How to Find and Hire Subcontractors: A Construction Pro’s Guide

Finding the right subcontractors is key to any construction project. Subcontractors bring expertise, manage costs, and add to the efficiency and flexibility of project management. For construction professionals using Bolster, knowing how to find and hire subcontractors can help you use your existing tools and streamline your process so projects run smoothly and efficiently.

Why Hire Subcontractors?

Subcontractors are necessary for construction projects because they bring skills and services that aren’t in-house. Here’s why:

• Specialized Skills: Subcontractors have skills and knowledge in areas like plumbing, electrical, and carpentry, so you get high quality in those specialties.
• Cost Control: By hiring subcontractors, you can control costs better, pay for services only when needed, and not the overhead of full-time salaries.
• Resource Flexibility: Subcontractors let you scale up or down based on project demand without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time staff.
• Time-saving: With expertise comes efficiency. Subcontractors can often get the job done faster because of their specialized skills and keep your project on schedule.

Where to Find Subcontractors

Finding reliable subcontractors can be done by using both traditional and modern methods. Here’s where to find them:

• Industry Associations: Organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) are great resources.
• Online Platforms: BuildZoom, HomeAdvisor, and even LinkedIn are platforms to connect with professionals.
• Local Trade Shows: These events are where you can meet and engage with subcontractors in person and get a better sense of their capabilities.
• Supplier Networks: Using networks like CBUSA can give you access to subcontractors who are vetted by common suppliers.

What to Look for in Subcontractors

Choosing the right subcontractor is more than just finding someone with the right skills. Look for:

• Experience and Expertise: Subcontractors with a proven track record in their specialty so you get quality and reliability.
• Reputation and References: Check their references and online reviews to see if they’re reliable and do good work.
• Licenses and Insurance: Make sure they have the necessary certifications, licenses, and insurance to meet legal and safety requirements.
• Communication Skills: Communication is key to making sure the subcontractor understands and is on the same page as your project goals.

Integrating Subcontractors with Bolster

Using Bolster’s construction estimating software, you can integrate subcontractors into your project management process. Bolster has tools for better bid management, documentation, and communication when working with subcontractors. Here’s how you can use Bolster to manage subcontractors:

• Bid Management: Post projects and get bids from subcontractors through the Bolster platform so you can compare bids and choose the best for your project.
• Project Tracking: See subcontractor tasks against timelines and budgets within Bolster. This transparency keeps projects on track and manages expectations.
• Communication Tools: Use Bolster’s built-in communication tools to keep clear and continuous communication with your subcontractors so everyone is on the same page with the project goals.
• Documentation: Store all contracts, insurance documents, and project specs in one place. Bolster’s cloud storage ensures all documents are secure and accessible, making compliance and audit a breeze.

Common Mistakes

When working with subcontractors, you should avoid:

• Not Vetting Enough: Do your due diligence to verify the subcontractor’s qualifications, experience, and reputation.
• Bad Communication: Establish clear communication from the start. Regular check-ins and updates will prevent miscommunication and ensure project goals are met.
• Inadequate Contracts: Make sure all agreements are detailed and clear, including scope, timelines, payment terms, and other project-critical info.
• Not enough oversight: Even with good subcontractors, regular oversight is necessary to maintain quality and timelines.

Building Long-Term Relationships with Subcontractors

Building long-term relationships with good subcontractors means smoother projects and better outcomes. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Fairness and Timely Payments: Treat subcontractors fairly and pay them on time. This builds trust and makes subcontractors prioritize your projects.
• Feedback and Communication: Give feedback and be open to feedback from subcontractors. This two-way communication can lead to improvements and innovations.
• Recognition and Growth Opportunities: recognize your subcontractors’ achievements and give them opportunities to grow with your projects. This can involve them in bigger projects or more complex tasks as they prove themselves.

Summary

Finding and managing subcontractors can make or break your construction projects. With Bolster’s all-in-one tools, construction professionals can find the best subcontractors and manage them to deliver quality on time and on budget. Remember, successful subcontractor management is a combination of good selection, good communication, and good project management practices, all backed by Bolster’s software.