The world of contracting isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a business built on hard work, long hours, sharp problem-solving, and even sharper pencils when it comes to estimates. Whether you run a one-man handyman shop or a full-service construction firm, there’s a certain code you’ve got to live by if you want to survive — and better yet, thrive.
Call them commandments, call them rules, call them whatever you like — but ignore them at your own peril. Because in construction, it’s not just about what you build, it’s about how you run your business, treat your people, manage risk, and plan for the unexpected.
At BGES Group, we work with contractors every single day across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. And after decades of helping them manage their insurance and business risks, we’ve seen what separates the successful from the struggling.
So here it is — your unofficial, but absolutely essential, 10 Commandments of Being a Contractor.
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📜 The 10 Commandments of Being a Contractor
1. Thou Shalt Always Know Thy Numbers
If you don’t know your costs, your margins, your overhead, and your cash flow — you’re not running a business, you’re just hoping for the best. Track every dollar in and out. Know how much your labor and materials truly cost. Stay on top of change orders. Guessing is not a strategy.
2. Thou Shalt Put Safety Before Speed
Nothing will shut a job down faster than an accident. Injuries cost money, damage reputations, and lead to insurance nightmares. Make safety meetings, site checks, and PPE a regular part of your operation. A safe job is a profitable job.
3. Thou Shalt Vet Thy Subcontractors
Your subs are an extension of your business. If they cut corners, blow deadlines, or ignore safety protocols — it’s your name (and liability) on the line. Always check credentials, insurance, references, and past job performance.
4. Thou Shalt Communicate Early and Often
Most project problems can be traced back to poor communication. Talk to your clients. Talk to your team. Talk to your suppliers. Be clear about timelines, budgets, changes, and expectations. Surprises belong at birthday parties, not job sites.
5. Thou Shalt Embrace Technology
From estimating software to digital plans and job costing apps, technology isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s a necessity. The contractors who embrace tools that save time, reduce errors, and improve project management are the ones who stay ahead.
6. Thou Shalt Stay Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
It’s tempting to cut corners on paperwork, especially when margins are tight. Don’t. Being properly licensed, bonded, and insured protects you from legal disasters, client disputes, and financial ruin. It’s not just compliance — it’s survival.
7. Thou Shalt Be Honest in Estimates
You might win a job by lowballing it, but you’ll lose your reputation when the extras start piling up. Be fair, be realistic, and explain your numbers. Good clients respect honesty over too-good-to-be-true pricing.
8. Thou Shalt Respect the Punch List
The final walk-through matters. Leaving a job 99% complete means you’re 100% on the hook for callbacks and complaints. Knock out every last item, clean the site, and finish strong. The final impression is the lasting one.
9. Thou Shalt Build Relationships, Not Just Jobs
Every client, vendor, and supplier is a potential source of future work. Treat people right. Show up on time. Pay your bills. Deliver what you promise. Your reputation is your strongest marketing tool.
10. Thou Shalt Protect Thy Business With the Right Insurance
One uninsured claim can put you out of business. From workers’ comp to general liability, tools and equipment coverage to inland marine policies, having the right protection isn’t optional — it’s essential.
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📋 The Commandments List (For Your Office Wall)
1. Know Your Numbers
2. Prioritize Safety
3. Vet Subcontractors Carefully
4. Communicate Constantly
5. Use Smart Technology
6. Stay Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
7. Be Honest in Your Estimates
8. Respect the Punch List
9. Build Relationships
10. Protect Your Business with the Right Insurance
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🛡️ How BGES Group Helps Contractors Stay Covered and Competitive
At BGES Group, we live and breathe contractors’ insurance. Based in the Tri-State area, we work closely with construction professionals of every size — from one-man operations to large contracting firms. We understand the risks you face and the realities of job site work.
We offer a full suite of business insurance solutions tailored specifically for contractors:
• Workers’ Compensation
• General Liability
• Contractor’s Equipment Insurance
• Commercial Auto Insurance
• Inland Marine Coverage
• Umbrella Policies
• NY Labor Law Coverage
• OCIP / CCIP Consulting
• Certificate Management Services
Our expertise lies in solving problems other brokers avoid, negotiating better coverage terms, and helping you reduce costs without sacrificing protection. We don’t just sell policies — we partner with you to build an insurance program that works as hard as you do.
Whether you’re pouring concrete in Manhattan, framing houses in Connecticut, or doing interior renovations in New Jersey, BGES Group is the partner contractors trust to keep their businesses protected and their jobs moving.
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📞 Contact BGES Group Today
If you’re a contractor in the Tri-State area, don’t leave your business exposed. Let’s review your current insurance program and see where we can improve protection, reduce costs, and streamline your coverage.
📱 Call: Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853
📧 Email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: http://www.bgesgroup.com
At BGES Group, we help you build with confidence — because when you work hard, you deserve to be covered smart.