As a subcontractor, you’re under the direct supervision of the general contractor whenever you’re working on a project. Choosing the right general contractor to work with is imperative since the way in which they conduct their business has a direct impact on you and your business. You want to make sure that they are a good fit for you and that you, in turn, are a good fit to work with them. Here are some key questions that subcontractors should ask general contractors before they agree to take on any projects.
What Does the Project Entail?
It’s easy to get overly excited about the possibility of working with a general contractor on a big project, but don’t jump the gun. If you over-promise and under-deliver, you’ll cause yourself serious problems now and in the future both for the project and your reputation. Make sure you have a clear understanding of exactly what’s expected for every project. Some key questions to ask include:
- What is the scope of the work required for the project?
- How much staff will be required for the job?
- When will the job begin and what is the estimated timeline for required completion?
What Qualities are Most Important in a Subcontractor?
The lowest bidding subcontractor has high chance of winning a bid; however, price isn’t the only criteria that a general contractor will consider. You’ll increase your odds of winning the bid if you are able to mold yourself into the type of subcontractor the GC is most likely to hire. Here are some questions that will help you get to the heart of the matter:
- What qualities are important for a subcontractor?
- Who is a subcontractor you (the GC) liked working with the most and why?
- What can I do to improve my odds of becoming a subcontractor for you?
How are Job Sites Managed?
One of the most important factors when deciding to work with a general contractor is how they manage the projects and job sites they’re responsible for. You’ll be working closely with them, and it’s imperative that you understand their style of management, conflict resolution strategies, and communication skills. Before you sign on with a general contractor, ask the following questions to gauge their leadership style.
- How long have you been a general contractor, and how many subcontractors have you worked with?
- What is your procedure for handling conflicts between subcontractors, clients, and others?
- Can you provide the names of subcontractors you’ve worked with in the past as references?
The construction industry is extremely competitive, and you must work hard to win bids. Asking the right questions of the general contractors you’re interested in working with is a good step in that direction. The process is like a job interview, and you want to find a good fit for both parties. Generating quality leads and building strong, long-lasting relationships with local contractors is imperative. Contact us at PlanHub to learn more about how you can build better relationships, communicate more effectively, and win more bids with our plan room and management system, so you can achieve your construction success.
