5 Ways General Contractors Can Stay Busy During Winter
By Dipa Gandhi
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Winter can be a challenging season for general contractors, especially in regions where cold weather and snow halt typical outdoor projects. However, the off-season doesn’t have to mean downtime. By pivoting focus to in-demand indoor services and strategic planning, contractors can keep their teams busy and their revenues steady. Here’s how smart general contractors make the most of the winter months.
Emphasize Interior Renovations
Cold weather may restrict outdoor projects, but indoor spaces offer a wealth of opportunities. Consider the following areas:
- Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling: Homeowners often seek these updates during winter in preparation for spring gatherings.
- Basement Finishing: Transforming basements into livable spaces is a popular winter project.
- Flooring Installation: Hardwood, tile, and carpet installations are ideal for indoor work during winter.
Take inspiration from a contractor in Denver, CO, who saw a 20% revenue increase by marketing winter discounts on interior painting and remodeling projects. By aligning services with seasonal demand, contractors can attract new business and secure steady cash flow.
Offer Maintenance and Repair Services
Winter often exposes vulnerabilities in homes. Contractors can leverage this by offering critical maintenance and repair services, such as:
- Insulation Upgrades: Helping homeowners improve energy efficiency.
- Roof Repairs: Addressing leaks and damages caused by snow and ice.
- HVAC System Maintenance: Ensuring heating systems function properly during the cold months.
A team in Wisconsin successfully pivoted to winter roof inspections, earning repeat customers and referrals for spring roofing jobs. The strategy not only filled their schedule but also built long-term client relationships.
Plan for the Spring Surge
Winter is the perfect time to strategize for the upcoming busy season. General contractors can use this downtime to:
- Optimize Marketing Efforts: Revamp their Google Business Profile (GBP), ensuring information is accurate and updated.
- Invest in Training: Equip employees with certifications or skills to tackle new services in spring.
- Stockpile Materials: Take advantage of offseason pricing to save on materials for future projects.
For example, a Florida-based contractor used the winter lull to adopt Local Services Ads (LSAs). By the time spring arrived, their optimized campaigns were bringing in 30% more leads than the previous year.
Partner with Other Businesses
Collaborating with other local businesses can create win-win opportunities during winter. For instance:
- Team up with real estate agents for pre-sale home repairs.
- Partner with plumbers for basement waterproofing or sump pump installations.
- Work with local flooring retailers for exclusive installation packages.
A general contractor in New York worked with property management firms to handle winter maintenance, leading to contracts that extended beyond the season.
Stay Visible with Seasonal Marketing
Maintaining visibility during the slower months ensures your business stays top-of-mind for potential customers. Some strategies include:
- Promoting winter-specific services on GBP, social media, and email newsletters.
- Offering limited-time discounts for projects booked during the season.
- Sharing customer success stories to showcase your expertise.
One contractor’s creative campaign, “Winter Warm-Up Specials,” included a 10% discount on insulation services, boosting their winter bookings by 15%.
