Suggestions For New Const./ Contractor

shermanpainting

I currently have two large contractor companys that use my company. I know that it can be a pain for some to get involved in this kind of work but I have begun to like it.
How did you veterans get referrals/leads for this type of work. So far I have been contacted by them but I am looking to really get into this end of painting.
What are your suggestions??

Joewho

Either through the homeowner, or networking with builders. It's easy to just call on builders. Knowing which ones are reputable is a little more difficult. Just because the customers love the builder doesn't mean you will.

Demonstrate knowlede about the building and trades industry. I know a little more than most about carpentry and that helps a lot. Be willing to integrate with the schedule and the other trades, this mostly applies to carpenters. Just know where to draw the line. Sometimes my cheeful ( ) attitude is mistaken for naivete, and inevitably some carpenter will be rooster tailing sawdust in the house while I'm trying to paint.

Glasshousebltr

Run......Run fast, Run hard........don't look back.

Bob

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Bob

Brushslingers

You mean you actually want to put yourself at the mercy of a new home builder? Wow.. heh. If your talking about commercial.. ok, if your talking new homes... make sure you have like 3 or more of them. If they get the slightest swerve you will be out of business, seen it too many times. To FIND them, lurk at your local home builders association.

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Benn

shermanpainting

Well I already have 3 of them that I do work for and I haven't had any trouble yet. Other than the occasional bargaining. The old "you do me a favor I will treat you good" bit. But I have enough work where I can call there bluff a little and so far things have always worked things out just fine.
I actually dont mind it at all....in fact the reason why I would like to get more into it is because it is easy to leave a crew of guys there to get things done while I go deal with the repaints or whatever. Its not like a homeowner where they are scared of your guys without you there.
I can almost consider it a side project. where I just put a crew on these jobs, check and make sure the work is done right and get a nice check at the end of it all.

dougchips

Go to trade shows or any conventions for builders (vegas=conventions), network with the builders. Ask them what they like and dislike about their current paint subs. Show them how you service your existing builders.....show examples of how you bend over backward to do touch ups so homeowners can move in. When Builder a calls you at 9pm on a Friday and says that the plumber roughed up the wall and he needs it repaired for a house showing at 10am on Saturday, do you respond? If so have Builder A write a referral about it.

trumps101

For new construction you can try contruction journal or the dodge report. They will have all of your building projects. We have used them for yrs but it will cost you.
You can also use the blue-book for all your builders phone#. Some of there services are free. You want to keep in touch with all the builders in your area the more they see and hear from you the better chance you have that they will need you.