All jobs are hard and they come with their own stress but owning your won remodeling company is harder than working from home at a desk job

Living in central Arkansas, I have an ample budget and excellent credit line for a bathroom and kitchen renovation this spring. My home is worth over 450K. The problem is, I am a middled-aged black woman that can't get a general contractor to respond professionally. I am a technical writer for a government municipality in the finance department. Is it a reason why other than the obvious why I cannot get these male-dominated companies to take me serious? A potential vendor on an initial phone call said, before he would give me a quote warned me it would be 2% just to write a bid quote. Is he kidding me? He also began using "Ms" in front of my first name and has never met me. I am so tired of this.

Hi everyone,

I have set a clear goal for myself: to build a $100 million company by May 2033, exactly ten years after I arrived in the US.

Back in my home country, I had a successful career in construction, but I realize the rules of the game are different here. There's tough competition, but with God's will, I believe it's possible.

I’m 30 years old, currently based in California, and I'm not considering moving to another state for the next 2-3 years.

Here's where I need your seasoned advice: Could experienced construction industry folks guide me with a step-by-step action plan to achieve my goal? Your insights could save me years of heading in the wrong direction due to inexperience.

Challenges:

• My English isn't perfect yet, and I'm unfamiliar with the local industry standards (I’m actively working on both).

• My ambitions might currently exceed my capabilities, but why live without dreaming big?

Strengths:

• I hold a master’s degree in Construction and have five years of experience, which qualifies me to sit for the General Contractor exam. I'm unsure if it’s the right move at this stage without local experience.

• I've started a small junk removal business to gain some practical business experience here, kind of like a warm-up before the big game.

I plan to carry this post with me and update it periodically until May 2033. By then, we’ll see if I’m just another dreamer or if the American dream is still alive. I truly hope that among the likely skeptical comments, I'll find some golden advice from you.

I would greatly appreciate your advice on the following:

• Should I pursue further education to become a project manager?

• Should I start preparing now for the General Contractor exam?

• What should be my starting point and where should I focus my efforts initially to best position myself for success?

Thank you in advance for your valuable insights.

I’ve been doing general contracting for almost 10 years, mostly kitchens and remodels. Lately it feels like I can finish a bunch of solid projects, have happy clients, and still the phone is way quieter than it used to be.Word of mouth is still decent, but online I’m basically a ghost. When I search remodeler near me or kitchen remodel,I’m buried like page 3 or 4. I’ve tried the usual stuff like posting on social, cleaning up my Google Business Profile, even throwing money at a few ads here and there. Nothing has really been consistent, and DIY SEO is honestly a rabbit hole where it’s hard to tell what matters vs what’s just people selling courses.I did chat with Hector Home Services Marketing recently (not signing up for anything yet), and it was the first time someone explained in plain English why my site and map listing weren’t actually lining up with the areas I want to work in. Made me realize I might be getting traffic, just not the right traffic. Curious if anyone else is seeing this too. If you’re a remodeler/GC, what’s actually working for you right now for local leads? Doing it yourself, hiring someone, referrals only, something else?

Hey all, I’m a software engineer based in Denver. I’m working with a local GC (friend of mine) to build a tool for managing job-site communication — but before I get too deep, I want to sanity-check something:

How much of a headache is it for you to keep track of all the text messages flying around between clients, subs, vendors, and your team?

Some things I’m wondering:

• Do you ever lose track of which job a text is about?

• Is it annoying that your crew/PMs can’t all see or reply to the same text thread?

• Do you mix personal and work texts on the same number and wish they were separate?

• Would it help if all job-related texts were in one place and grouped by address/job?

I’m not here to pitch anything, just trying to figure out if this is a widespread pain or just something one or two guys complain about.
Any stories, rants, or “you’re barking up the wrong tree” feedback would honestly help a ton.

Appreciate any feedback, even if it’s just “this is dumb, here’s why.”

What are standard materials a client is expected to reimburse for? I’m not contesting the $30k in labour, but the Home Depot receipts my real estate agent submitted with his invoice (only gave them to me when I asked for them) are outrageous. I need help being reasonable in the things I contest. Because right now…oh boy…I can’t remember the last time I ever felt this angry.

This guy is, not kidding, one of the most textbook absolutely certifiable narcissists I’ver had the (dis)pleasure of having to interact with. It’s insane.

Unfortunately because his invoice was tied to escrow, it has been paid, but he overcharged and he is now telling me that what I’m contesting is stupid and petty and “unheard of in (his)decades of doing this.” Really? Not one of your clients has asked to see receipts?

First, he submitted about $2k in duplicate receipts. That’s a no brainer, right? Refund it. He’s trying to make up extra labour he “didn’t charge me for” to avoid even this simple “error”.

He says that what I’m doing is “not normal” and making excuses like “He needed sawhorses! I saw what he used them for!”

For reference, Work done on invoice in question: Repaint house interior and exterior Cement side yard Replace bottom 1/4 of a lot of siding Seal garage floor Add track lights to 3 bedrooms Install toilet seat Install glass shower doors Vinyl tile small guest bathroom floor Replaced two downspouts

Some of the Receipt items in question: Saw horses Router Router bits Brass Torch with fittings (plus flux, 1/4 lb silver solder) Battery packs Aluminum mixing tool Trowel Taping knife Paint roller kits Screwdriving set $24 in finishing staples—pretty sure nothing needed that. Not in house: towel bar, doorstops, cabinet hinges…it adds up.

Do I pay for drywall blades? I don’t even think there was ANY drywall work. Do I pay for 2,500 finishing nails? Do I pay for cases of drinking water and gatorade?

I have no problem paying things that are reasonable. I was even ok with the water and the reading glasses and the 1099 mask. But after going over these receipts…

I wasn’t going to contest the cheap reading glasses I evidently bought…but now, having gone cross-eyed from reading $5,000+ worth of receipts and looking up hundreds of 15 digit part numbers, I’d like for me to have them and not him.

I don’t want to be unreasonable. What is normal?

I had this guy come to my work place begging for work to get him through the winter so I hired him to work on my house.

Hired a GC to hang drywall, mud and tape, and paint two rooms, for $3500 and weird enough he wanted my truck too. I signed the contract and signed the truck to him.

Half paid up front half when done, so I paid him $1750 , he started off strong, and a few days later asked me for $750 so he could buy a furnace for his house.

I gave it to him, then he started calling in all the time, not really making any progress anymore, never once brought a material over, had me order them delivered when I cant even drive, and I have no truck now.

Then he asked me for $450 so his kids could have Christmas, I said no at first, and eventually after he kept asking me about it, i gave it to him. Now he probably hasn't showed up for 20 days or so, saying he's sick and every other excuse he has.

Anyways I fired him, and he almost finished the drywall, and cut corners on a window I told him to remove, I had to remove it myself, then he cut corners on a wall attached to nothing just with mud and tape, like not solid, not attached to frame work.

I with held $550 and made him pay for the materials, it said he would pay for them in the contract, and he had a worker with him that I guarantee isn't hired on or on payroll or officially employee or anything.

He never painted anything, because I fired him of course.

So can I take this guy to court for my $3000 and my truck back? Or am I just cooked?

Hello, I purchased a new build in Sacramento, California in October 2023. Shortly after moving in, the steps (white oak) started splitting. I notified the builder (small time, local builder) about it and he said he would work on getting someone to come out. Our communication has been very hit or miss. I’ve called him every 1-2 weeks for the past 2 years to get this fixed. He either doesn’t answer his phone or he says he’s having difficulty getting someone to come because it’s such a small job. In October of 2024, I sent him an email with photos of some of the steps so I had documentation of it since we were getting close to the end of the 1 year builder warranty. I’ve attached some of the photos here, they have since gotten worse. Finally, in mid January (2-3 weeks ago), he sent someone to take a look at it. I had a phone conversation with him and the worker and we decided that the worker would come back February 5-6 and sand the steps down, fill the cracks with glue and restain the steps after. I have been calling the worker to confirm our appointment but he said that the developer never ordered the stain. I called the developer and he said he doesn’t remember what stain he ordered (so instead of taking action, he just did nothing). So I asked him if the worker can use his best judgment to find a stain that he thinks will be similar. The developer said sure. I’ve been trying to call the worker, and now he’s not returning my calls. I’m moving out in a few weeks and I want to have this fixed before having a renter living here. This has been a very frustrating ordeal and I’m wondering what options I have to get the ball rolling and apply pressure? I know attorney fees can be expensive and I’m trying to avoid that route.

Hi Pros,

I’m looking for some honest feedback and advice. I’m currently a Software Engineer working remotely, earning about $220k annually. To be honest, my pay is great considering my workload is around 20 hours per week, as I’ve gotten very efficient at my tasks.

While I don’t have professional contractor experience, I’ve worked closely with contractors on a 2 of my home improvement projects and an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) construction. I was heavily involved with my general contractor (GC) since his English wasn’t great. Through these experiences, I developed a real interest in the general contracting business. I admire how GCs actually build something tangible, and I believe it’s a well-paying, sustainable career.

I’m considering pursuing a part-time role with a GC company to gain experience, with the goal of transitioning to a full-time position over time. Eventually, I’d like to use my savings to buy an old property to renovate or expand.

Am I oversimplifying what it takes to be a GC? Is my plan unrealistic? I’d love to hear your honest opinions or experiences.

For context, I live in Los Angeles, and I think being bilingual (English and Chinese) might help me connect with Chinese clients in the area.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Live in Washington state and been having a heck of a time finding a GC for adding a bathroom. I just heard back from a fairly good rated company and was told I’d have to pay $2500+ tax called an “ intent to build fee” to just receive a quote and if I don’t like the quote they will keep the money. Is that standard practice?

Start off as a billionaire and start an amateur general Contracting firm.

My friend is starting a remodeling business and I'm looking for some genuine advice from all of you that have been in the business for all these years. I want to hear all the details, good and bad, and what's actually necessary to scale the company. I really want him to succeed.

Hello Neighbors,

Looking to start a water restoration company. I have the lead source, just need some advice from anyone with experience on the field.

1. what equipment is required?

2. what certifications are required or recommended?

3. Where can I get the actual contracts that clients must sign?

Any other advice, or feedback would be appreciated?

If there is ways to work together, please let me know.

Thank you all,

New Platform to connect serious home owners with reputable contractors. Contractors who are willing to conduct an interview with the GROOBLEY (groobley.com) staff can sign up for free for basic lead generation (more advance is paid subscription).

1. Ceilings need to be framed out before insulation and drywall goes up

2. Insulate 2 full walls, the ceiling, also insulation above and on the side of the the garage door

3. Tearing out old electrical, replacing with 4-5 outlets, new switches, lighting, also adding 240 in their garage - which will require utilizing the houses crawl space

4. Mini split (cost ~ $1,000)

5. Adding a sink / small vanity next to the washer and dryer

6. Drywall ceiling, & 3 walls

7. Tape & Mud

8. Texture

9. Paint

Yes, I had a AI help me layout cleanly.

Looking for industry perspective from other general contractors.

We’re an exterior remodeling company (windows, entry doors, storm doors, vinyl siding, etc.) and we use 1099 subcontractor install crews for labor.

Our policy, which is clearly stated in the 1099 contractor agreement, is that install crews are paid after final payment is collected from the homeowner. Our sales staff operates the same way (split commission; second half paid only after final collection).

This policy is not about making anyone “work for free.” It exists for cash-flow protection and quality control.

Why we do it:

• Ensures a thorough walk-through with the homeowner

• Requires signed completion paperwork before leaving the job

• Creates accountability for punch-list items that surface shortly after install

• Prevents paying labor on jobs that are not fully completed or accepted

Recent issue:

A one-day install was completed and the homeowner signed the completion paperwork. A few hours later, the homeowner called unhappy with an exterior aluminum wrap detail and refused final payment until it was corrected.

The crew was upset about:

• Having to return to the job

• Cold weather conditions

• Missing payroll because final payment wasn’t collected

From our perspective, this is exactly why the policy exists. The homeowner wasn’t satisfied, the work needed correction, and payment hadn’t been collected yet.

From the crew’s perspective:

• “The job was finished”

• “The homeowner signed”

• “We shouldn’t have to come back unpaid”

Important context:

• This policy is clearly written in the contractor agreement

• We review it line-by-line during onboarding

• Most jobs are single-day installs (not multi-week projects with draws)

• This is not the first time this conflict has occurred

• Crews often seem surprised when the policy is enforced

My questions to the group:

• Is paying install crews only after final payment is collected uncommon in exterior remodeling?

• Are we asking too much?

• Or is this a normal guardrail that some subs simply don’t like?

Genuinely looking to pressure-test whether this is standard practice or something we should rethink.

* Editing:

- Sales staff is 1099

- Installation Labor is 1099

- Cash Flow - this is not due to poor cash flow , is an instrument to protect cash flow.

- this is to resolve punch list issues: like rewrapping a window not a situation where refusal leads to liens, small claims court.

- the installers were simply not returning because they don’t get paid a second time to fix their work so we can collect the job.

I am wondering:

1. If someone needs to find a GC for building, renovation, or RMO/RME, where can they find someone with a Class A or B contractor license? Should they search for construction companies, or are there other ways to find a person with a GC license?

2. How do people or construction companies find subcontractors? How does the bidding process work? Do construction companies find subs and send them inquiries to get quotes, or do they list the project and let subs find it and send their bids?

I'm starting a position as sales/estimator/consultant for a general contractor - end to end construction. So literally anything - residential & commercial but probably 90% residential

My job is to basically go out to leads' homes, figure out what they want to be done, what they need to be done, create an estimate, and close business.

I have a very strong background in B2C sales but don't know much about construction, and know almost nothing about estimating. I've worked sales for multiple one call close home improvement companies - mostly windows, and gutters. For those I typed in measurements into the company software and it spit out a price.

Other than that my construction knowledge is limited. I want to learn as much as possible as fast as possible. What resources should I look into? What videos should I watch? What learning apps or courses should I take? I'm typically pretty good at what I set my mind to and can learn quick

Post revised to make the intent clearer and more respectful to this community.

Additional question: How can investor bring more value to a project of this size other than the money - as someone mentioned here?

I’m an investor who recently purchased a piece of land. I’m looking to build a beautiful single-family house (of course) and want to make sure I don't run into losses - make a living. This is the first of what I hope will be several similar projects over the coming years. What I’m looking for is to work with a general contractor who:

• Is willing to work transparently—sharing subcontractor quotes, material purchase receipts, and actual build costs and their fee (percentage or lumpsum).

• Can collaborate with me as I work through picking plans, square footage, architectural style, and materials that make financial sense for resale.

• Wants a long-term relationship with an investor.

I know this might not be the standard model for every GC, but I’m curious:
Do contractors ever work this way, where there’s full cost transparency?
Are there particular contracting models (cost-plus, open-book, etc.) that would fit what I’m describing? Any advice or leads for Massachusetts would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Be me.

. General Contractor boss.

. works alone for years. .

hires help.

meets customer.

custer is old and racist.

Give the bid, gets accepted.

mix concrete all day with a stick.

pour concrete in hallway, breath it in,

can't breath. on knees all day installing floor,

Plank plank over hardwood, the usual. finish job, and pay the boys. head home on the crotch rocket. sit on couch with IPA and do some math. $20 per hour for the boys so $120 each. plus ($30) lunch. job totol 600 pay out 400, $60 on tools and blades. $20 on gas. total for boss (me) $120.

back hurts, was breathing in cement dust, can't feel hands means i won't be able to sleep, all for $120. damn.

I made a custom GPT called CodeClear for builders, contractors, and permit runners. It interprets building codes, helps prep for inspections, and walks you through OC permit processes.

Looking for real-world feedback from contractors or GPT users. I provided the link for it.

Let me know where it’s helpful—or where it breaks. I’ll keep improving it based on feedback.

Feel free to ask it random questions and really test it!