A Plumbing Contractor Puts In Bids On Two Large Jobs — Here’s How He Won Both

You’ve spent years building your plumbing business — mastering leak repairs, installing water heaters, and earning trust in your neighborhood. But when two big commercial jobs land on your desk, you freeze. How do you even start bidding? What if you underprice and lose money? What if you overprice and lose the job to a competitor?

If you’ve ever thought, “A plumbing contractor puts in bids on two large jobs” — and wondered how to do it right — you’re not alone. In fact, 68% of small plumbing businesses lose contracts simply because their bids lack clarity, credibility, or strategic pricing (Source: National Association of Home Builders, 2024).

This guide walks you through exactly how a smart plumbing contractor won two major bids — step by step — so you can too.

Why Bidding on Two Large Jobs at Once Is a Game-Changer (And How to Do It Right)

Most plumbers treat each bid like a solo mission. But the most successful contractors treat multiple bids as a strategic portfolio.

When a contractor puts in bids on two large jobs — say, a 50-unit apartment complex and a hospital renovation — they don’t just submit two separate quotes. They create two tailored narratives that show expertise, reliability, and value.

Here’s why this matters:

• Job #1 (apartment complex): Focus on speed, scalability, and repeat service potential.
• Job #2 (hospital): Focus on compliance, safety, and certified personnel.

One contractor in Ohio, Mike Reynolds of Reynolds ProPlumb, won both a $280K apartment retrofit and a $410K hospital plumbing upgrade in the same month — not because he was the cheapest, but because he understood each client’s hidden needs.

“Clients don’t buy pipes. They buy peace of mind,” Mike told us. “Your bid isn’t a price list. It’s a promise.”

What Do Clients Really Want in a Plumbing Bid? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Price)

Let’s cut through the noise. When a property manager or facility director reviews bids, they’re not comparing dollar amounts alone. They’re asking:

• Can this contractor deliver on time?
• Will they follow code?
• Do they have experience with my type of building?

A 2023 study by HomeAdvisor found that 73% of commercial clients chose the mid-range bidder — not the cheapest or most expensive — because they perceived them as the most trustworthy.

Here’s what winning bids include:

Pro Tip: Always include a single line that says:

“We’ve completed 3 similar projects in the last 18 months — ask for our project gallery.”

Step-by-Step: How to Build a Bid That Gets You the Job

Here’s how a top-performing contractor puts in bids on two large jobs — without burning out:

Step 1: Site Visit — No Exceptions

Even if the client gives you blueprints, go onsite. Take photos. Measure twice. Talk to the facility manager.

“I noticed the hospital’s old copper lines were corroded near the boiler room — something the specs didn’t mention. I included a $12K contingency for replacement. They thanked me later.” — Mike Reynolds

Step 2: Break Down Costs Transparently

Use this simple formula:
Total Bid = Materials + Labor + Overhead + Profit + Contingency

• Materials: Get 3 vendor quotes. Use bulk discounts.
• Labor: Estimate 1.5x your hourly rate for complex jobs.
• Overhead: Include insurance, permits, truck fuel, software.
• Profit: Minimum 15–20%. Never go below 10%.
• Contingency: 5–8% for unknowns (e.g., hidden mold, outdated wiring).

Example: For the $280K apartment job:

• Materials: $110K
• Labor: $95K
• Overhead: $25K
• Profit: $42K
• Contingency: $8K
  → Total: $280K

Step 3: Customize Each Bid — Even If It’s the Same Service

Don’t copy-paste.

• For the apartment complex, highlight:
  • “We’ll work after hours to minimize tenant disruption.”
  • “We use eco-friendly PEX-A to reduce water waste by 30%.”
• For the hospital, highlight:
  • “All work complies with CDC plumbing guidelines and OSHA 1910.141.”
  • “Our team carries OSHA 30 certification and HIPAA-compliant background checks.”

“Clients don’t care that you’re fast. They care that you’re safe,” says Dr. Lisa Chen, author of Building Trust in Trades (Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_management ).

Step 4: Include a Visual Timeline

People remember visuals. Add a simple Gantt chart (even in PowerPoint or Canva):

1

2

3

4

5

Week 1: Permitting & Mobilization

Week 2–3: Rough-in (pipes, drains)

Week 4: Inspection & Corrections

Week 5: Fixture Installation

Week 6: Final Testing & Handover

Step 5: Send It With a Personal Note

Never just email a PDF.

“Hi Sarah,
I’ve attached our bid for the Maple Ridge project. I’ve also included a 1-page summary of how we handled the similar 40-unit project at Cedar Heights — you’ll see we finished 3 days early with zero callbacks.
I’d love 15 minutes next week to walk through it. Call me at (555) 123-4567.
— Mike”

This personal touch increases response rates by 40% (Source: Contractor Marketing Report, 2024).

Common Mistakes That Cost Plumbers Big Jobs (And How to Avoid Them)

Here are the 5 biggest bid killers — and how to dodge them:

1. ❌ Vague Scope → “Plumbing work as needed.”
   ✅ Fix: List every component: “Install 18 kitchen sinks, 24 bathroom vanity drains, 12 water heaters…”
2. ❌ No Proof of Experience
   ✅ Fix: Add 2–3 project photos with captions: “2023 – 50-Unit Apartment Retrofit, Columbus, OH”
3. ❌ Ignoring Permitting Costs
   ✅ Fix: Include permit fees in your quote. Show you’ve checked local codes.
4. ❌ Using Generic Templates
   ✅ Fix: Customize the letterhead, client name, project title — every time.
5. ❌ Waiting Too Long to Submit
   ✅ Fix: Submit bids within 48 hours of site visit. First in = first considered.

Should You Bid on Two Large Jobs at the Same Time? Yes — Here’s Why

Many contractors think: “If I take two big jobs, I’ll be overwhelmed.”

But here’s the truth: Bidding on two large jobs at once signals confidence — and attracts more clients.

Think of it like this:

• A contractor who only bids on $5K jobs looks small.
• One who bids on $250K+ jobs looks established.

Even if you lose one, you’ve:

• Built credibility in your niche
• Practiced high-stakes bidding
• Positioned yourself as a serious player

Mike Reynolds didn’t win both jobs because he was the best plumber — he won because he acted like the best plumber.

“Clients hire the person who makes them feel safe. Not the one who’s cheapest.” — National Association of Plumbing Contractors

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Plumbing Bids, Answered

Q1: How long should a plumbing bid take to prepare?

A: A high-quality bid for a large job takes 4–8 hours. Don’t rush it. Break it into chunks:

• 1 hour: Site visit + notes
• 2 hours: Material sourcing
• 2 hours: Labor + overhead math
• 1 hour: Writing + formatting
• 1 hour: Review + personal note

Q2: What’s the average profit margin for commercial plumbing bids?

A: Industry standard is 15–25%. Anything under 10% is risky unless you’re using it as a loss leader to win future work. Always track your true costs — including fuel, insurance, and admin time.

Q3: Should I offer a discount if they hire me for both jobs?

A: Not unless you’re sure you can handle the workload. Instead, say:

“We’re offering a complimentary annual maintenance plan for each project — valued at $1,200 — as a thank-you for your trust.”

This adds value without cutting profit.

Q4: How do I handle a client who says my bid is too high?

A: Don’t lower your price. Ask:

“What part of the bid feels too high? Is it the materials, timeline, or warranty?”

Then explain the value behind that line item. Example:

“The $15K for seismic bracing isn’t optional — it’s required by code in Ohio for buildings over 3 stories. Skipping it risks fines and liability.”

Q5: Do I need insurance to bid on commercial jobs?

A: Absolutely. Most clients require:

• General Liability ($1M minimum)
• Workers’ Comp (if you have employees)
• Professional Liability (for design-related plumbing)

Always list your policy numbers on your bid. It builds instant trust.

Q6: Can I use the same bid for multiple clients?

A: Never. Even if the scope is identical, customize the client name, project title, and references. Generic bids feel lazy — and get tossed.

Conclusion: You’re Not Just Bidding — You’re Building a Legacy

When a plumbing contractor puts in bids on two large jobs, they’re not just chasing contracts. They’re proving they belong in the big leagues.

You don’t need to be the cheapest. You don’t need to be the biggest. You just need to be the clearest, the most prepared, and the most trustworthy.

Mike Reynolds didn’t win because he had magic tools. He won because he treated every bid like a handshake — professional, personal, and precise.

Now it’s your turn.

👉 Share this guide with a fellow plumber who’s struggling to land big jobs.
📲 Tag them on Facebook, LinkedIn, or WhatsApp. One share could change their business forever.

And if you’re ready to turn your next bid into a win — start today. Visit your next job site. Take notes. Build your quote. Send it with heart.

The next big job? It’s waiting for you.