[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Being that most of my work is done on the weekends, the majority of my work is small jobs that most guys don't want to bother with. You would be amazed at how many jobs are turned away because "its not worth my while" or "it is not a 50 g job" Too may contractors have visions of grandeur. I get alot of referrals by other contractor friends that don't have time for the small stuff, or just don't want it.

If you do the little jobs well, you'll be called back for the big ones. My father-in-law has done very well by using this approach. It's worth cleaning some gutters for $50 if they call you back for a $10k garage.

As a former contractor, I've been on both sides. It all comes down to professionalism and respect. Do what you say, when you say, how you say, for what you say. Quality is important, but most homeowners won't notice if you have to use a little putty in an imperfect miter joint. BUT, if you are honest, professional, and act with integrity, you will automatically put yourself ahead of 95% of other contractors.

It's a scary thing for homeowners, most are going to drop a significant amount of money for a project they don't fully understand. Win their trust, do a good job, and you'll be their contractor for life. Contractors constitute the largest number of consumer complaints, and rightly so. My wife and I are working on our second live-in remodel, and I refuse to hire anyone to do anything. Most are just so damn bad, I'd rather do it myself.