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General and Specialty Contractor relationships

By Michael Stone

In the last month I’ve heard from more specialty contractors having problems being paid by generals than I’ve heard in years.


Single Discipline Leads, Referral Fees

By Michael Stone

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.


Unlicensed Contractor

By Michael Stone

The old law said that the owner could recover 100% of the money they had paid a contractor if it was found that the contractor did not have a valid license.


Subs: Take Care of Business

By Michael Stone

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.


Your Clients and Your Subs

By Michael Stone

Now, if you are a subcontractor, it doesn't matter what trade, if a general contractor has hired you to work on a job your obligation is to that general contractor only.


Honest Relationships

By Michael Stone

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.


Business is business

By Michael Stone

We’ve noticed the same problem that we’ve seen with other specialties. They believe that because their work is focused on one thing, their business operates differently.


Who Pays for On-the-Job Training?

By Michael Stone

Training in construction is important, especially with a shortage of employees. A general contractor asked about a subcontractor who is training an apprentice.


Hire Your Own Subs

By Michael Stone

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.


Specialty Contractors and Down Payments

By Michael Stone

Should specialty contractors require down payments even when working through a General Contractor?


Subcontractors or Employees?

By Michael Stone

Sometimes they request you use employees instead of subs, or work on a T&M basis. Clients don’t understand how the construction world works. It’s your job to educate them.


Definition of Terms

By Michael Stone

What does a general contractor do? What is a specialty contractor? How do remodeling and new construction differ?


Getting Business as a Sub

By Michael Stone

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?


Getting Between the Owner and a Sub

By Michael Stone

A subcontractor causes a problem on a construction job, the general contractor needs to make it right. It happens a lot, this time with a twist.


Generals and Subs: Working Together

By Michael Stone

It’s important to define the ground rules of your relationship.


Managing Jobs: This is Where it Went Bad

By Michael Stone

Michael shares a story from a contractor who delegated to the wrong person, and that’s where the job went bad.


Subs or Employees, That is the Question

By Michael Stone

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?”


Get Ahead of Job Delays

By Michael Stone

Job delays are often caused by the things we don’t see; you can’t stop all delays but you can get ahead of them.


Work Product Exclusion, Hiring Subcontractors

By Michael Stone

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.


Estimating Construction Costs

By Michael Stone

Estimating errors cost money, because the purpose of a construction estimate is to know how much to price a job.


Who should do the talking?

By Michael Stone

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?”


Improve Jobsite Productivity

By Michael Stone

An efficient, productive construction project makes for more profitable jobs. It’s easier when you pay attention to these details.


Getting Quotes from Subs

By Michael Stone

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.


The Same Business Principles Apply to Every Trade

By Michael Stone

Most of the training available for construction focuses on production. We talk about business, and business principles don’t vary no matter what type of work you produce.


Subs or Employees – Are Subs More Expensive?

By Michael Stone

Does subcontracting raise the price of the project?


Who Generated The Lead?

By Michael Stone

When subcontractors or employees are approached, they are obligated to notify the general contractor who brought them there, and let him handle the lead.


Subcontractor, General Contractor Relationships

By Michael Stone

We keep hearing complaints about sub-contractors that don't show up on time, if at all. You need to take the time to explain the importance of being on time.


Subcontractor Payment Schedules

By Michael Stone

Payment schedules need to be in writing, that includes between a general and specialty contractor.


Finding and Keeping Good Subs

By Michael Stone

My biggest challenge as a residential remodeler is obtaining and keeping qualified and experienced sub-contractors willing to do smaller type projects.


Do Your Work

By Michael Stone

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.


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