As a general contractor, you likely have many areas of expertise. But even the most skilled contractors don’t consider themselves an expert of every trade. There may come a time on a remodel where you’ll need to call on other pros to bid out all or part of the project.

When bidding out a remodel, it’s important that you be transparent with both the homeowner and subcontractor you enlist to help. You’ll want to give them as much information as possible to ensure that the work goes smoothly. We’ve compiled a list of the best tips on how to bid out a remodeling job.

Sales is the front line of your business and a skill you should always be improving. If you want to stay in business, you need to learn how to close sales, especially the tough ones.

Your customers should be your top priority. If they aren’t, it’ll catch up with you and the consequences will be reflected in your financials. Closing a tough sale isn’t easy, but it’s possible if you focus on building trust and alleviating your customers’ five biggest fears.

At the end of a long day on the job, you put your tools away and head home. Maybe you don’t give it a second thought, but what if the tools you need were not there when you arrived in the morning? You invest a lot of money in your equipment and tools and it’s important to keep them safe. For the independent contractor, a stolen tool is an expensive problem to have.

According to the National Equipment Register, tool theft on the job site costs the construction industry up to $1 Billion every year. Contractors rely on their tools and equipment as their key to success, so having anything stolen can potentially hurt your progress. Though tool theft can’t always be stopped, it can be prevented. With a few precautions, you can protect your items and reduce theft on the job site.

Did you know that CraftJack offers lead generation services in 21 unique categories? Whether you’re an electrician, a flooring specialist, a roofer, a drywall pro, or a general contractor, CraftJack offers personalized leads you’ve been craving.

If you’d like to hear what projects fall into each category below, please give us a call at 866-456-6977.

• Cleaning
• Decking
• Drywall & Insulation
• Electrical
• Fencing
• Flooring
• Garage
• General Contracting
• Gutters & Downspout
• HVAC
• Landscaping
• Masonry
• Painting & Staining
• Plumbing
• Pool
• Remodeling
• Roofing
• Siding
• Snow Removal
• Solar
• Windows & Doors

The unexpected will happen. As a contractor, you know this. Pipes leak, nails go where they shouldn’t and accidents happen. However, when the unexpected happens to you, it’s best to be prepared. That’s where contractor’s insurance comes in.

By finding the right plan for you and your business, you can prepare for all the situations that can’t be anticipated. With so many choices available, navigating the world of insurance for your business can be a tricky one. We’re here to help. Here are a few tips on what to look for when seeking an insurance plan for your contractor business.

As we enter into a busy season, it’s more important than ever to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. To make things easier, we’re bringing you the top headlines you should know.

Earlier in the year, we reported on the construction forecast for 2016, where experts predicted continued growth in the industry. As we reach the middle of year, we can begin to see new trends in construction starts and job growth, as well as some new safety regulations to incorporate into your daily routine. Here are a few of the top headlines you should know.

As a local pro, you don’t have to go at the job alone, even if it sometimes feels like it. Organizations and associations exist to assist you in business and professional growth. Through joining an organization, you gain a collective voice in your field and educate yourself on the needs of your industry. You can work together with other pros, even if you’re not working on the same job.

For painting pros, there are a few organizations and associations you can look into if you want to make the investment to become an active member of the local professional community. Here are the trade organizations all painters should know about:

What do you think customers are looking for when they come to your website? Reviews, contact information and previous work might come to mind. All are correct, but most importantly, they are looking for reasons to be confident that you’re the best pro for the job.

Noah explains in the video below the top three things a customer looks for on your website and how they work together to provide that confidence for potential customers.

Looking for more insight on what your customer is thinking? Read What Customers Are Looking For On Your Website to optimize your page for more business.

Speed reigns supreme when it comes to lead generation and that is why CraftJack has worked diligently to create the fastest and easiest notification system in the industry.

We know you guys are busy. We know contractors are out working on the job, traveling, handling payroll and running your business. As such, when a lead comes in, just like the one above, you need to easily be able to contact the homeowner however you see fit. Fortunately, CraftJack offers three very convenient ways to not only receive a lead notification, but to contact the homeowner within seconds.

On the job, you and your workers’ safety should be the number one priority. Pros come in contact with dangerous tools and situations with your work. Many of us know common safety precautions, but accidents can happen and you should be prepared if they do. Here is what you need to know to best handle injuries on the job site.

Falls

According to OSHA, falls are the most common cause of work-related injuries and deaths on the job. This can be from simple ladders to scaffolding and roofing. A fall can result in serious and permanent injuries; so proper attention should be given.