The GC's Guide to Managing Subcontractors Without Losing Your Mind

The Sub Problem

As a GC, your reputation depends on people you don't directly control. A sub who shows up late, does poor work, or ghosts mid-project can tank your reputation and profit.

5 Rules for Managing Subs

1. Written scope of work — always. Never start a sub on a verbal agreement. Write exactly what they're doing, when, and for how much. Both sign.

2. Pay fast. The #1 way to get priority from subs: pay them within 7 days of invoice. Subs who trust your payments show up first for your jobs.

3. Inspect before they leave. Walk every sub's work before they pack up. Fixes are 10× cheaper the same day vs. a callback.

4. Get W-9s upfront. Before any work starts. Not in January when you're scrambling for 1099s.

5. Have backups. For every trade, have 2-3 reliable subs. If your electrician no-shows, having a backup prevents schedule disasters.

"I lost a $40,000 remodel when my plumbing sub ghosted mid-project. Now I have 3 plumbers on speed dial. The backup costs me nothing until I need them." — Anh T., Seattle WA

Your next step: Make a list of your top 3 subs per trade. If you don't have 3, start networking.