How to find good subs

MinConst said:

One of the big reasons I went into business is from hearing from people that they were burnt by this contractor or he never finished the job.

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MinConst said:

relying on a sub is scarry.

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If you're planning on being a general contractor, as opposed to a specialty contractor or subcontractor, you'd better start getting comfortable with your fear. You'll have to be relying on subs a lot in order to succeed at meeting your customer's needs.

MinConst said:

How do I find good reliable subs to work with

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One place to look is The Blue Book of Building and Construction www.thebluebook.com . It's pricy to advertise in the Blue Book so those that do have probably been succesful enough to afford it. It's pricy to buy the Blue Book as well. If you know someone that subscribes you might ask him if he'll give you last years' copy when the new one comes out.

Another thing you can do is join various trade associations. For my industry and locale the two big associations are the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) on the commercial side and the NHBA (National Home Builders Association) on the residential side. Do a Google search that includes your city, trade and the words "trade associations". You'll probably find some good info.

MinConst said:

How [are] good reliable subs paid.

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Two words - on time. If I need to I beg, borrow or steal (maybe not steal) in order to pay a good sub on time. Good subs are going to help you make you good money - and they're worth paying on time. Good subs are going to help you get good jobs - and they're worth paying on time. Good subs take good care of contractors that pay on time. You want to be paid on time don't you? So do they.