Expansion works when contractors learn the market before betting on it.
In this article
Research
Demand, competition and pricing.
Licensing
State and local requirements.
Keep reading — free
The rest of this article is worth the 20 seconds
Tell us where to send it and the full piece unlocks right here, along with everything else on this blog.
Rather just talk? Message us on WhatsApp.
Local subs
Reliable partners.
Suppliers
Accounts and lead times.
Relationships
Owners, architects and inspectors.
First project
Small and well managed.
Pricing
Local labor costs.
Where to start
Visit the market, meet five subcontractors and two suppliers before bidding the first job.
An example
A contractor followed a repeat client into a new city. The first project was small, which helped build a local sub bench before bigger work.
What to track
Track project margins in the new market, subcontractor performance and bid win rate.
Questions to ask
Who will lead the new office? Which clients can we follow? Do we understand local labor costs?
Common mistakes
Bidding big work before knowing local subs, underestimating travel and supervision costs and assuming that what worked at home will work the same way in the new market.
Run tighter jobs and win the right ones.
We help construction companies build the systems, online presence and client relationships that bring better projects.
Frequently asked questions
How should a contractor enter a new market?
By researching demand and competitors, getting licensed, building local subcontractor and supplier relationships, and starting with a manageable first project.