Construction & Engineering
Construction and engineering businesses are among the most valuable on the market — and among the hardest to sell without the right broker. BAA works with owners of general contracting firms, specialty trades, and engineering practices across the country to structure clean exits that reflect what the business is actually worth.
Companies We Serve in
Construction & Engineering
How BAA Helps
Construction & Engineering
Owners Sell
BAA understands construction deals at the structural level — not just the financials. We help owners get their books job-costed and defensible before going to market, identify whether a licensing transition plan is needed, and position the business correctly for both strategic acquirers (PE rollups, larger contractors) and owner-operators using SBA financing. We run confidential processes that protect your crew, your customers, and your backlog while you're still running the business.
frequently asked questions
We’re here to answer your questions.
Here's where we answer the most common questions about
Construction & Engineering
How is a construction business valued?
Most construction and trades businesses are valued on a multiple of Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA, typically in the 2.5x–4.5x range depending on size, revenue mix, and how much of the business depends on the owner personally. Businesses with service contract revenue, a licensed qualifier who isn't the owner, and clean job-costed financials command the highest multiples. We provide a detailed valuation analysis before you go to market so you know exactly where you stand.
What happens to my contractor's license when I sell?
This is the most important structuring question in a construction sale. In most states, the contractor's license is tied to an individual, not the business entity. Options include: the buyer obtaining their own license before close, a licensed qualifier staying on post-close under an employment or consulting agreement, or structuring a license-hold period while the buyer pursues licensure. BAA helps you map the right path early so it doesn't become a deal-killer at the finish line.
Will my employees find out the business is for sale?
Not through us. BAA runs fully confidential processes. Buyers sign NDAs before receiving any information, and we never disclose the business name, address, or identifiable details until a buyer is qualified and under a letter of intent. Most employees don't find out until after closing — or only when the owner chooses to tell them. Protecting your crew during a sale is one of our core commitments.
How long does it take to sell a construction business?
From signed listing agreement to close, most construction deals take 6–12 months. Businesses that are well-prepared — clean financials, a licensing transition plan, documented processes — tend to close faster and at higher prices. The single biggest delay we see is incomplete or unreconciled financials. We help you get those sorted in the preparation phase before we ever go to market.
Do I need to stay on after the sale?
Most buyers want the seller to stay for a transition period — typically 30 to 90 days — to transfer customer relationships, introduce the new owner to key crew, and hand off operational knowledge. If you have a licensed qualifier, that person may need to stay longer depending on state licensing requirements. We negotiate transition terms as part of the deal structure to make sure your post-close obligations are clear and have an end date.