Specialty Contractors and Down Payments
By Michael StoneShould specialty contractors require down payments even when working through a General Contractor?
Who Pays for On-the-Job Training?
By Michael StoneTraining in construction is important, especially with a shortage of employees. A general contractor asked about a subcontractor who is training an apprentice.
Honest Relationships
By Michael StoneThere are always at least two sides to any scenario, but if you want to stay in business, consider this a lesson on how not to treat a subcontractor.
Subs: Take Care of Business
By Michael StoneA contractor friend called to complain about problems he’s having with specialty contractors in his area. This isn’t a one-time complaint; I’ve heard the same from others around the country.
Single Discipline Leads, Referral Fees
By Michael StoneThe note stated, “Because I’m the middle man, my subcontractor loses out a potential project.” That’s true, and it’s one reason you shouldn’t get into the position of being a middle man.
Do Your Work
By Michael StoneFor the past few years I’ve had general contractors tell me that they can’t get specialty contractors to return their calls, show up on time or show up at all for a job. Now I’m hearing from generals who are getting calls from subs, looking for work.
Subcontractor Payment Schedules
By Michael StonePayment schedules need to be in writing, that includes between a general and specialty contractor.
Who Generated The Lead?
By Michael StoneWhen subcontractors or employees are approached, they are obligated to notify the general contractor who brought them there, and let him handle the lead.
Pricing Without Plans
By Michael StoneIt’s important to remember you aren’t in business to drive around and give out numbers. If you’re a specialty contractor, you also aren’t in business to provide numbers to architects or general contractors.
Play Fair
By Michael StoneThere are business owners who think it’s okay to put the screws to someone else as long as it helps them make more money.
Subs or Employees – Are Subs More Expensive?
By Michael StoneDoes subcontracting raise the price of the project?
Getting Quotes from Subs
By Michael StoneWithout a paid design agreement from the client, you aren’t sure you’ll get the job. Your subs are even less sure they’ll get the job.
Who should do the talking?
By Michael StoneI was asked recently by an electrical supplier, “Why do general contractors often not want their subcontractors to have any communication with the home owner?”
Work Product Exclusion, Hiring Subcontractors
By Michael StoneLast week’s article discussed the pros and cons of using employees or subcontractors to get jobs built. This week, Myles Corcoran of Myles F. Corcoran Construction Consulting Inc., presents another point of view.
Subs or Employees, That is the Question
By Michael StoneRecently I’ve had a number of discussions with company owners about how to get their jobs built. It all comes down to using subs or employees, or as some like to say, “Should I be a paper contractor or a real contractor?”
Conduct Business Like a Business Owner
By Michael StoneOne of our coaching clients was telling me about his problems finding a subcontractor for a job. If you’re a general contractor, this might sound all too familiar.
Generals and Subs: Working Together
By Michael StoneIt’s important to define the ground rules of your relationship.
Getting Business as a Sub
By Michael StoneOne of the questions we’re asked most often is how a subcontractor can get jobs. How do you go about meeting general contractors and letting them know you’re available to build their jobs?
When Clients Do an End Run
By Michael StoneStay ahead of your clients. Write a detailed contract that protects you from as many unpleasant scenarios as possible, and work from written agreements with both your subcontractors and your employees.