Making a Successful Transition From Residential to Commercial Work

As demand for your professional services continues to grow, many residential contractors are discovering new opportunities for expansion in the commercial market.

While the nuts and bolts of planning and installing a commercial irrigation project are similar to residential work, there are important business differences that a savvy contractor needs to be aware of. Before leaping into commercial work, a little knowledge and preparation will pay dividends towards a profitable and successful transition.

The main difference between installing a residential or a commercial system is the customer you will be working with. In the residential arena, contractors interact primarily with homeowners. In the commercial market, you will have many different contacts. This difference will drive the rules of the game.

A Residential Transaction

The overwhelming problem contractors run into when moving from residential to commercial work is managing this time differential. Residential jobs allow immediate access to information, resulting in a tighter time frame from beginning to end. This short cycle allows for faster decisions and immediate payment. With payment in hand, it is possible to cover labor and material costs quickly, leaving the rest for profit.