Finding Bids?

moko14

Where does one find contracts to bid on? I know this is prob a stupid question, but I want to get into some light commercial work, and was wondering outside of contacting the GC's directly is there a place to find them? Do they post them somewhere? Or what would one do to inquire about contracts when talking to Gc's. Sorry for the question again. I know it sounds alittle dumb

jmic

MOKO,
Try subscribing to the Dodge Reports. I always found them to be useful.

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Joe

Tscarborough

Dodge reports, local builders associations, AGC, etc. None are free, but they can be worth what you pay, provided you utilize each to it's strengths.

Dodge reports are a great way to track, assess, and bid commerical work, but it is expensive.

Builers Associations are somewhat cheaper, but also a bit more limited on the information available.

The AGC is a good place for suppliers and GC's, but if you are a subcontractor, you might want to look at the subcontractors association.

If you are poor, you can go and search at the permit office, though you will be a bit late for most commercial.

You can also do it old-style and hit every jobsite where you see them scratching dirt. Often the subs have not been bought out at that stage (provided you are not a dirt-work sub).

Good luck!

Grumpy

Call all the builders in your area and ask to be on their sub contactors list.

If you are a builder then the methods mentioned seem the be the best. Or you could call architects and ask to be on their referral list.

moko14

Thanks for the info guys! Just so you know Im a drywall and painting contractor

Leo P

I work for a commercial contractor but, am planning on going out on my own as general contractor. ( soon I hope ) I am interested in GC-ing tenant improvement jobs and subbing the majority of the work.

The advice I am hearing is to talk to the commercial realtors, commercial developers and commercial property owners.

They will have maintenance work during and in between tenants.
They also hire the GC or self manage tenant finish on tennant improvement and strip mall build outs.

DaveH

I belong to a builders exchange in the area as well as the builders association. I also (as learned from my Dad) hit the streets. When I see something coming out of the ground I stop and ask who is doing the scope I'm interested in. Most times they already have someone under contract, but then they say we have these other jobs we need a bid on. Now I have the persons name who I talked to at the site. This is important because I call their office and say "JIM" told me to contact you about "***XX" job. That is my foot in the door. I have 15 jobs on my plan table to bid on now by just doing that last week.....

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Disturbed Elect

Dodge Reports are to expensive at first. Subscribe to Bid Clerk ( Look Up On Internet) They Are Very Good And Still Cheap.

Best one though that I found is to list yourself in Blue Book Bid. Best value for $$$.