Tips to Effectively Manage Subcontractors

As a general contractor, you likely wish you could do everything on your own and save money, but that is simply impossible. You will likely need subcontractors to help with areas such as concrete, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

However, choosing the right subcontractor for your job is not an easy task. Unless you already have a Rolodex of workers you know and trust, you will likely need to spend some time finding good, honest workers who fit your budget.

While subcontractors play a pivotal role in construction projects, collaborating with them comes with inherent risks that can impact the success of a project. General contractors must be vigilant in identifying and managing these risks to protect their interests and ensure efficient project completion. Here are some tips for managing subcontractors.

Set Clear Expectations 

This needs to be done right away in the contract. The terms set in the contract define the expectations and responsibilities for both the general contractor and subcontractors. There should also be clear instructions regarding payment terms, project milestones, and dispute resolution. This helps avoid potential conflicts.

Establishing clear communication between the general contractor and the subcontractor ensures that everyone is kept in the loop regarding project developments, changes and expectations. This proactive approach enhances the working relationship.

Establish a Positive Culture

Effective leadership can help cultivate a positive jobsite culture and a strong safety culture. Jobsite safety and relations can erode quickly, so it’s important to create a positive jobsite environment that involves a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. When everyone on the jobsite feels valued and recognized, problems are addressed more effectively and the project becomes more successful.

Track Progress Closely

Don’t assume everything is going smoothly just because you haven’t heard otherwise. Use apps and tools like Procore and Trello to track progress in real time. Ask for regular status updates and be sure to view the jobs in person to verify work is proceeding according to plan. Tracking also helps you spot potential delays early so you can take corrective action before they derail the schedule.

Document Everything

Maintain thorough records for every step of the project. This includes signed contracts, change orders, work logs, photos, safety inspections, correspondence, and invoices. If a dispute arises, detailed documentation can protect you and help resolve issues faster. Using cloud-based systems can make it so documentation is easy to access and update in real time.

Contact Us Today

It’s important to hire the right subcontractors for a job. It can be difficult to find the right ones for your needs, especially if you are working out of town and unfamiliar with the area.

Subcontractors often come with risks and legal issues. Protect yourself with help from a Florida construction contracts lawyer from Linkhorst Law Firm. We’ll help draft the perfect contract so that each party’s interests are represented and their responsibilities are clearly outlined. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call 561-626-8880.

Source:

procore.com/library/subcontractor-management