Construction Jobs - Finding A Subcontractor

By Author: John R Dawson
Total Articles: 1
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At ServiceMagic, many times our contractors receive more projects than they can perform during a given time period. When this occurs, they are forced to make a decision. There are basically three options:

1. Turn down the project

2. Work extremely long days in hopes of completing the projects simultaneously

3. Hire a subcontractor to complete the additional project

We recommend the latter, and here's why. Of course, no contractor ever wants to turn down a project. By doing so, you are not only losing the consumer for the moment, but for any future projects. Every successful project is another notch in your belt, and will ultimately prove to be one of your greatest forms of advertising. As far as working exceptionally long days, this could be the worst option of all. Not only will your health suffer, but your business as well. When the 15th hour of work rolls around during a day, you are not performing as well as you were during the 1st or even the 8th hour. Your workmanship cannot be its best at this point, and it's without a doubt that you always want to do your best. If you're ...
... performing at 75%, which may still be stellar, the consumer will assume that this is your top quality work. When he tells his friends at work about his thousand dollar project, you don't want him to refer to your 75% effort, but only your absolute best effort.

Which brings us to the third option: hiring a subcontractor. We feel this is by far the best option of the three. You will not only be able to accept the project, and receive a certain amount of money for it, but you will also be associated with the competition of the project. Your subcontractor's success will become your success. Since you were the first contact on the project, when the consumer relays this information to his friends and neighbors, you will be the name he passes on.

Of course, since this is the case, you must absolutely guarantee that your potential subcontractor can not only complete the project, but do it to your 100% standards. Just as his success is your success, his failure is yours as well. But how can you guarantee his work qualifications if you've never seen any of his projects? The same way your consumers are finding you, through ServiceMagic. Just as your consumers look at your qualifications, and previous work ratings, so should you for your potential subcontractor. Find someone who is licensed and insured for the potential project, and see if he can perform the work. Remind him that his work is tied into a rating system, just as yours is. By this method, you are sure to be able to complete all the work you need.


About the Author John is a subcontractor who works with ServiceMagic.com to find