Articles for US tradespeople and contractors
Most US contractors start as sole proprietors and upgrade to an LLC once revenue and complexity justify it. But the right timing and structure depends on your specific situation. Here’s the honest comparison. Sole Proprietor What it is: No formal business entity – you operate under your own name (or a DBA trade name registered…
Breaking into commercial construction as a new contractor requires a specific strategy – commercial clients don’t find you on Google the way homeowners do. They use bid lists, plan rooms, and referrals. Here’s how to get in front of them. 1. Join the AGC and Local Contractor Associations The Associated General Contractors (AGC) has chapters…
Commercial construction pricing in the USA operates by different rules than residential. Estimating is more rigorous, payment is slower, and the margin structure is different. Here’s how to price commercial work correctly. Commercial Construction Estimating Methods Unit price estimating: Price per measurable unit (per SF of framing, per LF of pipe, per opening). Fast for…
Every US contractor quote should include terms and conditions. Without them, the only rules governing your project are whatever a judge decides seems reasonable – which is rarely what you intended. Essential Clauses for US Contractor T&Cs Payment terms: “A [25%] deposit is required at contract signing. Final balance is due upon substantial completion. Invoices…
Scope creep – the gradual expansion of a project beyond its original agreed scope – is one of the biggest margin killers in US construction. The work keeps growing; the price stays fixed. Here’s how to stop it. What Scope Creep Looks Like “While you’re here, can you also…?” “I thought that included…” “The plans…
Asking for a deposit is completely standard in US contracting – but many contractors still feel awkward about it. You shouldn’t. A deposit protects both you and the customer. Here’s how to ask for it naturally. What to Say When presenting your quote, include the deposit as a matter-of-fact line item – not a request:…
Most US contractors either follow up too aggressively or not at all. Both cost them jobs. Here’s a simple system that converts more quotes without making you feel like a salesperson. When to Follow Up Send your quote the same day as the site visit. Then: Day 3-4: First follow-up (if no response) Day 8-10:…
Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers to starting and scaling a construction company in the USA. The good news is that multiple loan programs exist specifically for construction businesses. Here’s how to access them. SBA Loan Programs for Construction Companies The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees loans through approved lenders, making them…
Starting a construction company in the USA involves navigating federal, state, and local legal requirements. Missing any of them creates liability exposure, insurance gaps, and in some cases criminal penalties. Here is the complete picture. Federal Requirements EIN (Employer Identification Number): Required for all businesses with employees, and strongly recommended for all business entities. Apply…
Construction project management is one of the highest-margin positions in the US construction industry – you’re coordinating and managing rather than swinging hammers, and billing for the most complex and valuable part of the process. What a US Construction PM Company Does A construction project management firm acts as the owner’s representative on construction projects,…