Whether you are starting a new construction business or running an old one, you know the importance of bidding for the right job. Accurate bidding is the building block of the project’s success. According to a recent survey, more than 50% of construction contractors are getting 0% ROI.
Are you wondering the reason behind this high failure rate? We have got the answer. According to the statistics, if a construction contractor is generating $1 billion in revenue annually, then he could lose up to $165 million just because of inaccurate cost data at the time of bidding. Yes, you read it right.
Accurate bidding data significantly impacts the profitability of any kind of construction project. Now you know the importance of bidding. In this blog, we will tell you how to find construction side jobs to bid on. So, stay on this blog to know more.
Key Takeaways
- Effective bidding is an integral part of the success of any construction project.
- Generally, you can find a construction job to bid on by freeways or paid ways.
- By following some steps you can find the best construction project for you.
- Learning new techniques, collaborating with other contractors, investing in new learning, and building professional relationships can help you secure more projects.
Ways to Find Construction Jobs to Bid On
To excel in the construction world, you need to master the art of bidding and secure more projects. If you are not bidding for the potential project then you may face failure in your business.
Unluckily, due to this pressure many construction contractors bid on too low rates. In this circumstance, they have to pay expenses out of their pocket or get ZERO return on their investment. To avoid situations of this kind, they have to bid wisely for the potential construction project and get to know how to estimate construction cost of a project.
Generally, there are two ways by which you can get more construction projects to bid on. Let’s discuss each of them.
Free Ways
We know that being a construction contractor you want to find the ideal construction project on which you can bid. Here, the ideal construction project means the project on which you can bid easily and get maximum profit. To get your desired project, you have to know how bid on construction projects. There are some ways in which you can bid for free.
- Government Websites
Various federal and state websites are available that contain information about the different construction projects. On these websites, you can make an account and review the project information for free. For instance, New York State Contractor Reporter, there are countless projects that you can bid on.
- Plan Hub
This platform is the best to find a commercial construction project. Contractors can create an account on this website and explore the numerous opportunities. Moreover, general contractors can also invite subcontractors and help them find potential construction projects on this website. Additionally this platform shares some tips to find commercial construction jobs.
- Construction Bid Source
Construction Bid Source is another useful platform on which contractors can find new construction projects. Contractors can view the opportunities that are posted on this website and advertise their construction services for free. Before requesting access to contact information, contractors can understand the scope of the project.
- GovernmentBids.com
This website is way better than other websites as this is easy to use and has a wide range of filters within the different categories. Suppose you want an electrical ordinance job, there is a category for it. You can browse jobs on this site for free, but to view the bid document you have to pay for that.
Paid Ways
Now, the next category is paid ways to find construction jobs to bid on. Numerous paid websites are available, by which you can get to know how to find jobs in construction sector with some additional features beyond just simply listing bid opportunities.
- BidCentral
BidCentral is the most popular paid bidding website, which offers full project review access including Planroom documents and update notifications. However, you can also use its free version, and explore only the new bidding opportunities.
However, the paid version offers you access to the contractor directory and tender awards. To buy the paid version of this website you have to pay $79 per month.
- BidClerk
The BidClerk website offers bid opportunities not only for the United States but also for Canada. This is the most comprehensive bidding website with specific features that help you to find local construction jobs. The price of the paid version of this platform is not available on its website.
- Construction Market Data
It is obvious from its name that this website uses the construction market data of various projects. This is the most authentic and verified bidding website. The owner of this site claims that it gathers data from more than 184,000 project bids every year, which strengthens the accuracy of their providing data.
Construction market data neither lists the price of any of its online products nor its information available on any other platform. This software divides its offers into small packages including specedge, custom analytics, CMD design, and forecast.
- Biddingo.com
The most amazing feature offered by this website is that it allows contractors to create a profile to market their services. Also, you can get job alerts from this site that match with your expertise. Furthermore, the subscription cost of this site is too low, at $250 per year.
- iSqFt
The last one is iSqFt, this platform is designed to connect various professionals in the construction industry. According to the survey, this website is hosting 80,000+ construction professionals currently, which is a significant number.
Understand the working of this platform by an example, suppose you are a subcontractor. Need contractor’s help in your ongoing construction project. iSqFt is the best platform for you. You can connect with different contractors on this portal and get assistance.
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How to Find Construction Jobs to Bid on?
The construction industry in the US is the fastest-growing industry these days. According to the statistics, the construction industry of the United States is worth $2.3 trillion in 2023. So, in this competitive industry, it is daunting for a contractor to find a potential project to bid on. In this section, we will discuss the process of finding a construction job to bid on.
Identify the Type of Construction Project You Need
Before going to the bidding process, you have to first identify the type of project that you want to work on. If you are clear about what project is suited best then you will complete the project effectively.
Consider your skills, experience, size, and budget to narrow down the project list on which you are thinking to bid on. Moreover, you can also categorize the project based on construction niche like you can decide whether you need residential, commercial, or industrial construction projects.
Create a Bidding Plan
Creating a bidding plan helps you to bid successfully for potential projects effectively. If you know which project you should bid on and have a ready-to-implement- bidding plan, then your project success is irresistible. You can bid on different platforms. Some of which we are going to mention below.
- Government Websites
State and federal websites often open bidding opportunities on some platform, on which a contractor can bid for free. Through these websites, you can get updates for upcoming construction projects within your state.
- Online Website
There are many online websites available, which regularly post new construction project information for bidding. You can visit these platforms, and sort the projects that match with your expertise.
- Networking
Networking is the key to getting more project opportunities. You must make new connections and expand your network to get updates for upcoming construction projects.
- Industry-specific Websites
If you are from a specialized construction industry then you can visit these sites and get bidding opportunities for industry-specific projects.
Identify Your Data Points
Bidding is all about submitting a cost estimation for the construction project. So, you have to make sure that you collect accurate data points for the cost estimation. For this track your data resource, and add the accurate cost that is required for your project completion including the material cost, equipment cost, labor cost, and overhead cost.
Include Your Bidding Plan Into Your Business Plan
In the construction industry, bidding is crucial for the successful project completion. After getting all your data points, add your bidding plan to your business plan. Your bidding plan must include the hours or days that you require for preparing the bid document.
Make a List of Potential Contacts
Making a list of useful contacts from whom you may need during the construction project is one of the most crucial steps. You must have the contact number of contractors, subcontractors, or industry professionals.
Pro Tips to Find Construction Jobs
Here are some tips that you have to follow to get an answer of how to find small construction jobs.
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Build Professional Relationships
One of the best ways to get a construction job is to make connections within your industry. Networking is not just exchanging business cards, but it means fostering long-term relations with your clients. You can also join industry events, collaborate with other contractors, and actively participate in community projects for better networking.
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Utilize Technology Advancements
The world is moving towards digital advancement, so as the construction world is. To get potential job opportunities, you have to stay updated with the advanced technology and tools to get a competitive edge. Moreover, you must learn new construction methodologies, advanced construction tools, and software to shine in your field.
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Offer Competitive Pricing With Quality
Always make sure that you offer quality services at an affordable rate. No one compromises on the quality of services, so try to offer high-quality services at competitive rates. Making a reputation as the best service provider will help to secure more projects.
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Invest in Continuous Learning
The construction industry is the most evolving industry, new construction techniques and materials are constantly emerging. Attending learning programs and getting new certifications help you to keep up with the industry’s new trends. Polish your skills and become a competitive candidate for potential construction projects.
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Create a Compelling Portfolio
We recommend you create a profile on the industry-specific website. Demonstrate your skills, and portfolio of past completed projects to create an impactful profile. This well-crafted online portfolio sets you apart from other competitors.
How to Get Leads For Construction??
Conclusion
The construction world is an ever-changing industry in the United States. To get a competitive edge in this industry, you have to bid effectively for potential construction projects. But before that, you have to find the potential project to bid on.
By identifying your construction project needs, crafting a bidding plan, and effective networking, you can find the construction project that best suits your needs. With this, we have shared some tips to find the construction project.
FAQs:
How to find new construction projects?
To expand your construction business, it is crucial to find a new construction project. You can find new construction projects by following the below-mentioned steps:
- Identify your niche
- Make a list of your business goals
- Sign up for various lead-generation programs
- Meet with potential clients
- Get customer referral
- Make a plan for your project offers
What are the different types of construction projects I can bid on?
You can bid for any kind of construction project that is related to your construction business. You can bid for commercial projects, residential projects, industrial projects, institutional projects, and heavy civil projects.
How much experience do I need to start bidding on construction jobs?
It is a common misconception that bidding is just quoting some numbers. Bidding is a challenging and time-consuming task. To bid for any construction project you need extensive experience and expertise.
What are some common challenges faced when finding construction jobs to bid on?
No doubt bidding is a daunting task. But to find a job to bid on is more difficult than the bidding process. You may face various challenges when finding a construction job to bid on including a lack of relationships for each new contract, not having time to attend pre-bid meetings, unavailability of data points, and more.
What are some red flags to watch out for when considering a construction bid?
During bidding, a construction contractor may face several challenges including inaccurate historical data, project complexities, cost fluctuations, time limitation, incompetent bidding environment, and lack of technology integration.
How can I find construction projects that match my company’s expertise?
Choosing the ideal construction project is essential for your company’s success. You have to take into account many factors while finding any construction project:
- Identify the project requirement
- Evaluate the size and complexity of your project
- Consider location factor
- Create inbound lead generation channels
- Outbound lead nurturing channels
What are the benefits of using construction bidding websites?
There are various benefits of using construction bidding websites including:
- Simplify bidding process
- Get rid of paperweight
- Create bids more effectively and quickly
- Eliminate bid management cost
- Secure more remote bid openings
How can I network effectively to find construction job opportunities?
Generally, not many construction contractors network well or network at all. Networking is an integral part of the construction project’s success. Being a construction contractor you need to create a good network to find job opportunities. You can network effectively by:
- Attend the right events
- Network on the job sites
- Network online
- Make good relationship
What resources can I use to find government construction projects?
There are many online platforms on which you can find federal construction projects including BidClerk, Constructionwire, GSA eBuy, iSqFt, Building Connected, Planhub, and more.
Robert Tayolr
It is Robert Taylor, an experienced civil engineer by profession. I teach students studying in the engineering field and offer estimating services to contractors. In my spare time, I love to spend time exploring innovations and technologies in the construction sector. I am a good influencer too.
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