Training in construction is important, especially with a shortage of employees. A general contractor asked about a subcontractor who is training an apprentice.
Subs/Generals
Honest Relationships
There 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
A 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
The 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
For 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
Payment schedules need to be in writing, that includes between a general and specialty contractor.
Who Generated The Lead?
When 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
It’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
There 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?
Does subcontracting raise the price of the project?
Getting Quotes from Subs
Without 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?
I 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, An Unexpected Benefit of Hiring Subcontractors
Last 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
Recently 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
One 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
It’s important to define the ground rules of your relationship.
Getting Business as a Sub
One 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
Stay 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.
Hire Your Own Subs
From time to time, you will go out to see a potential client about doing work for them and they’ll ask if they can choose their own subs for their job.
Put Relationships In Writing
When business relationships are in writing, there are fewer problems. A customized employee manual and subcontractor manual is important.
