Finding Sub Work

carana

I have a general question but I'm not sure where it belongs so I won't be offended if an admin needs to move my thread.

In my introduction I posted that I am doing research for my husband's remodeling business. Right now I am curious how subcontractors typically find work. Do they approach other contractors? Do contractors post ads looking for subs? Then, how does the relationship between a contractor and a sub work? By this I mean, does the contractor draft a contract setting the terms for the job (pay, time to completion, job specs, etc.) and the sub signs? That is what I assume happens but I wanted to have someone confirm it.

Thank you!

GregWerner

Carana, in the area you're in, if you sub from builders they already know what they're gonna pay you. They already have the contracts. All they usually would want is proof of insurance and a signature. I doubt most will even ask you for references.

If you get into remodeling kitchens/ baths instead of dealing with builders, you may have better luck making money and being able to negotiate rates/jobs/fees.

Other ?. I know what subs I'm gonna use before I bid the job. Sometimes new subs call out of the blue to see if I need anything. If I needed what they were offering I would talk to them about it or at least get their info for future work. I know I have seen ads for subs wanted.

Sears Home Improvement for the Altoona/Johnstown area always seems to need subs for kitchen refacing.

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Greg
www.wernerbuilding.net

wackman

Some of the ways that I've found my subs are trade reports (such as the Rice Report) where the subs sign up for a publication of generals who are looking for subs. The generals get put into it for free and the subs pay for it, then the subs call the Generals looking for work, it's a good strait forward source of work. Be warned that we (Generals/Builders) don't usually pay as much and are also more demanding, but a better source of on going work.

Craigs list, trade fairs, maybe newspaper ads for the old school guys still.

I got lots of my subs from shows like the street of dreams, street of new beginnings etc.. where there is a magazine printed with all the homes and it usually lists out all the subs used in the houses, so I know they do the kind of work I need, at the right prices and speed.

Typically the sub has their own contract that the General or builder signs but when the builder gets big enough sometimes they draw up their own sub agreements and then all the subs sign the builder/Generals contract.

I would advise you get a copy of someone elses contract, for your trade, and adopt it.

Good luck,

Wack

Floordude

First and formost your husband is a contractor. You have to be a contractor, before you can "subcontract"

As a contractor, you have clients looking for you, through your marketing. You also have to do the foot work, to get your marketing out there for those that are looking for your services.

Buy saying your a subcontractor, tells me, you may not know what it really means to be a contractor, and just looking for employment/work, calling you a subcontractor. If your looking for someone to say, "we pay" instead of them asking you, "what it is going to cost them", you may need some business education. Your not subcontracting, your employeed, with all the liability, and no benefits or overtime.

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