7 Tips for Finding A Reliable Subcontractor in A Pinch

If you’re on the job site and you know you won’t be able to finish the job on time, you likely need to hire a subcontractor to help you get the work done. How do you go about finding the perfect subcontractor? Hiring a subcontractor takes time and energy you don’t have to spare. These 7 tips will help you find a subcontractor quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money.

1. Suppliers Know Best

Material suppliers work with contractors and subcontractors every day. Chances are, they’ve heard some shop talk and know the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to a person’s work ethic. In a pinch, ask your supplier if he knows the right person to help you finish the job.

2. Ask Other Subcontractors

Have you hired a crew of subcontractors for other tasks? Ask around the job site to see if anyone has a buddy or worked with a good man on a previous job. People who work beside each other know best how one’s work ethic is–your guys already on the job are the best resource you have for hiring someone on the fly.

3. Question the Client

Ask your client if they have any recommendations for a subcontractor. Chances are, your client did a bit of research before hiring you to work on their project and may have some names for you to start with. Your client may also have recommendations from friends about subcontractors in the area.

4. Check Craigslist

If you’ve exhausted all your contacts for advice, check Craigslist. If you are in a small town, you’ll have to search through the closest big city, but there are always people looking for work on Craigslist. It may take a few days for a good hire to come to fruition, but Craigslist is worth a shot if your deadline is approaching fast.

5. Perform A Background Check

Do your research on the person you choose to hire. Does this person have the correct licenses? Does this person have liability insurance? Subcontractors should have their own liability insurance, those who are not properly insured could end up costing you a lot of money. Make sure your hire has sufficient liability insurance for the job he will be working.

6. Allow A Trial Run

Give the person you hire a trial period. During this trial run, your subcontractor will have time to prove to you that he or she can do the task that you have asked. Word-of-mouth is a good indicator of someone’s work ethic, but it isn’t the end-all be-all of hiring someone to do a good job. Make sure that they work well under your control, and that they get along with the rest of the team before you extend their contract.

7. Be Mindful Of A Price Range

No subcontractor’s fees are alike. Don’t discredit a person because their price per hour is much less than another person’s. A lower price doesn’t make this person’s abilities any less than someone else’s, it is possible that they haven’t had any work in two to three months. Likewise, a person may charge more per hour than the average subcontractor, but that does not mean their skill set is above everyone else’s. Don’t only look at the subcontractor’s price when choosing who to work with. Choose a subcontractor that fits your needs.

Choosing a subcontractor in a pinch is not a desirable task. Help yourself quickly find the right person by taking these 7 tips into account when the time comes to hire one.

Photo courtesy: Life-of-Pix

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