How to Vet Subcontractors Like a Pro

This morning on Sunday Reads, we discuss hiring the right subcontractors and how it can make or break your construction projects.

From reliability to technical skill, there are key traits that every contractor should evaluate before bringing a sub onto the team.

This guide highlights the top qualities to look for and practical ways to vet candidates, ensuring you build a team that delivers quality work, meets deadlines, and enhances your reputation.

Here’s what we have this week:

• Quick Tips: FP Client List, Pics, and Buying Cheap Tools

• Story: How a builder almost tanked their reputation during rapid growth.

• FREE Download: QC checklist we used for our homes (FREE)

Let's dive in.

3 Quick Tips:

1. Ask for a Trial Job:

   • Start with a small task to test their reliability and skill before committing to bigger projects.

2. Use a Scoring System

   • Rate subs on communication, reliability, and professionalism to standardize your hiring process.

3.  Test Communication 

   • Gauge responsiveness during initial discussions to ensure they’ll keep you in the loop.

   Let me know which works best!

Hiring Subcontractors And How to Vet Them:

Discover the top traits to look for when hiring subs and practical steps to ensure you bring the best talent to your team.

Let’s get into it:

Licensing and Insurance

Verify their licensing status by looking up their number with state or relevant boards to ensure everything is up-to-date and valid.

Additionally, request proof of insurance, including liability and workers' compensation, to confirm that they can protect both you and your clients in case of any issues on the job.

Communication Skills

Assess how well they respond during initial meetings, paying attention to their understanding and engagement with the project details. Also, evaluate how promptly and clearly they respond to emails, calls, or texts during the bidding phase to gauge their reliability in communication.

Reliability

Speak to previous clients or general contractors to learn about their punctuality and whether they meet deadlines consistently.

Additionally, review timelines from their past projects to ensure they have a strong history of completing work on schedule.

Technical Skill

Review their portfolio of completed projects, especially those similar to yours, and inspect their work firsthand whenever possible.

You can also test their knowledge by discussing project-specific methods or building codes to confirm their expertise.

Professionalism

Observe how they present themselves during meetings or site visits, noting their demeanor, communication style, and respect for others.

You should also check online reviews or testimonials to see if others have noted their professionalism and overall attitude.

Follow Instructions

Ask references whether the subcontractor adhered to directions and followed project guidelines without issues. Y

ou can also observe their behavior on a current or past jobsite to see how well they take and execute instructions from supervisors.

Good Reputation

Reach out to other general contractors in your network to get candid feedback about their reliability, skill, and professionalism.

Additionally, ask for references and follow up with specific questions to uncover a full picture of their performance history and strengths.

Conclusion:

Selecting subcontractors who embody reliability, professionalism, and technical expertise is essential for success in construction.

By focusing on communication, credentials, and reputation during your vetting process, you’ll not only safeguard your projects but also create lasting partnerships with tradespeople who are as invested in your success as you are.

Put these tips into action to find subs who align with your goals and standards.