Commercial building projects can be complex. From site investigations to groundworks and piling, there are a lot of different things to manage. A good project manager will handle all this for you, but if your main contractor isn’t qualified to tackle all the different aspects of the project, hiring the right subcontractor is essential.
Subcontractors can be hired to perform specific tasks, such as earthworks or electrical work, or to manage an entire project. To ensure that your project runs smoothly and is completed on time and within budget, it’s important to choose the right subcontractor. Here are eight tips to help you hire the best subcontractor for your commercial building project.
Define Your Project Scope
Before hiring a subcontractor, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your project scope. This includes defining the timeline, budget, and specific tasks that need to be completed. By creating a detailed project scope, you can ensure that all potential subcontractors are on the same page and can provide accurate and competitive bids.
Working with multiple contractors means there is a much wider scope for delay. If one contractor falls behind, it will have a knock-on effect on the entire project. Planning helps minimize this risk, but working with the right contractor will also ensure there are no unnecessary delays because of miscommunication or the contractor’s inexperience.
Research Potential Sub-Contractors
Once you have defined your project scope, it’s time to research potential subcontractors. Look for sub-contractors who specialize in the specific tasks or trades required for your project. You can search online directories, ask for recommendations from colleagues or industry associations, and review online reviews and ratings.
Check Credentials and Experience
Before hiring a subcontractor, it’s important to verify that they have the necessary credentials and experience for your project. This includes checking their licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage. You should also review their past projects and client testimonials to assess their level of experience and expertise.
For example, if you need a sub-contractor with experience in earthwork services, find out what projects they have worked on and whether they were involved in the earthworks. This will give you an idea of whether they can handle the scope of your project.
Request Bids
Once you have identified potential subcontractors, it’s time to request bids. Provide each sub-contractor with a copy of your project scope and specifications and ask them to provide a detailed bid that includes all costs and timelines. This will help you compare and evaluate bids to choose the best sub-contractor for your project.
Don’t make the mistake of accepting a bid that seems very low without looking at the detail. Some contractors will deliberately price a bid low so they can get the job, usually at the expense of work quality. They will also struggle to meet the milestones needed because of change orders, and the project ends up being delayed.
Evaluate Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential for a successful commercial building project. When evaluating potential subcontractors, pay attention to their communication skills and responsiveness. Choose a sub-contractor who is willing to communicate openly and frequently throughout the project, and who can provide updates and answer questions promptly. A contractor that doesn’t answer emails or telephone calls will cause problems and delays.
Review Contract Terms
Before hiring a sub-contractor, it’s important to review and agree on all contract terms. This includes the scope of work, timelines, payment schedule, warranties, and dispute resolution procedures. Make sure that all terms are clearly outlined in writing and that both parties understand and agree to them. Have your contracts reviewed by a lawyer if necessary.
Check References
Before making a final decision, it’s important to check references from past clients and partners. Ask for references from the sub-contractor and contact them to ask about their experience working with the sub-contractor. This will help you assess the subcontractor’s reputation, work quality, and ability to deliver results.
Build a Positive Partnership
Once you have hired a subcontractor, it’s important to build a positive partnership based on trust, respect, and open communication. This includes providing clear instructions and expectations, offering support and feedback, and maintaining regular communication throughout the project. By building a positive partnership, you can ensure that your project runs smoothly and is completed successfully.
Hiring the right subcontractor is essential for a successful commercial building project. By defining your project scope, researching potential subcontractors, checking credentials and experience, requesting bids, evaluating communication skills, reviewing contract terms, checking references, and building a positive partnership, you can choose the best sub-contractor for your project and ensure that it is completed on time and within budget.