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I have made my way around Breaktime for a number of months now. I am starting to recognize a lot of your names now and I hopefully haven’t pissed too many of you off yet. As many of you do, I ride around a lot and since I work by myself, I have free time to think of things I probably need to know more about in my line of business. So here are some questions I have about “things”. I need your help as mentors because of reading your posts; I can tell some of you have been around for a long time. I only have 10 years under my belt and only 3 owning my own company.
Computer Software: How helpful are they to you? I use and love Quickbooks Pro as my accounting software and Sierra 3D Deck to layout general decks for clients. I have not been able to find a program that will help me show varieties of privacy fencing. Is there software out there for that, simple fences, (perhaps that will also show materials lists)? Sierra also has an architectural program that is very generic and complicated. What software do you use if any? I wanted to know if there are user friendly design programs that will detail framing elements. One of the biggest headaches I go through is figuring how many two-by-fours and the like I need for a project I know its simple math but it would be nice for larger remodels. I suppose this would be nice to pull permits off of too. This brings me to another question. When do you hire someone to draft these plans up or when do you let your lumber yard do material knock offs for you?
How much advertising do you all do? I am forever handing out things and canvassing new neighborhoods with my own slice of the propaganda pie. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. I know that less than 5% of advertising generates business, but I keep on copying. What works best for you?
This is probably my hardest question and it’s primarily for the builders and GC’s. What do you look at when you hire a new sub-contractor? Here’s why I ask. I consider myself a good trim carpenter. My base of past clients know me as a good painting contractor that does “carpentry” work (and tile and handyman stuff and so on). I have an established business there but I would like to get more into new construction trim work. I have done a few houses in the past but it is very hard to get connected with the builders. I know that I can’t compete in the high end custom market primarily because I do strictly site work (I do not have a shop). I just need fairly average (two or three thousand square foot) in the 250K price range. Basic split jamb doors, base, crown, window skirted, chair rail, I’ll staple the lauan down kinda houses.
I need to know how to approach these builders and say “Hey, I am the man you need to trim this one for you.” I have thought of providing them with a portfolio with details and photo’s of my work. Do you think this will work? And what kind of disadvantage will I have being a solo contractor? I do not use helpers as a rule unless I’m up against the gun.
I don’t want to sound like I’m a dolt or a sub-standard craftsman when I’m talking to them, but I do want to be informed of what to expect from them and what they expect of me. I know this is a loaded question and I would like your input.
David
Attached are photo’s of my last new house. I contracted to trim it out, paint it (all nine colors – all hand painted, I don’t spray), custom fireplace surround and mantle, back deck and my first (and probably last – without help from a pro stair guy) stair system!
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Last one ... I think!
*David-If you want to work as a sub, you need to get to know the gc's. You are a potentially valuable sub since you have been running your own business and satisfying your own customers for some time. This gives you a leg up on most subs. Do not get into a low price bidding war with guys that do nothing but slap trim up as fast as possible. You will hate the work and lose money too. Talk to as many gc's as you can. Let them know what you have done and that you are available to help them out in the areas you are most interested in. If they are busy, they will try you out on a project that they have been putting off and see how you do. If it works out they will have as much work as you can handle. If things are slow, don't get discouraged but use the time to build up contacts. In time these will pay off. You are in a good position in that you have a going business to keep you busy and can, to some extent, pick and choose your subcontracting work.
*Great painters drive big cars. Make lots of money. They are at the race track when we are working.
*>What software do you use if any?I use turbo cad pro 6.5 and it does it all for me...houses/furniture mostly.>When do you hire someone to draft these plans up or when do you let your lumber yard do material knock offs for you?I've always drawn my own plans....and on any project larger than a small addition let the salseman at the yard do the takeoff. If they do it and send out the supplies they are responsible for any overages. >How much advertising do you all do? I have very little luck in Ohio.....one add in a grocery store in Ak and I kept busy....depends on where you're at I guess.>What do you look at when you hire a new sub-contractor?When I was building houses I always tried to use the same guys regardless of whether they were the cheapest or not....I hate dealing with new guys cause you never know what they're going to do. I would suggest to be hired as a trim carpenter if an unknown would be to look neat...talk the talk and tell the guy if you can't do steps... show up early and do it right.... resist pissin and moanin about drywall dust/plumbers/painters etc. etc.> I have thought of providing them with a portfolio with details and photo’s of my work. Do you think this will work? And what kind of disadvantage will I have being a solo contractor?photos are nice (make sure you did the work):-) I think in todays market you are definitely at a disadvantage trying to score a trim job without a crew (three guys) The man wants it done the day you start. time is money.