Finding Good Subcontractors

So, you have decided to be your own general contractor for the construction of your new home. This is a great idea if you have enough time and know how to get the job done according to time and budget constraints.

Finding the right subcontractors for the building of your home is a tough job. However, with enough determination and effort you will be able to select the right professionals for your construction job.

Some of the professional subcontractors that you may need to hire include excavators, masons, bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and roofers. Depending on the amount of work that you will do and in what areas you have experience, this list may be longer of shorter.

It is most important that you feel confident in the choice of your subcontractors. Ensuring communication is first and foremost important. If you hire a subcontractor who does not communicate with you as the general contractor and homeowner, it will result in much added frustration.

A good way to begin the search for a building subcontractor is to ask around. Ask local hardware stores and other contractors for recommendations. If you live in a small town, you may find that the same subcontractor gets glowing reviews from multiple sources, making that company one you should investigate. At the same time, you may have multiple people telling you who to avoid in the consideration process for hiring subcontractors. Your local chamber of commerce may also be able to give you a listing of area contractors.

Perhaps, in an effort to select the correct subcontractor, you could present a pre-selection project for the subcontractor you are considering. For example, if you are looking to hire a carpenter you could hire them first to construct a shed. A mason could put in a retaining wall, and a roofer could maybe handle the garage roof prior to your contracting them for the entire home building project.

This is a great way to find out how well you can work with that company or individual subcontractor. It also gives you, the general contractor, and idea of the quality of workmanship provided by that subcontractor. If you have the time and resources to “interview” in this fashion it could save you future problems.

Once you select a subcontractor, be sure to have a reasonable subcontractor agreement. This protects you as both contractor and homeowner from what could be costly legal expenses in the future. You need to make decisions about who will carry workmen’s compensation insurance for the subcontractor. It will also enable you to set forth expectations of your subcontractors in writing.

If a subcontractor is unwilling to sign an agreement of this type, it is probably in your best interest to continue on with your search and to choose another company or individual.

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with BuildingPlans.com

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