6 Ways to Grow Your Construction Business This Winter

For contractors who work outdoors, winter can mean a few more openings in the schedule. A slower stretch gives you time to follow up on the customer requests and business tasks that were hard to get to during the busy season.

Start with projects that fit the work your business already does. These six ideas can help you find winter work and prepare for the months ahead.

1. Start with customers who already know your work

Think back to projects where a customer mentioned something they wanted to tackle later. Maybe a shop owner needed more storage, or a homeowner put off replacing interior doors. Winter can be a good time to follow up.

When you reach out, mention the project and let the customer know when you have availability. They may have been waiting for a better time to get started. For commercial customers, ask when the work would cause the least disruption to their business.
 

2. Look for work that fits your crew

Look for opportunities close to the work your business already does. A finish carpentry crew might take on built-in shelving or trim installation. A remodeling contractor could schedule a bathroom renovation or flooring project indoors.

If you are considering a new service, work through the details before advertising it. Check what training or equipment the crew would need, and confirm licensing and permit requirements with the appropriate state or local authority. Leave room in the schedule for existing jobs that could be pushed back by weather.

3. Price winter jobs with the full cost in mind

Before pricing a winter job, account for labor, materials, equipment, and the share of overhead it needs to cover. Include seasonal expenses that apply, such as temporary heat, snow removal, or extra trips to protect materials.

Be careful with discounts offered to fill the calendar. If a customer has a limited budget, talk about adjusting the scope. Replacing flooring in two rooms now and scheduling the rest later may be an option. Account for the cost of returning to the job when you price each phase.

4. Show customers what you can do this winter

Customers who hired you for one project may not know everything your business offers. Use your website and social pages to share recent work and explain which projects you can schedule during winter. Include photos you have permission to use and a clear way to contact you.

A photo of a finished storage area can help someone picture what you could do for their own space. Add a few words about what the customer needed and how the work helped. Reach out to trusted trade partners, too. They may know of a project that needs your skills.

5. Get spring projects ready before the rush

Some customers will be planning for spring. Follow up on outstanding estimates and ask about their timing. Use the winter months to arrange site visits, discuss material selections, and identify any permits needed before construction begins.

Take a look at your own planning, too. Compare estimates from a few completed jobs with the labor and materials they actually required. Ask the crew what caused delays or extra trips. Use those details when preparing the next round of bids and schedules.

6. Review business changes with your insurance agent

Before taking on a different type of work, explain it to your insurance agent. Include where you will be working, whether you will use subcontractors, and any equipment or vehicles you plan to add.

Your agent can help you review how those changes affect your insurance needs and whether policy adjustments are appropriate. Discussing your plans before work begins gives you time to address coverage questions while the job is still being planned.

Learn about Acuity’s insurance for contractors and talk with your agent about your plans for the season.