If you’re planning to hire a General contractor Austin, then it becomes very important that you make better relationship with him.
It helps you understand the overall planning procedure, and what he/she can deliver to you at the end point.
With these 10 tips it’s possible to improve the relationship between the subcontractor and the general contractor Austin:
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Be prepared at all times:
When going to compete for a bid, you need to have a detailed and relevant proposal in hand.
After winning a bid, be prepared with everything necessary to begin work whenever you’re called. This way, you can keep everything on schedule with no delays.
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Be pro-active:
It’s very important to be pro-active. Before investing time in a project do not wait for the general contractor to schedule your start day.
By the time the general contractor calls up the subcontractor, the subcontractor should’ve all necessary documents and approvals, and a working knowledge of the project.
The subcontractor should have visited the project site and communicated with the general contractor.
From start to finish the subcontractor must be aware of everything going on in a project.
He/she should ask questions, pass on information to the general contractor, and give suggestions and input whenever required.
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Don’t take jobs which you can’t handle:
Subcontractors may take a job that is outside the scope of their capabilities. Taking on poor fit jobs bring trouble staffing. Your reputation will also hurt.
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Meet budgets and deadlines:
The subcontractor needs to stay on budget and schedule. If the subcontractor can’t do this, they need to readjust and assess.
With the use of a construction project management and document control solution, the subcontractor has a powerful tool to resolve many complex issues.
This type of technology allows the subcontractor to assess the costs of a project better and avoid costly mistakes.
It also allows the subcontractor to keep better track of his employees and keep the schedule moving according to the plan.
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Don’t depend on payment from a general contractor:
The subcontractor is responsible for covering all costs incurred on a project.
This means that the subcontractor should have enough money to finance materials, travel, payroll, and anything else.
Unprepared subcontractors often harass the general contractor for an upfront payment.
The subcontractor should be a good businessman who can budget, manage his profits and prepare for future expenses.
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Read and follow the details mentioned in the contract:
The general contractor lays out very specific details in the contract including things that the subcontractors need to know such as how to change orders, get paid, and communicate.
If the subcontractor fails to read or listen to the contract, then the conflict will likely arise.
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Use technology to better visualize projects:
New technology like virtual reality allows contractors and subcontractors to virtually visualize the project.
This way, a subcontractor can more clearly communicate to a general contractor and can present any project clearly.
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Improve communications:
The subcontractor should be in constant contact with the general contractor. The subcontractor must ask him questions. He/she can keep him updated at all steps of the project.
The subcontractor can use mobile technology to get in touch with the general contractor more easily.
With the help of Mobile technology, you can keep all your documents and emails in one place. So you can access it easily. Also it can cause fewer disputes due to better record keeping.
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Be professional:
You need to be professional all the time. Don’t wait for the general contractor to tell you fix the mistakes. Don’t leave the jobsite without checking in with the general contractor.
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Differentiate yourself:
General Contractors bother more about the quality of the work than the price. However due to a lack of differentiation among subcontractors, they’re forced to choose based on price.
Differentiating is two fold.
Firstly, the subcontractor needs to make sure that his business is operating in a way that sets it apart from other competitors.
This includes larger team, better safety, past projects that were on budget and schedule.
Secondly, the subcontractor should make known this difference to the general contractor in a logical and concise way.
This can be done by using specific examples from past projects, referrals from other general contractors, or anything of the like.
Conclusion:
It is human nature that people want to work with people whom they trust.
With this, the subcontractor needs to ensure that he is producing honest and quality work for the general contractor.
If the subcontractor can succeed at this, the general contractor will work with that subcontractor in the future or recommend him to another general contractor.
About Author:
Dominion Group LLC provides commercial construction and general contracting services in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and surrounding communities.
We are a well renowned general contractor in Austin. We specialize in interior remodeling, commercial construction, new development, making custom homes, and more.