Hiring Subcontractors: How Do You Screen and Vet to Avoid Costly Mistakes and Rework?
At our company located in Mansfield, Ohio, we provide the majority of interior and exterior services. We use all subcontractors, most who typically strictly work for our company. We have had many issues hiring subcontractors who have done bad work, which has caused us to spend more money/time sending other subcontractors back out to fix the mistakes. It is also pushing our schedule back completely. This issue has set back our company in the last year because of multiple different crews. We have a few good, reliable crews, but the workload is too much for them. What can we do/use to help us with the process of elimination when it comes to hiring? Are there any types of quizzes/tests that we should provide? Any specific questions that we should be asking? Are there any places we may not be thinking of to find reliable subcontractors?
How do you estimate cleaning time before sending a quote?
I’m curious how cleaning business owners estimate labor time before sending a quote, especially for a new property. Square footage and number of rooms are easy to get, but things like buildup, clutter, pets, bathrooms, and the overall condition can change the actual cleaning time quite a bit. Do you usually estimate from experience, use a formula, ask for photos/videos, or visit the property first? And how often does the actual cleaning time end up being very different from what you originally estimated?
What Do You Do to Consistently Earn Five-Star Reviews?
I've realized that customer service begins long before the first tool comes out. Quick responses, clear communication, setting expectations, and following through have been just as important as the quality of the work itself. What is one thing your company does that consistently earns five-star reviews? Irie Handyman Services Fix • Build • TransformWhat's your protocol for handling unexpected property damage on site?
Accidents happen no matter how careful you are. When a crew member accidentally breaks a light fixture, cracks a paver, or damages something on a customer's property, what is your immediate step-by-step process? How do you communicate it to the homeowner, and what is your policy for handling the repair or credit?What’s Your #1 Go-To Strategy for Handling Last-Minute Schedule Changes?
Managing a full schedule of service calls is hard enough, but last-minute cancellations, unexpected delays, or emergency add-ons can completely throw off your day. Every business handles these curveballs a little differently—some use automated dispatching and instant customer messaging, while others keep a dedicated buffer in their daily routing or have a strict cancellation policy in place. When your day doesn't go according to plan, how do you keep your crews efficient and your customers happy without losing your mind? Drop your best tips, software workflows, or field policies below!What's your go-to method for handling late-paying commercial clients?
Commercial accounts are great for volume, but waiting 30 to 60 days on payments can put a real dent in cash flow. We’ve tried everything from upfront deposits to offering small discounts for early payment, but some property managers still drag their feet. How do you handle past-due commercial invoices without burning the bridge or losing the contract?How Do Lawn Care Companies Land Their First HOA and Commercial Contracts?
A little context - We're a young company, just started this spring, with 2 full time guys and about 55 recurring lawns each week that we mow. We also do mulching/clean-ups on top of this. I'm looking to get some HOAs and smaller commercial accounts lined up for next year. (we would lso like to offer snow removal and salting as a part of this, really anything to keep us busy). My question to you all: Where do I start? How do I find property managers / HOAs / Commercial owners that I should bid to? What do I need when I go into these conversations?
