Contractors Earn More Revenue by Offering Green Services and Designs

Living Green Magazine –

These days, everyone seems to be thinking green. The green movement has extended itself to almost every business, including construction. By incorporating green practices into your contracting business, you can leverage green customers and thus earn more money.

What is Green Construction?

Green construction, or sustainable building, is the process of using resource-efficient materials and practices during building construction. Green buildings are designed to reduce environmental impact. This is done one of two ways (or, both ways if the customer can afford it):

1.  Natural building – Local natural materials, such as hemp and bamboo, are used in the construction.

2.  Sustainable design – Built to lesson overall impact, such as installing a composting toilet and energy-efficient lighting/heating throughout the building.

Who Benefits from Green Construction?

Everyone benefits from green construction. The building itself will have a lower environmental impact, and thus benefit everyone in the world.

On a smaller scale, the construction benefits the customer who has a desire for a more environmentally responsible business or residence.

Contractors benefit by seeing a boost in their revenue; both by cutting costs on materials and expanding their business to a larger market (both green customers and non-green customers).

Is There Special Green Licensing or Insurance Needed?

No, contractors do not need specialized licensing or certificates to call themselves green. They simply need to employ green practices. However, it’s still important that contractors be traditionally licensed and fully insured with contractors insurance before beginning work on any project, including green projects.

How Do Contractors Market Themselves as Green?

People and businesses are going green in an effort to be more environmentally responsible, and thus contractors can earn more business by marketing themselves as green. Contractors should market themselves as green anywhere possible. If you’re offering both traditional and green services, highlight that on your business cards and other materials. Mention that your company is green in all of your marketing efforts, including your television and radio ads. To reach an entirely new client base, expand your marketing efforts to green publications, websites, and channels.

When is it Most Important to be Green?

This is up to the customer. Some customers may prefer only all-natural and sustainable materials be used during construction. Other customers may be looking to save money on energy costs, and will only require that you install energy-efficient windows, light fixtures, and more. Being green means different things to different people, and therefore it’s important to provide a consultation and explain exactly what services you can offer.

How Can Contractors Leverage their Green Practices to Earn More Money?

Because green materials are often recycled and repurposed, contractors will save money simply by employing use of these materials.

Furthermore, more money is earned through charging more. Specialized projects, such as composting toilets, require a greater time commitment, thus resulting in a higher wage. It’s up to you to determine how much to charge. Keep in mind: it’s only fair to charge more for the additional work and commitment that’s required for green projects. Be fair to yourself, but also be fair to your customers.

Additionally, more revenue is earned because you’re drawing in more customers. You’re diversifying your customer base, and adding green customers to your existing market reach. The influx in green projects will grow your bottom line.

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