Biggest Mistake - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Igal · 09-27-2008, 06:44 PM

Hi Guys,

As a startup business I was hoping I can piggyback on some of the experience you guys gained in the business through the years.

if you had to think of a major “big mistake” that you made in the business, what would it be and how did you go about solving it?

Thanks guys.

rbsremodeling · 09-27-2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Igal

Hi Guys,

As a startup business I was hoping I can piggyback on some of the experience you guys gained in the business through the years.

if you had to think of a major “big mistake” that you made in the business, what would it be and how did you go about solving it?

Thanks guys.

Becoming a contractor?? What was I thinking??

I saw those ads on tv in the 70's with the cool Contractors, making people happy, driving nice cars and making a really good salary and I fell for it.

Igal · 09-27-2008, 07:01 PM

wyoming 1 · 09-27-2008, 07:57 PM

Man rb that was my first thought.... becoming self employed I haven't found a solution yet when you are a hard headed German the options get small

Remodel Bud · 09-27-2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Igal

Hi Guys,

As a startup business I was hoping I can piggyback on some of the experience you guys gained in the business through the years.

if you had to think of a major “big mistake” that you made in the business, what would it be and how did you go about solving it?

Thanks guys.

arguing with some fools posting in here

but for real, I would say " be careful who you take advice from"

**genecarp** · 09-27-2008, 08:15 PM

The mistakes you make become your best assets, dont be upset when you make them, learn from them, then move on, that much wiser!!!!

Snow Man · 09-27-2008, 09:00 PM

Letting the work get ahead of the coin.

**Ed the Roofer** · 09-27-2008, 09:03 PM

I have not made Any mistakes yet!!!

But, fortunately for me, God has allowed me the opportunity to have many Learning Experiences, from which to draw upon for future goals and for guidance.

Ed

wizendwizard · 09-27-2008, 09:18 PM

Signing a contract with a customer after they mention sueing; insurance companies, home builders, former roofers or anyone during the estimation process. My most resent mistake!!

Letting the job status get ahead of the incoming money!

Taking on a job outside of your specialty or expertise.

Using one customers money to cover another customers job!

Placing too many employees on one site just for the sake of keeping them working.

There are many mistakes we can make, the key to overcoming them is learning from them.

**Teetorbilt** · 09-27-2008, 09:39 PM

I've been over 2 of these building 'humps' and really didn't see this one coming to the extreme that it has. The wars, fuel, the financial situation, I think that we have been played and exceptionally well by externals. Check. And waiting for checkmate.

Remodel Bud · 09-27-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genecarp

The mistakes you make become your best assets, dont be upset when you make them, learn from them, then move on, that much wiser!!!!

Stone Mountain · 09-29-2008, 07:47 AM

1] Be ruthless. I have found to my detriment that being Mr. Nice guy simply doesn't work.

2] Don't let customers get ahead of you.

3] This is the biggie. Know and control your costs. I am embarrased to say that that little item took me a long time to learn. Others on this board will agree that that is the single biggest effort you can make.

4] Don't take work just to have it. Make money on each job.

4] Joe Girard, who was billed as the world's greatest car salesman of all time used to say" If I have to get out of my nice cozy bed this morning, someone has to pay for it!"

Remodel Bud · 09-29-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stone Mountain

1] Be ruthless. I have found to my detriment that being Mr. Nice guy simply doesn't work.

Where were you when I needed you

DavidC · 09-29-2008, 03:01 PM

I'll stick with trying to be a nice guy, we don't always finish last. But do arm yourself with and use a good contract.

Reread Gene's post, he is absolutely correct. Then reread Ed's for the poetry.

Good Luck
Dave

rbsremodeling · 09-29-2008, 03:12 PM

I am still trying to make enough money to by me the cadillac, couple of gold chains and the stack heel shoes with the gold fish in them

Snow Man · 09-29-2008, 04:53 PM

oh yea.....

Buyers are lyers

Chris Johnson · 09-29-2008, 05:49 PM

I now avoid School Teachers and Cops...basically anyone who doesn't understand the word NO or have people tell them how it's done.

I have been told Military Brass fall into this catagory as well...don't have any personal experience on that one.

DavidC · 09-29-2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Johnson

I now avoid School Teachers and Cops...basically anyone who doesn't understand the word NO or have people tell them how it's done.

I have been told Military Brass fall into this catagory as well...don't have any personal experience on that one.

We work for the brass on a regular basis, from full sarge up to post commander, retired and I'll throw in Commander ****** E. ****, US Naval Reserve, Retired. (I just always get a kick out the last guys title and how he used it)

But anyway, say what you'll do, then do what you've said and the military brass have become favorites on my customer list. They don't just refer you to there underlings you know.

Good Luck
Dave

MALCO.New.York · 09-29-2008, 06:06 PM

David C.

I would edit out that name you so casually threw in there.

DavidC · 09-29-2008, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

David C.

I would edit out that name you so casually threw in there.

Sorry, I didn't realize there was a clan **** out there. But I'll take your advice and edit further.

Thanks

Good Luck
Dave