Big Jobs vs Small Jobs

When it comes to taking on new work, some contractors only want to do big jobs while other prefer smaller jobs. Larger companies may feel that they are too big to deal with small jobs, and that may be true typically, but lets discuss the matter.

Bigger Not Always BetterBig jobs are great. They can keep your crew busy for a while, increase profit and potentially generate followup work with the same homeowner. However, one should consider what is needed to properly complete a large job and whether their company is able to do so before taking on the work. Getting yourself into a situation where you may find that your crew is not large enough to complete the necessary work in the timeline you gave the homeowner could very well soil your reputation and leave you with a less than satisfactory review on networking sites.

Keep ‘Em ComingIf you decide that big jobs is your thing, great! Because once you complete the work and the homeowners have nothing but sunshine and rainbows in their eyes you might even find that they are going to help advertise for you by recommending anyone who steps foot past their threshold to hire you. Referrals are the best kinds of leads because you have little to prove beyond what your work has already shown them at Henry & Blanche’s house.

Great Things in Small PackagesBut what about those small jobs? If you are a smaller company yourself, you may find that a 1 or 2 person crew can get in, get out, get paid, and move on to the next job before having to recharge your cordless drill or say “we’ll be out of your hair in no time.” They’re usually pretty simple, relatively fast to complete, and have a strong return on investment (ROI).

Save For Rainy Days (or Months…or Years)If you are a larger company that typically does not take on small jobs, consider this: Sending one employee to do a job like that shouldn’t compromise your other jobs or crews and will bring some additional cash to pay the bills during those slow months. Plus, you never know where a small job can lead you to. It could turn into a much larger project than the homeowner originally considered (once you explain how the costs are less since you’re already there), and might even lead to those golden nuggets…the much sought after referral leads. Sally was so happy with the job you did repainting her bedroom baseboards that she told all of her friends. Now Gertrude is building that addition to her house she has always wanted and call you to you paint the entire interior and exterior.

The fact is, you never can tell what any one job, regardless of it’s size, will provide in additional work and financial compensation. Plus, it may just cover your overhead for the month.

(Flickr photo by Chemiu)