Contractor Etiquette Finding Subs...

alter_ego

Been a one man show for a loooong time. I have commited myself to building a team if "good" sub cntractors. I have realised that no mater how I try there is just too mch to become an expert on and there is no leverage if I am the only one swinging the hammer.

My question is this. Is it "bad form" for me to call some of the other local contractors and ask them to share their subs?

How would you guys recive this call? Honestly?

The only thing I have done so far to find them is to seek membership in NARI. I have high hopes for this.

Thanks for the look.

Alter

mdshunk

I think that asking a GC to share his sub list would go over about as good as asking him if you can sleep with his wife. You can try, though. What's the worst that will happen? They'll think you're weird, until they forget your name next week.

It might pay to go to open houses and ask the open house representative who did what. Just a thought.

dirt diggler

if you can't find any in the phone book, or through referrals --- contact suppliers of the subs ...

in other words, if you're looking for a concrete sub (total random example), try a concrete supplier

I wouldn't call any of your competitors --- it'll just make them think "oh, so THIS is our competition??"

at the same time, if ya get desperate enough ... heck with pride, you have a job to do

Gordo

Agreed.

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Looks like some pros were here.

dumplin1078

Definetly go to local supply houses. The place here where I get my materials has a bulletin board with 21 different finishers cards on them 22 if you count mine. There are also several remod and GC cards. If the supply house doesn't have anything like this ask the people who work there they will know.

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"I hate to tell you this, but you're a man. You're going to spend your life gettin' up one more time than you get knocked down." John Wayne

dougchips

I have shared subs with my competition from time to time. Some of my subs are now my competition, some are friends and some are not. Some subs are great and some will try to cut your balls off given any sharp object. Some even will try it with a blunt object.

If done correctly, the subs will eat steak and you will eat shrimp/lobster (unless you are Jewish).