Summer is in the air, contracts are plentiful and you are busy bustling from one project to the next. Just as the squirrel stores nuts for the oncoming winter, General Contractors should prepare now for the lean times ahead. This can include helping homeowners determine when they should complete certain remodeling projects.

Some homeowners have multiple projects they want to complete for their home. Sometimes they schedule these projects based on weather, but often it is based on finances. If money isn’t available until July to rewire the house, they may want the project done then. For a contractor, this is an inside job that could be done later in the season, but they don’t want to lose the work by telling the homeowner they don’t want to do the job now.

What can you do to help homeowners save money and still complete the project when it is better for you? There are a few ways to accomplish this and in the process create a customer for life.

Bid Now

If a homeowner has multiple projects to complete give them one bid now. Then suggest that you complete the outdoor projects during the summer and come back later in the year to complete projects that don’t depend on fair weather. This allows the homeowner to get some of the work done now and some later, without having to worry about coming up with the money when their budget is tight. It also helps them enjoy part of the nice weather without having contractors constantly under foot.

Offer a Discount

Offer homeowners a discount if they wait on certain projects until later in the year. People can’t resist a bargain, and the guaranteed work will help you know you can cover your expenses in the offseason.

How much of a discount you should offer depends on how much work they want done and how complicated the off season work will be. While guaranteed work is great, don’t cut your prices too deep or you may find yourself losing money when the job is done.

Surviving the winter takes some creativity and diligence. Animals in the wild survive the lean times by planning ahead. General contractors can find ways to meet financial obligations in the off season by working diligently now and being willing to work with customers to help them afford indoor renovation projects when they are more convenient for you.