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What should I look for when hiring a subcontractor?

Home » Homebuilding » Choosing Subcontractors » What should I look for when hiring a subcontractor?

To help get the best out of your subcontractor relationships, apply the following guidelines:

• Try to hire and work with the same subs for every project
• Give the subs the opportunity to bid their part of the project every time
• Don't let the price that your regular subcontractor quotes influence you to shop for a lower price from other subcontractors
• Communicate with your subs at all times, asking for their opinion and/or input on projects will greatly help your relationship
• Give more than adequate notice of scheduled work or delays and immediately advise them of any changes so they can adjust accordingly
• Provide accurate plans for them to work from to avoid confusion
• If you are supplying materials for the subs, have the materials on hand when work is to begin
• Provide good working conditions on the job site. This is a given.
• Provide general direction (to meet job specifications) as needed, but let the subs do their own work their way whenever possible
• Be sure to have a qualified person on hand (not the customer) to answer questions or to tackle any problems that should arise, but again, trust your subs and the relationship will work more smoothly
• This is one of the most important tips; pay promptly--money talks!

Following these guidelines will build and strengthen your relationships with subs, and it may very well be that relationship that will help assure they will be there when you need them and they will provide the quality work your customers deserve. As you already know, quality work requires fewer callbacks.

Next Page: What's the best way to work with a subcontractor?

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