I had a meeting with an architect acquaintance and his clients (who it turns out I also know). They invited me to look over plans and submit a bid for a small but I think very challenging new construction project on the shoreline. We discussed my experience (I made no secret of my limitations) and they still asked me to come out to the site this afternoon to look it over and study the plans. We talked about some of the issues with the job, and I apparently demonstrated a good knowledge of the technical aspects. Anyway, there’s no doubt that this is, for me, a very big job and one that is quite a bit beyond anything I’ve done before.
I’m torn between loving the idea of the challenge, and not wanting to bite off more than I can chew. I’d be involved with many aspects I’ve never done before. How many of you guys have made a big leap like this in your careers? When did you know you were ready? I’m wondering if it’s sensible to see if one of my friends that has more experience to “mentor” me, or if that’s not appropriate since we are in effect, competitors?
Happy to have opinions… thanks in advance.
PaulB
Replies
Hi Paul,
If you have other work bid high and ask for a favorable payment schedule,
30-30-30-10, (30% down payment).
If you don't have other work, bid even higher.
Then you can devote all your time and energy into this challenging project.
YCF Dino
So... it sounds like you are maybe talking about moving from a tradesmen role to a general contractor role... If it's the complete construction of a new home, don't fool yourself into thinking you can do it all yourself in a timely fashion. I'd say, go for it. Just do you homework very carefully. Based on your experience level, you might want to sell them on a cost-plus arrangement. That way you are protected from loosing your @$$ but on the down side you are not gonna make a lot either.
Your way is the safe way, to work/learn without losing.
Nothing is wrong with that.
Paul. I go...the Matt,s way.
YCF dino
Paul. I have passed on whole house construction and used to do additions. One guy, no can do unless you hire and/or sub out. I decided that to tie myself up for that time period w/o being able (or dumb enough to try) continue on in my small job business would hurt me in the long run. Sure, one big job, cooking for 6mos-yr, great experience, good money, no worries about what to do tomorrow.........sounds good. But, if you are like me and wish to return to the simpler life of sole proprietorship, you have lost the growth you have acheived. It would be close to starting over.
If you want to grow into the position that this job could start, why not.
Best of luck.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Some thoughts to consider.
This is a stretch for you. Sounds like they are quite interested in having you bid. Do you have a sense that they are doing it because it is a challenging job and they know you and your work and feel you can handle it better than other contractors despite your own reservations, or are they doing it because no one who knows better will touch it and they are getting desperate?
How much support do you think you will get from the architect? If he is an experienced professional he can guide you a lot and this could be a fun learning experience. Will he be working with you or wash his hands of the job once the plans are done and the permit is pulled?
How about the owners? Are they supportive or combative?
If you will need some good subs, do you know some that you can get? Before giving a bid yourself have your subs look over the job. Can they do the work and fit you into their schedule. I wouldn't say yes to a job that you needed help on unless you had help lined up before you committed to the client.
This job could be a satisfying challenge if you get the help from all parties you need and you plan well.
Ive always leaped before I knew what I was doing. I have enough confidence in my ability to adjust that I believe I'll figure everything out.
I've had a few minor setbacks, nothing too drastic.
As long as you are upfront and honest, you should be able to work through this thing. Sometimes the clients will use you, paying you less, knowing that they are getting a bargain and you are getting some education. It's win-win, as long as everyone is on the same page.
blue
I say go for it. There is no aspect of building or remodeling that cannot get subbed out except for minor punch work. Your abilitys only need be accurate record keeping and good people skills. Anything that you can do trade-wise is a bonus.
Study up, have fun with it.