| "> | | | | Managing Your Subcontractors |
| When building or remodeling, you need professional | | | | In a traditional building environment, the General |
| help. Rarely does an Owner Builder go it alone. | | | | Contractor (GC) hires and supervises the work of |
| The subcontractor could be the single most | | | | the subcontractors. A GC can also be referred to |
| indispensable building professional for the | | | | as a builder. You, as an Owner Builder, may or |
| homeowner builder. | | | | may not be using a GC to help you. If you have |
| What is a Subcontractor? | | | | not hired a GC for your project, you will be in |
| Subcontractors are not builders. They are trades | | | | charge. This can present a challenge to the |
| people. They specialize in their craft. They do not | | | | average owner builder. |
| manage your entire project nor should they be | | | | One of the bigger challenges you, as an owner |
| counted upon to coordinate their efforts with | | | | builder may face, is the reluctance of a |
| other subcontractors. Whether a plumber, framer, | | | | subcontractor to work directly for you. They |
| electrician, excavator, roofer, carpenter or other | | | | worry about your ability to pay them, coordinate |
| trade, a subcontractor simply provides his unique | | | | the efforts of all the trades, evaluate their work, |
| service. | | | | and keep the project going. |
| When you build or remodel, you use whichever | | | | These are legitimate concerns and you, as an |
| tradespersons you need to complete the task at | | | | owner builder should prepare properly to dispel |
| hand. These professionals must be evaluated, | | | | these concerns. I typically advise you to utilize one |
| hired, and managed throughout the building or | | | | of the following suggestions: |
| remodeling process. | | | | - Hire a GC to be your Construction Manager |
| When evaluating your potential hire, consider and | | | | - Implement a good building Process Management |
| determine the following: | | | | software program |
| - They should be licensed and bonded/insured | | | | - Retain an experienced home building coach |
| - Experienced in your market and knowledgeable | | | | Most of my clients have utilized the second and |
| about local codes | | | | third suggestions combined. A good home building |
| - Have references that you can easily verify | | | | coach with a proven process management |
| - You must get at least three competing bids for | | | | system provides an excellent and low cost |
| each trade | | | | solution. |
| - You should evaluate the quality of building | | | | Successful Home Owner Builders |
| materials they use | | | | A smart homeowner and home builder will always |
| - Inquire about their availability and time for your | | | | use talented professionals where it makes most |
| project | | | | sense. Regardless of the time and experience you |
| Homeowner builders can elect to provide some of | | | | may have, subcontractors will likely play a big role |
| their own labor to reduce the overall cost of labor | | | | in your success. |
| or they can hire these subs for every aspect of | | | | Take the time to analyze them carefully and |
| the job. Either way, someone has to manage and | | | | always get all agreements in writing. |
| coordinate their efforts. | | | | |