Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 29, 1999 08:52am | #1

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   Dew:
   Before construction, I spent ten years in facilities maintenance: Chief Eng'g for hotels, Dir. of Maint. for Med. Ctr, etc.

   I figured I was the guy to do exactly what you are suggesting and tried it a couple of years ago. I've actually recently been mulling it over again.

   Here's what I know.

   Apartments including complexes won't pay a high enough rate to make it profitable. Large co's have in house staff that can do everything.

   Smaller commercial properties do use outside services quite a bit.

   The catch is, They expect fast service (within 24 hours) for many items. They also need someone on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. (charge $$$ for night calls). Markups need to be huge because you will have so much time running around looking for the right part, much more than with remodeling.

   The companies that will hire outside staff for maintenance issues will hire a kitchen duct cleaning co. to clean the ducts, an appliance repair co to fix the washing machines, an electrician to replace a light fixture, a roofer to fix the leak, etc. You'll either need to be able to truly do it all or find a nitch in there somewhere.

   My first attempt at this was a flop. I just never got any calls. I didn't have anything to offer that they weren't already getting from the dozen specialty contractors they already used.

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 30, 1999 11:17am | #2

   *Just a suggestion Dew, When I frst started out, most of my clients were senior citizens. They had just gotten too old to take care of the house the way they used to. Some were widows, whose husand had always taken care of the repairs and maintenance. Now that their husbands have died, they have no idea where to even begin to find a reputable repair person. When the fascia boards atart to rot, they do not have a clue who to call. They know a remodeling contractor (in the phone book) wouldn't do work like that, and then they see ads for plumbers, electricians, builders, etc... but they never see ads for home repairs and maintenance. Heck, most don't even look in the phone books anymore. This can become your FIRST marketing target group. Advertise in places where they will see the ads (like AARP brochures, senior centers, flyers, etc...). The amount of referals you will get will be astounding. Once you have established yourself, you can begin to take on larger projects for other target groups. You can decide how big you want your business to get, and how large of jobs you want to do.Just a thought...James DuHamel

2. 
   dew_ | Jan 04, 2000 11:46pm | #3

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   I have been thinking of starting my own property maintenance business.I'm experienced with repairs and remodeling.Also have a general contractors license. What's the best way to get started and any pointers. Thanks mike