First Ever Condo Proposal>>> Help?!

Steven Button

Steven Button

Administrator
Hey Folks

Have just been asked to provide a proposal for a local Condo Association... this is my first large proposal and feel a bit stumped, so any guidance will be greatly appreciated. The property manager has said that the Board will be meeting in 6 days time so would be good to get it in by then.

I know it was only a few days ago that I was pleading for help as I am new, I've spoken to so many people over the last 2 days and have got a lot of positive feedback... hope I get lucky with this one, I'll be preparing a comprehensive proposal.

There are 31 units (buildings) in the complex, there is also a clubhouse building, car wash building, 2 mail collection areas and 9 3-car garages. Here goes with dimensions:

- 5 Units
~ 3 storeys
~ 94' x 38'

- 6 Units
~ 3 storeys
~ 90' x 78'

- 2 Units
~ 3 storeys
~ 125' x 70'

- 4 Units
~ 2 storeys
~ 112' x 28'

- 1 Units
~ 3 storeys
~ 200' x 120'

- 3 units
~ one section is 3 storeys - 254' x 88'
~ other section is 2 storeys - 80' x 42'

- 10 units
~ 3 storeys
~ 70' x 38'

- Clubhouse
~ 1 storey
~ 98' x 50'

- 9 3-car garages
~ 36' x 22'

I will post some pics in a couple of hours, but there are a few canvas awnings, all units have balconies and recesses. They have only asked for building exteriors - no gutters or roofs (they need done!!!)

My equipment (when I get it) will be trailer mounted 3000psi 8gpm hot water Hydrotek, 335 gallon water tank. If successful I may need to ask for a local contractors assistance as I am green as the grass and would probably need to run a 2nd rig to finish in a timely manner.

Thanks, I'll be back soon.

Steven
 
Steven , to be brutally honest you are no where near ready to tackle a job like that , just the washer and tank will never come close to getting that done , I would allow a local company to go in and bid it with you and you take on a helper position just for the experience

That is a large project for you to start with and you must also take into cosideration way more than just the price
 
Do you have pictures thats the best way for anyone to help you

It is a large job and may be over your head at now, because it sounds like you are new to washing. How new are you?

My 1st real large project was 32 buildings and all I had was 2 4gpm machines and I rented a 3rd one. my one worker quit two days before I started the project. I ended up doing it with my bro in law how took vacation time and i hired a day laborer, so anything can be done. But I had washed for a couple/few years. But you could screw stuff up and loose your shirt too. Call me if you like

Lets see some pics
 
Dammit... lol

Hey guys,

I appreciate your honesty, I understand that this is a big first time job (I don't have it yet!!) and I am being ambitious. By nature I ask questions and seek quality information on how to best achieve things in my life... I still have a lot to learn.

Russ - I am looking at contacting a couple of local contractors, there is one that I have spent 4 months working with on and off while I was running my swimming pool business... he has been doing it full time for 8 years, has experience with lifts and does a fair amount of commercial work.

I have posted links to pics of the rig I am buying:

http://image.vc/show.php/31764_IMG0123.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31763_IMG0122.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31762_IMG0121.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31761_IMG0120.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31760_IMG0119.JPG.html

Is this any good? I understand that this is a good machine and functional setup. Can you give me an idea of some of the things other than price that I should be considering? This is what I have thought of:

- Water supply ~ faucet at corner of each building
- 'Man Power' ~ my father-in-law has a little experience with the wand and lifts, also involve a local contractor.
- Communication with residents ~ construct realistic cleaning schedule to ensure as little disruption as possible (windows & doors closed, furniture plants removed, etc.)
- Contract ~ stipulations with regard to existing building damage, possibility of debris remaining in mesh window screens - any ideas?!?!
- Physical location of trailer - need to map out best location taking into consideration building users, length of hose, water locations

Would welcome your expert opinion...

Scott - I agree with you, I do need to get more experience. I want to start as I mean to go on and do have ambitions to be legitimately successful in this industry. However, I genuinely value all of your opinions and will look at bringing someone else in on the bid. I do worry that if I bring someone else in that it may restrict me in capturing the local market... I might be miles from the truth, but as Russ said on TGS board there are probably 100 companies within a 50 mile radius!!

Kory - I've read many of Don's posts and he is obviously very proficient and successful... I may give him a call and get his input.

Jeff - I've posted some pics below. I don't have a couple of years experience in pressure washing, I have worked occasionally with a local contractor for about 4 months to get an insight. I know it doesn't translate, and I would not for one second think of belittling the industry that you guys have worked so hard to give credibility. I have had 7 years experience in the operation of large commercial swimming pool plant systems, chemical analysis and handling, and the operation of 120,000 sq.ft. Health, Fitness & Racquet Clubs (& various aspects of the maintenance that goes with it). Anyways, I digress... I basically have F**k all experience! I have learned a lot from your posts... thanks for the input.

http://image.vc/show.php/31770_IMG0140.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31769_IMG0139.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31768_IMG0133.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31767_IMG0130.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31766_IMG0128.JPG.html

http://image.vc/show.php/31775_IMG0183.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31774_IMG0177.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31773_IMG0171.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31772_IMG0162.JPG.html
http://image.vc/show.php/31771_IMG0149.JPG.html

Thanks again.

Steven
 
In my experience, condo associations will ask for RFQ’s (request for quote) from several contractors. Then the quotes will be discussed in committee. The committee will then make a recommendation to the board. The board will place the item on the agenda of the next association meeting. In Florida, these associations must abide by the Florida Sunshine Laws. Decisions must be made with the consensus of all members.

The fact that the association is meeting in six days and you are just beginning to determine a price leads me to believe that this is a fishing expedition by someone who has little authority to make the ultimate decision.

When I was first starting out I wasted a lot of time putting together detailed bid packages that never amounted to anything. I would recommend that you do your due diligence and inquire if this item is on the agenda, if the association has a budget for a deep restorative cleaning, if the members have approved to spend the general funds for cleaning, if the person who you have spoken to is on the board of directors, ask if he or she has authority to make a decision on behalf of the association ask if there are other contractors bidding, ask who the other contractors are, ask what the timetable for actually starting the job.

A quote that size can take many hours to estimate labor and materials for what may ultimately end up being a fishing expedition by a condo commando. I learned a long time ago that my time is too valuable to give out free estimates only to see the powers that be ultimately shoot down a project that they had no intention of doing. Sometimes when these people see a new company they want to see how sharp you are.

I hope you don’t take this negatively. Just be careful when dealing with any associations. On legitimate job offers, the process usually takes months, not six days. Competitive bidding, references, experience and reputation are all part of being a big contractor. You don’t just “luck” into a job that no one else is bidding six days before the association has there monthly meeting.
 
Michael

I don't take it negatively... I don't want to be wasting my time either, dammit I have a pile of January invoices to get out for my other business!!!

This is how it panned out today:

I phoned the Property Manager this morning to introduce myself and what I am offering. I asked if there was money in this years budget for exterior cleaning, and told him that I noticed many of the buildings were very grubby, had mildew stains, etc. He said that he had noticed and invited me to provide a proposal. I then asked if anyone else had been invited to provide one or if they had received one before... he said that they received on last year, but it was disregarded. On visiting his office he appeared very busy and didn't have much time to talk... but I persevered and asked him what the remit of the proposal was to be (exteriors, breezeways, gutters, roofs?). He said to provide a proposal for exteriors only. I then asked him for a site plan and how often the board of directors met, he told me once a month.

I will ask him the other questions that you have suggested... thanks for the insight into the process, I'm learning plenty tonight!!!!

Perhaps I was being a bit flippant with my 'hope I get lucky with this one' comment, I will be preparing a thorough proposal based on as much factual and informed information as possible. I do consider myself a professional and believe that you live and die by your standards.

Thanks for sharing you experience.

Kind Regards

Steven
 
CKS1 said:
In my experience, condo associations will ask for RFQ’s (request for quote) from several contractors. Then the quotes will be discussed in committee. The committee will then make a recommendation to the board. The board will place the item on the agenda of the next association meeting. In Florida, these associations must abide by the Florida Sunshine Laws. Decisions must be made with the consensus of all members.

The fact that the association is meeting in six days and you are just beginning to determine a price leads me to believe that this is a fishing expedition by someone who has little authority to make the ultimate decision.

When I was first starting out I wasted a lot of time putting together detailed bid packages that never amounted to anything. I would recommend that you do your due diligence and inquire if this item is on the agenda, if the association has a budget for a deep restorative cleaning, if the members have approved to spend the general funds for cleaning, if the person who you have spoken to is on the board of directors, ask if he or she has authority to make a decision on behalf of the association ask if there are other contractors bidding, ask who the other contractors are, ask what the timetable for actually starting the job.

A quote that size can take many hours to estimate labor and materials for what may ultimately end up being a fishing expedition by a condo commando. I learned a long time ago that my time is too valuable to give out free estimates only to see the powers that be ultimately shoot down a project that they had no intention of doing. Sometimes when these people see a new company they want to see how sharp you are.

I hope you don’t take this negatively. Just be careful when dealing with any associations. On legitimate job offers, the process usually takes months, not six days. Competitive bidding, references, experience and reputation are all part of being a big contractor. You don’t just “luck” into a job that no one else is bidding six days before the association has there monthly meeting.
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Mike makes some good points and times you will give bids and they already know they are going to hire someone else. BUt many times they are looking for the right bid, simple, professional and on time.

I have many many times gotten calls from PM, that ask me for a bid , because they forgot, were to busy and they needed a bid with in a few days.
 
Coooooooolllllllllllllllllllllllll Thats a money job and quite a project for a few reasons. It would be a nice job for any company that gets it, but harder than an average vinyl condo job. I'd want that job for sure, hey I'll roll 3 trailers down and a bunch of guys and we'll knock it out. Only kidding!

1st you charge more for stucco/dryvit jobs, theres always a little or a lot more involved. There may be some brushing involved

Quite often balconies arent cleaned and not put in bid, but it looks like all or many of these will need to be cleaned due to the design of them. The problem with cleaning the balconies is you may have to get up in a lift and get off on many of the balconies to clean them, and if you have to get off lift on most of these balconies, its a PITA and time consuming

A lot of your thoughts are right on, you have to protect yourself in the contract and proposal. shoot me your I'll send you a sample proposal

This is a nice job, I would find it hard to pass on it and it could be your foot in the door for more work

Give me a call
 
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