We keep hearing complaints about subcontractors that don’t show up on time, if at all.
Let’s assume here that:
- You pay your subs every two weeks,
- You communicate job information to them as you should via clear plans and specifications,
- Your jobs are ready when you tell them they are ready, and
- You don’t pull any retainage nonsense on them.
If that is the case, you need to take the time to explain the importance of being on time. Tell them to put a cork on all the excuses and reasons for being late. Being late is almost always nothing more than a bad habit. It takes less time to be on time than to be late.
Tell them that if they want your business, they must be on time. If they aren’t, then you will replace them with a company that is. Now you have taken charge of the outcome of your jobs and things will run much smoother.
Now, if you aren’t doing the items listed above first, you don’t have a leg to stand on. Treat them right, then insist they reciprocate by showing up on time.
The knowledge and experience Michael Stone gained in his 60+ years in construction has helped thousands of contractors improve their businesses and their lives. He is the author of the books Markup & Profit Revisited, Profitable Sales, and Estimating Construction Profitably, and is available for one-on-one consultations as needed.
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