The construction industry is a trillion-dollar sector with millions of workers. Most of these workers are contractors willing to take up all sorts of independent tasks. Collectively, they contribute billions of dollars to the sector. However, competition is getting stiff by the minute.
There are more than 3.7 million construction businesses in the United States. A good chunk of these is home contractors who work regularly. With so many people working in contractor jobs, it can be tough to get clients. Additionally, with the ever-growing popularity of do-it-yourself shows and websites, more people are trying their hand at construction work.
It doesn’t mean there isn’t room for growth in the field. On the contrary, the industry is expected to grow by 3% in the next ten years. It’s good news for contractors looking to establish themselves in the field.
If you want to excel in this field, you must follow the rules while also getting creative. Here are some ways you can do that.
Get All Sorts of Certifications
It’s essential to be certified as a contractor. It will show your potential clients that you’re serious about your work and know what you’re doing. But don’t stop there. There are all sorts of specialized certifications you can get. One of the most crucial is being an electrician.
Electrician
Home contractors and electricians go hand-in-hand. After all, most construction projects require some electrical work. If you’re not certified, you can’t legally do this work. Moreover, many clients are looking for contractors who are electricians. It’s because it’s cheaper to hire one contractor who can do multiple jobs than it is to hire several different contractors.
Painting
Another popular certification is in painting. This is a great way to show your clients that you’re a well-rounded contractor. Plus, it’s a skill that can always be in demand.
Asbestos Inspection
Asbestos is a dangerous material that people once used in construction. If you’re working on an older home, there’s a chance you’ll come across it. Unfortunately, only 7% of Americans are estimated to get their home inspected for asbestos. Don’t let your client fall into that trap. As a certified asbestos inspector, people will undoubtedly hire you more for your expertise.
There are many more certifications you can get as a contractor. This makes you a jack-of-all-trades and can help land you more jobs. If you want to take multiple programs at once, enrolling in a particular platform is good. One good platform for all sorts of certifications is the ABC Heart of America Chapter. This organization provides a reliable platform for contractors to get all kinds of certificates. They’re accredited and have robust programs that’ll teach you the tricks of every trade.
Showcase Your Work
As a contractor, you need to have an online presence. In today’s age, that means having a website and being active on social media. Your website should show off your previous work. Make sure to include high-quality photos and videos. You should also have a section with testimonials from your previous clients.
When it comes to social media, you need to be strategic. Post content that’s relevant to your field and will show off your work in the best light possible. For example, you can post before-and-after photos of your projects or videos of you working. You can also use social media to give people a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a contractor. This will help you attract new clients looking for someone they can trust.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology has changed the construction industry in several ways. One way is that there are now more bidding platforms for contractors. These platforms allow you to find new clients and projects that you might not have come across.
One of the most popular bidding platforms is Bidclerk. This platform gives you access to over 1 million commercial construction projects. You can use the platform to find projects in your area, get more information about them, and even submit bids.
Another great way to use technology to your advantage is by using drones. Drones allow you to take pictures and videos of your work from a birds-ey view. It can be helpful when marketing your business or meeting potential clients. It’ll show off your work in the best light possible and help you stand out from the competition.
The five tips we’ve outlined will help you excel as a home contractor. These are tried and accurate methods that have worked for many people in the industry. Use them to set yourself apart from the competition and land more jobs. Just make sure to use them the right way to get the right clients.
