7 Reasons You’re Not Landing the Big Construction Jobs

Commercial construction bidding can be a stressful and frustrating process. It takes time, energy, and doesn’t always pan out in your favor. But, sitting out the race also means turning your back on tremendous growth opportunities. Here are some common mistakes contractors should avoid when bidding on new projects.

You aren’t qualified

That doesn’t mean you aren’t CAPABLE of the work, but it does mean you will need to put in extra effort to show a General Contractor that you understand the full scope of this project, and how your previous expertise will inform your execution strategy.

You don’t have the relationship

Construction is all about relationships. If you are trying to land your first big job, it pays to invest extra time and energy into building a relationship with the General Contractor. Let them know you are willing to work on smaller, additional projects on the site, or to collaborate on any problems that occur. Be a person they can turn to in a pinch, and eventually you will be the person they turn to for opportunities, too.

Casting too wide a net

Look for the best opportunities for your business and focus on your strengths. It’s better to focus on jobs that you are confident and comfortable in rather than trying to overexert your company’s capabilities. Over time, this will allow you to find the sweet spot with your bids.

Pro Tip: ConstructConnect has a searchable database that can help you find actively bidding commercial construction projects in your area.

Waiting for the bid to be announced

Business owners should always be on the hunt for new job opportunities. Talk to your General Contractor or reach out to contacts in your network. Ask if they know of any future jobs that could be good leads for your company, and if they’d be willing to put in a word for you once the bid is submitted. This will help narrow and improve your bid and project pipeline.

Wasting time on “iffy” projects

Drawing up a bid proposal can be grueling process, so be sure to regularly evaluate the quality of the potential job. If it’s not a good fit, it is often best to walk away and look for something else.

Skipping pre-bid meeting and site visits

Creating a good bid proposal requires precise estimations and detailed planning, so take advantage of any opportunity to research and learn about the job. This can also help you build rapport with the GC or project owner, and is an opportunity to ask questions about allowed material substitutions, bonding or wage rate requirements, and double-check that you’re interpreting the plans correctly.

When it comes to construction bidding, don’t go it alone

Always have additional eyes reviewing your bid. Not only should you ask your business partners or an outside agency to look out for typos, but also to check your math and verify that everything adds up properly. A reviewer can help make sure you didn’t miss any important components that could mean the difference between winning and losing the bid, but also can protect you from submitting a bid that is too low for the job, which can result in lost money and unnecessary debt.

If you found this blog helpful and informative, you may also enjoy our Built For Growth Newsletter. Click here to subscribe and get more tools and resources sent directly to your inbox every two weeks.

American Manufacturing: Making America, American Made

Why is Made in America Valuable to Manufacturing? In the last few years, “Made in America” has evolved from a nostalgic slogan into a strategic movement for U.S. manufacturing. Deloitte‘s Center for Government Insights called it a new “American manufacturing renaissance. With a focus on bolstering domestic manufacturing, the United States has an opportunity to […]

Work in Progress Financing: The Secret Weapon for Project-Based Manufacturers

Learn how Work in Progress (WIP) financing helps manufacturers bridge cash flow gaps, fund materials and labor, and scale production without giving up equity. In project-based manufacturing, cash flow timing, not demand, often constrains growth. You need to purchase raw materials, pay labor, absorb overhead — long before your customer pays. That mismatch can strangle […]

The Top Bidding Mistakes Contractors Make and How to Fix Them

Bidding mistakes can cripple a construction contractor company’s growth and limit its profits. Many contractors, however, are unaware that they’re making these mistakes. At Mobilization Funding, we’ve reviewed thousands of contracts—and the bids that won them. Here are the top bidding mistakes we see and how to avoid them. Bidding to Win, Not to Profit […]