Business Management In the book, "Building Partnerships: How to Work With Trade Contractors," Bob Whitten offers this tip to remodelers: "Make efforts to expand your trade contractor base when you don’t need them. Interview and negotiate when business is slower, preferably in the winter months for those who build in the colder climates, and during the slower parts of the year elsewhere. The trades are less busy, their competition is greater, and they are more willing to meet and negotiate"
In addition, the book contains how-tos for finding and evaluating trade contractors, promoting professional attitudes, and ensuring quality performance. It also includes sample trade contract agreements, policies and procedures, and quality control checklists.
"Building Partnerships: How to Work with Trade Contractors" is $23.20 for members of NAHB, $29 for nonmembers, and is available from Home Builders Press, NAHB, 1201 15th St., NW, Washington D.C. 20005, (800) 223-2665, or by visiting the Home Builder Bookstore website at www.BuilderBooks.com.