Just Starting Out

bright star

i'm just starting out, anyony know any estimating software, or how do u go about it? i'm a bit nervous about generating work, i know i'm covering a brod range, u' help will be very much appreciated!

MattCoops

find some suppliers

create a product catalog of every item you could possibly sell
(I used Excel to make a spreadsheet)
add your 10% on top of price

Keep this in your clipboard when you do your estimates

Get some Job Invoices and Proposals with carbon copy
They sell them at Staples, Office Depot, etc.

have a small notebook and while doing your walkthrough with homeowner, jot down all that project entails

determine what materials are needed for project and start compiling your Invoice
then complete with your labor rates

Present to customer
Have them sign an acceptance

Write a proposal of all that the job entails, what materials will be used with product #s and manufacturer, and any warranty info.
Have them sign it

Have a calendar in your clipboard, and keep appointments in it. Give yourself a day or two extra in between jobs.

__________________
Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

basinbuilders

What aspect of construction are you in?

__________________
the hurrier i go, the behinder i get

bright star

remodles, decks,would like to move into ground up, general contracting

hop3

im am curious about getting into the construction biz. Im living in New Orleans and i cant help but see the oppurtunity available. I know that insurance companies are paying big bucks to demo houses 30 grand/ house, and after the neighborhoods are demolished new construction will begin I really dont know the first step to getting started but I have about 20 grand and 700 fico. any suggestions

FMKConstruction

"means" makes a decent estimating costs book, available at the Home Depot and i'm sure online too. There will be some trial and error, but if you are confident in your workmanship it will pass soon enough. I usually take pictures with a digital camera during estimates so I can refer to them when writing the proposal/contract. Try to stay competitive but don't undersell yourself. Keep in mind that the customer has a need for your services and knows that it will cost him.

Lastly, this forum seems to be a ood place to pick experienced contractors' minds -- use it when in doubt. Good luck....

Tscarborough

The best way to make a small fortune in contracting is to start with a large one.

dirt diggler

don't be nervous --- or at least get over it quickly. The sky can fall any moment of the day --- and it will when/if it wants to.

I know exactly how you feel about generating work though --- I felt like that 6 months ago. And in about 5 weeks, I'll feel that again!! It's a cycle.

Don't go buying a whole buncha software. And while I'm on that kick --- do not buy ANYTHING until you abosolutely need it. As for efficient estimating, use Excel --- if you have it already.

for the first couple jobs, bid in some of these "cooters"

I guess what I'm trying to say is, you don't wanna get all dressed up with nowhere to go

you have got to pinch, squeeze and suck the life out of every penny --- cuz the only money you get is a check from your client. And it can disappear quick.

fiore22

lkjhlkjh

P construction

The best advise i can give you onstarting up & estimating a job
1. don,t be nervise it is your job You have to have confidence in yourself.
2. bidding is hard to do at first but you will get it , Look at what you need to make per day to servive .
3. You will deffinetly learn by your mistakes it is how you really learn this trade or any trade It sometimes hurts but it is also rewarding. give the customer the type of respect and quility of work that you yourself would wan't and always try to go above and beyond for your client they are paying you and this is your pay check but word of mouth can be a great thing just try going in their like you have been doing it for 20 years.

And the most important thing is there will be good days and oh ya bad days !!!!!!

good luck