When to call a GC on a new job

Every estimator has called a GC too late. You hear "we're all set on that one," and you know the invite went out two weeks ago to people who called first.

The window

On most ground-up jobs, the GC builds its bid list between filing approval and the first permits. Before approval, many GCs don't have drawings worth sending. After the first trade permits, the early scopes are often bought.

What to say

Keep it to two questions: who handles bids for your scope on that address, and are they still taking numbers. Then ask for the best email for the intro. Don't pitch on the first call.

Time of day

Before 9 AM, or right after lunch. Mornings are when an office still picks up the phone.

If they say it's awarded

Ask what else they have coming up. A GC that's busy enough to have bought out one job usually has the next one in design.

Follow up once

Send the intro the same day, then one follow-up a week later. After that, wait for the next filing.

Written from the field side of reading NYC filings every morning. Questions: hello@bidseerhub.com.