How do you transition from residential to commercial work?

We're currently servicing mostly residential and are trying to get more into the commercial electrical work.
89 Comments 7.5k Views

Answers (71-80)

 I looked over the answers you have so far, and they are correct, but what is extremely important to you is to research the topic at hand.  If you don't know the answers to your particular project, grab your code book and go to the trade school, college, etc. in your area finding someone that has walked the walk. You might want to join NEC and call for answers to your questions. Ask the inspector having jurisdiction over the area you are working in.  There is no disgrace in not knowing, what is wrong is not caring enough about your work to get the right and proper answers before taking on the job.  Is it easy?  NOOOOOOOOOOOO! But you can do it!  I am in my 55th. year now and if I can do it anyone can. God Bless! 

Could you expand on that please.

I was trained in both fields. I prefer commercial but residential pays the bills also. 

most cases the best way is to network to local builders and try bidding on small build outs. Also third party Maintenance companies are a great source of work just be careful to make sure they are not a known non payer. 

You will need to make sure that you have electricians that are capable of doing commercial because it’s much more difficult to do commercial than residential

The biggest problem will be working capital.  Have a good line of credit.  Collections are longer in the commercial world.  Stay with what you know.

Start by taking smaller projects.

Sorry we are a security Alarm contractor. We do low voltage work that does not require an electrician license. But to help with your question I would go to your local city permit office and look at permits being pulled and contact business permits to see if you can give quote.

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