The Air Conditioners are appliances to keep us cool and comfortable especially in hot season. For every 3 months of using  it needs maintenance by cleaning the inside part of the unit. So that it can blow fresh and cool air. Like this contractor on the picture try to check up the air conditioners of his consumers for the good of the unit.

Sure this recession is much more complex. There are world markets being effected for the first time, mortgage rates are the lowest ever since being tracked, unemployment is through the roof and the building industry is in a much over due correction. But if you listen to any expert, they all say one thing: “go out and spend money”.

The perception of 2009 is better than 2008. You can’t argue that!

Holy hacksaw batman! General Contractors got 3350 more Complaints than Insurance companies last year! Roofing Contractors got 451 more Complaints than Mail Order Companies!

According to the 2007 Better Business Bureau’s Annual Inquiry, Complaint and Services Summary for the United States, General American Contractors have the 4th highest Inquiries with 1,230,723 out of 52,167,879. They rank 15 out of 587 in Complaints.

These statistics clearly state that homeowners think contractors are worse than 98% of all other industries including Insurance Companies (30 out of 587).

Others in the top 10 Inquiry (Requested Industry Reports) list include:

Roofing Contractors rank 1st in inquiries and 24th in complaints.

Movers rank 4th in inquiries and 16th in complaints.

Home Builders rank 7th in inquiries and 25th in complaints.

Construction and Remodeling Services rank 8th in inquiries and 28th in complaints.

Plumbing Contractors rank 10th in inquiries and 32nd in complaints.

If you haven’t noticed, let me tell you that contractors have a perception problem and perception hurts all of us.

There are obviously those bad contractors that racked up enough actual Complaints to fill 11 spots in the worst 50 industries in the country (out of over 3,600). You could easily say “So what! I’m not one of those guys. I never got a complaint”. But what’s more important is that we fill 6 of the top 10 spots for Inquiries. That means that the contractors mentioned above are perceived as the top 10 worse out of over 3,600 industries!

That hurts ALL contractors! Especially when you estimate how many people call ALL of you a “General Contractor” or “Home Builder” or Construction Bid and Remolding Service” no matter what your specific trade.

During a recession economy, only the good bird will get the worm. More than ever, homeowners on tight budgets are checking to make sure you’re a good, trusted contractor before they hire you.

If you have been in business for 40 years you probably don’t have to worry about any of this in your community. But without that time and reputation you need to do something to show you are a true professional. Only those who do will survive these tough times.

Here are some things you can do to set you apart:

• Obviously a service like TrueBlueContractors.com is specifically designed to address this problem for a few hundred dollars a year. A certification and web presence will separate you from the rest. As an added benefit, TrueBlueContractors.com spends tens of thousands of dollars in local advertising to bring its members business.

• Build a bio. If you’re on a real tight budget, sit down and build a bio on yourself and you company. A bio is like a resume. Write a paragraph about you, where you went to school, your experience, and any organizations you belong to. On the same page write a second paragraph about your company, what you do, how long in business, any special jobs you have done, etc.

• Get recommendations. Having an ex-customer write a recommendation letter is gold. That’s how the guys 40 years in the business got there… only back then it was by word of mouth.

• Don’t stop advertising. One of the first things to get cut when work drops off is your advertising and marketing budget. Obviously advertising and marketing is designed to bring work in. Stopping when you need it the most is the worse thing you can do. Finding a more efficient way to advertise or market is always smart. Notice I didn’t say “cheaper”. You want to make sure every dollar you spend get in front of a homeowner looking for a contractors.

Good luck and hold on! Happy holidays!

In tough times like these, jobs like new driveways, landscaping, remodels and additions can go away almost completely. Homeowners are feeling the crunch just as hard as the contractor.

Even though money is tight, there are still contractors being hired for certain jobs right now! What are they and how do you get in on it? Keep reading.

#1 Emergency work

Now matter how much people are cutting back, they still have to call a contractor if a pipe breaks, the heat goes out, the roof collapses, bugs infest their house, they need a big snow removed, etc. Think of the work you normally do. You have seen emergencies in your trade. What are they?

Now the big question is… do the homeowners in your community know you are the one to call when they have that emergency? If not you better do something!

What do I do?

• Yellow Pages/Advertising – Make sure any advertisement you have says “24 Hour Emergency Service” somewhere in the ad. If you are a member of www.TrueBlueContractors.com, make sure your profile and special offers say it.

• Magnet Business Cards – These things are great! Put your name, phone number, work you do and “24 Hour Emergency Service” on the magnetic business card and it has a very good chance of landing on the refrigerator or drawer next to the phone. You can buy these things for about 20 cents a piece and either mail them to people in your community or spend a weekend going door to door and hand them out or leave them.

#2 Money Saving Work

Homeowners will spend their hard earned money on something that will save them money, even if it’s in the long run. Some examples are:

• HVAC Tune Ups save energy and prevent disaster
• Electric Upgrades (even energy efficient light bulbs) save money
• New Appliances use less electricity
• Better Doors and Windows save energy and prevent break ins
• Insulation saves energy and prevents rodents
• New carpet with thick padding insulates and saves energy
• Landscaping service prevent costly damage from trees, rodents, insects, etc.
• Blacktop sealing prevents costly cracks in driveways
• New toilets use less water

What do I do?

• Find You’re Niche – First find and quantify one or more services you can provide and their benefits. Every home improvement has some benefit whether its improved efficiency, less maintenance, or prevention of a larger cost down the road. Cellulose insulation is said to use 20% to 40% less energy than fiberglass. A properly tuned boiler can save 20%. Trimming trees keeps them from falling on your house in a storm. If you don’t know the savings you can provide in your trade, you need to find out! Ask your local supply house, look at the advertisements for the products you install, or surf the internet.

• Yellow Pages/Advertising – Change your advertisements immediately to say something like “Our service can save you x % on your heating costs. Call us now for a free estimate and start saving money today!” Again, if you are a member of www.TrueBlueContractors.com, make sure your profile and special offers say the same thing.

#3 High End Work

Did you ever hear the saying the rich get richer…? Well it’s true sometimes. People with cash money and high finances tend not to get as upset about the current economy as people with low incomes.

Why? Because if you have cash you can find the best deal on real estate since 1995. You can find the best deals in the stock market since 1950. If you have a revolving line of credit or some other loan at a variable rate, your payments have been going DOWN every time the Fed lowers rates.

Now is the time for people with money to buy cars, furniture, investments, real estate, and yes… home improvement! 3 years ago contractors were charging what ever they wanted. There was so much work to go around, everyone had some and the good guys could charge a premium. Well guess what happens when demand drops? Smart homeowners know that contractors are struggling and that they can negotiate a better deal.

What do I do?

• Get Real – If you are the american contractors who understands and accepts this fair turnabout in power, you will be a step ahead of your competition! Make no mistake about this article. Despite these tips, there is less work to be had. Competition to get it will be fierce among those contractors who have a clue (those who don’t are already out of business).

• Think Rich – If you were rich, would you hire some dirty guy with mud on his shoes and crappy pick up truck to work on your house? Trust me you wouldn’t. Even if your not rich you might not do that (your wife would kill you). Take your whole business up a class in thinking. Make sure your truck is at least clean. Put on nice clothes when you’re bidding on a job or talking to a homeowner for the first time. Leave the cigarettes, gum, and chew in the truck. Keep the language clean and don’t use any slang. Make believe you are on a job interview (because you are)!

• Be Willing to Negotiate – Remember the reason the homeowner is doing this project is because they know now is the time to get a good deal. Don’t disappoint them. Let them know that you know what they know! Work has slowed down and although you are THE best at what you do, you are willing to give them a good price so they can see how good you are.

• Go Where the Money Is – If you don’t work in the expensive neighborhood, now is the time. How do you get in there? The same way the guy who is doing work there now… go door to door and introduce yourself (make sure you Get Real and Think Rich first)! Word of mouth is very strong so they might already have a high end contractor they are using and he likely doesn’t do emergency calls at 2AM. Bringing the magnet (yes rich people put them on the fridge too) that says you do 24 hour emergency work is a great way to “share” that neighborhood with the existing contractors.

No matter what you do, think long term. None of these tips are going to produce results over night. All the more reason you must take action now! Some contractors start to loose jobs and they stop spending money on advertising or trying to stand out. They climb in a hole and hope to make it through the tough times.

The last thing you want to do is stop advertising. You just need to think of more efficient ways to spend your advertising dollars and most importantly, stat to think out of the box and some of the foot work suggested above!

SCOPE OF WORK – GENERAL

Property Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Contractor: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________________

ROOM / LOCATION: DESCRIPTION OF WORK: COST:

GENERAL – EXTERIOR

Paint – exterior – walls/trim

Siding

Trim

Doors

Windows

Foundation

Porch/Patios/Deck

Yard, garden, etc.

GENERAL – INTERIOR

Paint – interior – walls/ceilings

Windows

Screens

Insulation – Attic

Insulation – Basement

ENTRY FOYER

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

LIVING ROOM

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Fireplace

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

ROOM / LOCATION:

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: COST:

DINING ROOM

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Fireplace

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

KITCHEN

Cabinets

Counters & Backsplash

Pantry / Food Storage

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

DOWNSTAIRS HALL

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

FAMILY ROOM

Coat Closet

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Fireplace

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

ROOM / LOCATION:

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: COST:

LAUNDRY ROOM/AREA

Cabinet / Vanity

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

UPSTAIRS HALL

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

BEDROOM #1 ________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Closet

Fireplace

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

BEDROOM #2 ________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Closet

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

ROOM / LOCATION: DESCRIPTION OF WORK: COST:

BEDROOM #3 ________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Closet

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

BEDROOM #4 ________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Closet

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

BEDROOM #5 ________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Closet

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

BEDROOM #6 ________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Closet

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

ROOM / LOCATION: DESCRIPTION OF WORK: COST:

BATH #1 _____________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Cabinet / Vanity

Towel Bars & Toilet Paper Holder

Shower Rod / Shower Door

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

BATH #2 _____________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Cabinet / Vanity

Towel Bars & Toilet Paper Holder

Shower Rod / Shower Door

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

BATH #3 _____________

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Cabinet / Vanity

Towel Bars & Toilet Paper Holder

Shower Rod / Shower Door

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

OTHER ______________

ROOM / LOCATION: DESCRIPTION OF WORK: COST:

OFFICE

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

ATTIC

Stairs

Joist Supports

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

FOUNDATION

Access Doors & Locks

Vents

Vapor Barrier

Sills

Joist Supports / Piers

BASEMENT

Doors & Locks

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim and Baseboard

Floors:

____ Carpet

____ Vinyl

____ Ceramic tile

____ Hardwood

GARAGE

Doors & Locks

Garage Door Opener

Windows & Locks

Sheetrock/Walls & Ceiling

Trim

Floor

General Comments/Designs/Layouts/Architectural Features – (_____ Additional pages are added)

Scope of Work General Conditions: It is specifically understood and agreed that:

1 ) This is a complete offer for the work noted herein. If contractor observes any obvious omission, contractor is required to note it and discuss with owner/project manager before inclusion in bid.

2) Any deviation from this list shall be discussed with the owner/project manager before any alteration to this scope of work.

3) If contractor does work outside the scope of the work shown herein, that contractor must specifically quote any increase in price and must obtain proper written approval, otherwise it is understood herewith that the contractor’s intent was not to charge for these items.

4 ) If contractor proceeds with any work not shown herein without proper approval then owner/project manager has no obligation for any additional payment.

5 ) This is a complete quotation. All labor and every knob, screw, nail, material and supply is included unless otherwise shown herein.

6 ) Contractor is responsible for complete debris clean-up and removal from the premises as it accumulates.

7 ) Contractor has agreed to complete this project within the time frame as quoted below. Any deviation must be specifically discussed and approved in a separate change order, otherwise any payment shall be reduced by $______ per day until the work is completed. It is expected that if another trade has delayed the work, the contractor bidding herein shall work around this trade and do other work as possible in order to stay on time. Any adjustment in time must be discussed and approved in writing in order to avoid the above deduction.

8 ) It is the contractor’s sole responsibility to obtain and pay for all needed permits and approvals as required by the county or State within the time frame agreed to.

9 ) Release of payments to contractor shall be as shown herein and any deviation must be discussed and approved in writing. Releases will be tied to percentage of contractor’s services being completed and meeting governing building codes, approval of any required building inspections, and services having been completed including any punch out work as agreed. No payments will be paid in advance of work being done. If supplies are included in contractors bid and contractor needs funds for supplies, owner/project manager will make payment arrangements directly with the supplier of contractor’s choice and deduct the cost of such materials from the next draw. Contractor shall provide all receipts collected directly from the supplier prior to an expected draw. Payment shall be made as per agreed upon payment schedule to be attached herein with no more than 80% being paid prior to final approval, less any advance payment or charge for materials paid for by Owner. An unconditional waiver and release must be signed prior to final payment.

10 ) Contractor agrees to return for any adjustments or repairs, to equipment or installations for up to _____ months after occupancy of new owner or tenant.

11 ) The parties hereto understand Contractor and Owner/Project Manager intend to enter into a separate contract. However, in the absence of a separate agreement, this shall serve as the complete understanding.

12 ) Parties agree that any dispute which cannot be settled by the parties shall be submitted to binding arbitration and the parties agree to be bound by the decision. The cost of the arbitration shall be borne by the losing party.

13 ) Other Conditions:

Contractor References:

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________

Contractor’s quoted begin date: ______________ Quoted completion date: _______________

Contractor: ________________________________ Offer Date: ___________ Offer Good Until: __________

Owner/Project Manager: ______________________________________ Acceptance Date: ______________

EXHIBIT “B” TO THE
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
AGREEMENT

Payment Schedule

This Exhibit is part of the Independent Contractor Services Agreement dated the ______ day of __________________, 20_____, between _________________________________________________, as Contractor, and ________________________________________________________, as Client thereof.

Work to be performed as stated. Total contract: $_____________________

PAYMENT #1 – $______________________ to be paid upon the completion of:

PAYMENT #2 – $______________________ to be paid upon the completion of:

PAYMENT #3 – $______________________ to be paid upon the completion of:

OTHER PAYMENT – $______________________ to be paid upon the completion of: