schedule for next week. I have a ton of pics and I'm not afraid to use them. :P
thanks all.

fiore22

GC's are always looking for good subs and I personally feel they are very hard to find. "Let me bid on a small job, just to show you my work"...is something I like to hear. Shows their eager and want to impress. Pictures are a plus. You give me a price sheet on some basic services i.e. recessed lighting -old work/new work...and I start getting impressed. Keep calling to see if they have anything. I get cards all the time from subs, I can't keep track. The one who give me a call every two weeks to see how I'm doing, or if I have any work they can bid on are usually the guys I give the opportunity to. I wouldn't worry about the references/package being too fancy, sometimes too fancy isn't good. Besides, just putting the package together puts you in a class by yourself, practically. With regards to meeting them...maybe a google search to find the ones in your area would be a start. Start with the close ones, and work your way out. Seeing them at the supply stores, gas stations, etc...

1. The intro.
2. The package - pics, price sheet, card, references, etc...
3. Follow up calls.
4. Make damn sure you make that first job the best job you ever did.
5. Stick to what you say on the following jobs and don't start trying to get funny with the prices.

I could only dream of finding a sub like this, and I would be very loyal to using him exclusively.

Bsecdone

Thanks a ton guys. I picked up 2 new basment contractors this week and a kitchen remodel company. SWEET.
thanks