Will Towns Give Me This Information?

ruskent

I am working on a new marketing plan as we speak. I am just curious if i walk into a towns building department and ask for a list of addresses that have building permits pulled will they give it to me?

I am looking to market to people that are doing additions to their homes. In many parts of New Jersey people buy these 50 year old homes and triple the size.


Matt

Glasshousebltr

I've never tried that .....but I believe it's classified as public knowledge.

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Bob

Chris Johnson

How do you think salesman find you on the job? They just don't drive around, they drive directly to you, guess where they got the info?

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Chris

ruskent

I think it is defiently worth my time to do this. If i hit all the towns i want to work in once a month and collect the addresses i should have pleanty of names to mail too.

Among my other ideas is mailing to houses that are forsale. This would put me in contact with potential customers before they even close on their new houses.


I am just trying to think of as many ways to reach my target customer without spending 3-4k a month on magazine ads!

Grumpyplumber

Might work, might not...but one thing for sure, you're smart to be thinking like this.

thom

I've hired subs who have done it that way. Just go get the the permit information from the building department.

dougchips

Some of the towns that I work in leave the applications in a binder on the counter. It is a good way for me to see how much people are charging.

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vinylguy

yeah but if they already got the permit then i would have to assume they already have someone to do the work. i mean don't you have to know what the project cost is to know what to pay for the permit? call me silly but here in little old pa. they typically have the contractor agreement signed 3 days up checks cashed and then permits issued. ( am i wrong? ) or does it work diff in other states/

dougchips

Look at the orginal post again, he is looking for people who are doing additions so he can lay walkways or whatever he does.

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To get the best replacement windows, or sun rooms contact the replacement windows experts at FHI Vinyl Window Company.

ruskent

Yea once they do their additions they need new patios, decks, etc.

kevjob

freedom of information act you can also go to the tax assessor, usually in same building, and get info on how much they paid etc....

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

POOLMANinCT

one more thing they will need afterwards ........money

ray

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......Less with the jaw & More with the paw.....

ruskent

You need to remember that some of the most affulent towns in our country are within working distance from me.

RCPainting

My state has an online registry of all permits issued. It was designed for contractors and subs to "preregister" to protect lein rights. You or the bank, title company, homeowner can see who has been paid or has a right to place a lein. I have used it to see which GC's are doing new homes and then contact them to offer my services.

Celtic

I don't know what State you are in ~ but it ain't NJ!

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Grumpyplumber

Wow...I'm scurrying off to see if we have that...what a great idea!

ruskent

I need to keep these ideas to myself!!!!!

RCPainting

I am in Utah, I believe that the license requirements in my state are one of the toughest. Programs like this and the mandatory Lein Fund we have make it difficult to for just anyone to be a contractor. I read about all the horror stories some have with lowballers and illegals and don't mind all the hoops I have to go thru!

Celtic

I already had the idea ...that's why I know there is no online database in NJ

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Driftwood

In N. ca. I belong to a builders exchange. What they do. Plan room, plans come in for bid . Private as well as govt. work. 10 percent savings on workers comp. Group H.M. O. dental. Binder comes in mail twice a month with all permit info. from many area towns. Type of work ,cont. name, address, dollar amount. We also pay a lobbyist to represent us to the state Govt. on building issues. You may have a similar Org. near You.