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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Hi, Ed. I'm a young licensed handyman contractor, and I learn a lot from your column and trust your judgment. I try to do as much work as possible for my customers, but I'm not sure with this one. A good client called me to replace a bad well pump, and while I'm very mechanically inclined, I have never replaced a well pump before. I hate to just give this job away. Is this something I can do easily or even try to do? Bud (Ohio)
A: Bud, I was once a young serviceman myself, and I know sometimes it's a scary world being a self-employed contractor. Part of you wants to be successful and take every job that comes along, but another part of you questions if you can handle every job that comes your way. As you grow in this business you'll find out that there is only so much work you can do alone. Every contractor needs help from time to time.
Experienced contractors know their role is to provide service to their customers, and service does not necessarily mean doing all the work yourself. If you find and hire a qualified well-pump technician as a subcontractor, schedule the job, purchase the materials and take care of invoicing your client, you have performed a professional service for your customer. Also, since you will be assisting the well-service person, you'll gain experience working on wells while you're getting paid. It's a win/win for everyone! You get to keep the job instead of giving it away and your client does not have to worry at all about the job or working with a stranger.
A good contractor can quickly put together quality construction teams for any type of home repair. Once you get a reputation as "someone who can make things happen," subcontractors and customers will wait in line to work with you!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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