Anyone Do Work For National Builders

smitty58

I've been doing work on my own for many years and have always thought about trying to get work from some big builders. I would like to do decks but maybe also do punch out work. Anyone have any experience with this ,and how do you go about getting into this? We have several national builders in my area so I would think the potential is huge ,but then again I'm sure the per sq ft price for decks (for example) would be a lot less than getting them on my own.
Any advice is appreciated.

Bob Kovacs

Are you mexican? Cuz if you're not, you'll have to get used to working for slaves wages.

One could say that I'm kidding, but to some degree I'm really not- probably 90% of the labor on the big builder sites (excluding electrical, HVAC and plumbing) is "imported", and the prices reflect it. Most of these guys are paid piece-work rates, and are willing to work 12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week in an attempt to make some decent money. If you can't compete with that, you've got little chance of succeeding working for the big builders. You'll also need to have a crazy limit on your insurance, and be willing to wait weeks/months for payment.

Other than those issues, it's great work.....

Bob

osborn

Im in columbus. Around here you dont usually work for the builder. They sub it out to a lumber company. Then you sub off them. They dictate the price. They tell you how much they will pay. If your bidding jobs now and getting them, I would continue what your doing. The thing is I would never go back. I can bid a job at a price I know I will make money on. If something comes up, I write a change order and charge for it. The competition is greater in the new build world.If theres extra work I would do it or they will find another crew to take your place. And again Im talking about large national builders(2000-3000 homes a year)It was a good start and a good way for me to learn the trade.

pwrpapa

Like Bob said, it's not worth your time.
I worked for the big box builders for years, If I only had 1/10 the money they beat me out of I'd be a very rich man today.

I think people are catching on to the crap they build. The small custom home builder is going to make a comeback in my humble opinion.
Do yourself a favor an stay clear of the vinly box builders.
Let the illegals do their work.

Teetorbilt

I got into it from a cabinet rep (not all that I do is custom).

You can expect at least twice the paperwork as found on a 'normal' job. It also tends to get lost or confused as it passes through the local office to corporate (more time getting stuff straightened out). It's a PITA as far as paperwork goes, sometimes it may take over a year to get paid (I still have a few '05's outstanding) but they pay well for my region.

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Toothpick

Have to agree with Bob & Pwrpapa on this one. About 10 years ago we got in with a national builder doing thier trimwork in a development near me doing the condos & homes. After we got in our "rut" we would back the trailer up to the job and we wouldn't have to say a word to each other because by this time we had a system going as far as who is doing what. We hustled our butts off and at best we did "ok". Like osborn said they will also tell you what they will pay versus what you feel you should be getting, if you don't like they will go to the next guy who was banging on the door thinking this would be a great gig. Unfortunatly at least with this company, it was all about price and little about quality and workmanship, it was evident walking through thier homes - it was crap, literal crap.

Anyways we stayed for about 6 months, first letting the condos go and then shortly after we let it all go. Although we got along with the super and sales people we just couldn't hack it anymore there. Unreasonable deadlines (picking up other peoples slack), following behind hacks, and working for less than we deserved. After awile we felt kind of embarassed to be seen in there, just couldn't take any pride in your work. Other reasons we left were because at the time we were also doing trim work for another custom buider who appreciated our work and paid accordingly and we felt we were putting to many eggs in a crappy basket. We walked away from a lot of work but never regretted it. Within 3 months after leaving they went bankrupt stiffing a lot of subs, couldn't understand that one being that they couldn't build them fast enough, bad management I guess.

So do your self a favor and look elsewere, you can do better. Sad part is I'm hearing some guys are doing these production type homes for less than we did it 10 years ago.

King of Crown

I have subbed for a sub who was a sub of a national builder, does that count?

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Real nice guys

JTKoury

Decks with builders, you aren't going to get paid much. Here in NJ punch is the way to go. Work all year round and $$$. I had to get a vender number from the builders and there is some paperwork for every little thing you can imagine. Not only that, waiting to get paid can be a big problem. Some builders take as long as 6 months before you see anything. I've learned my lesson that after 45 days, you have to cut them off until they pay. Another thing you have to worry about is a builder going towards bancruptcy, then you'll never see a dime.

bob

I just finished a commercial paint job for a large national construction company. The larger they are the more paperwork is required and the longer it takes to get paid. The paperwork was tougher than working for the goverment.

Blackbird

I build decks for new builders, that build in five or six states ( I guess that is national), large custom builders, small custom builders, and home owners. If I'm building a 10x12 cedar deck with rail and I'm pouring the pads I'll charge the big guys about $1200 for labor and the home owners about $2400. This works for me, I bill about $500 per man day. As for the punch work, all the larger builders I have worked for hire a few guys from the temp agency for $9/hr and work them until they drop.