Finish Carpenter New to Subbing?
Asked by positivepixie1
My husband wants to know: I am an interior finish trim carpenter, I have been doing it for 7 years, and just started subbing off the guy I worked hourly for. I need to find more work to keep me busy, since I am no longer hourly the guy I worked for hourly only gives you work when his hourly crew can not finish it. I have faxed my workers comp and liability to several contracting places, placed and add in the phone book, and gave out my cards to local mill work places. The add in the phone book will not be published until July. I have not heard back from any of the contracting places, can someone give me advise on the best ways to get in with contracting places, find more work, for a guy just starting out in the business. I need to get my foot in the door. I can not go over the guys head that I started out with, then I will loose his work, so I am going to places he does not contract for, and these people do not know my work? Columbus OH Araea

Best Answer:
Firstly, you represent potential competition to any contractors in your area, let alone ones you know. I recommended to another questioner a while ago to hang around the trim/lumber dept. at Lowe's or Home Depot. Sooner or later you'll see someone who's obviously " at a loss ", or someone may ask you a question if they see you are dressed in carpenter's gear. Find out their needs and offer to do the job for them at a very favorable price. If you get it right, they'll surely know someone else who could use your services and it can proceed from there until you can work your rates up to the local market scale. Just remember to treat everyone the way you would want your mom to be treated.
Been there, done that.
Answered by lurned1