Estimating Construction Costs
By Michael StoneEstimating errors cost money, because the purpose of a construction estimate is to know how much to price a job.
Get Ahead of Job Delays
By Michael StoneJob delays are often caused by the things we don’t see; you can’t stop all delays but you can get ahead of them.
Managing Jobs: This is Where it Went Bad
By Michael StoneMichael shares a story from a contractor who delegated to the wrong person, and that’s where the job went bad.
Getting Between the Owner and a Sub
By Michael StoneA 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.
Definition of Terms
By Michael StoneWhat does a general contractor do? What is a specialty contractor? How do remodeling and new construction differ?
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.
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?”
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?
Subcontractors or Employees?
By Michael StoneSometimes 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.
Hire Your Own Subs
By Michael StoneFrom 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.
Know Your Cash Flow Needs
By Michael StoneContractors have cash flow problems for two major reasons: poor money management, and poor payment schedules.
Business is business
By Michael StoneWe’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.
How Not to Do Business
By Michael StoneA friend called today with a problem. He subbed his work to a general contractor from the east coast to do a job here on the west coast at a government facility.
Your Clients and Your Subs
By Michael StoneNow, 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.
Unlicensed Contractor
By Michael StoneThe 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.
General and Specialty Contractor relationships
By Michael StoneIn the last month I’ve heard from more specialty contractors having problems being paid by generals than I’ve heard in years.
Finding and Keeping Good Subs
By Michael StoneMy biggest challenge as a residential remodeler is obtaining and keeping qualified and experienced sub-contractors willing to do smaller type projects.
Subcontractor, General Contractor Relationships
By Michael StoneWe 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.