The success of the sub-contractors chosen for a commercial construction project can significantly impact a general contractor’s reputation and ability to execute client assignments. With so much on the line, general contractors must form strong alliances with dependable subcontractors.
Because general contractors are frequently tasked with managing a large number of prominent commercial construction projects, their success is often dependent on their ability to rely on a network of subcontractors.
According to Dallas Nugent Canada, it is critical that both contractors realize the value and depth of their relationship in order to achieve productive results.
The tips mentioned below by Dallas Nugent Canada will help you build an effective relationship with the general contractors.
1. Establish Communication
Communication is essential in any relationship, including the one between a general contractor and a subcontractor, as you’ve probably heard a million times. Maintaining an open line of communication with a sub and general contractor over the length of a project considerably reduces the possibility of any potential conflicts.
Effective communication is always better when it comes to executing a project. Use tools like email and phone calls to avoid miscommunications, but don’t forget to plan regular face-to-face meetings. Implementing cloud-based construction software is another option that can assist in developing improved collaboration.
Contractors and subcontractors can communicate in real-time thanks to construction software that facilitates communication. It allows for immediate communication, eliminating the need for a phone.
2. Be Proactive In Your Approach
It is critical to be proactive in addition to being prepared. Before you commit time to a project, don’t wait for the general contractor to establish your start date. When the general contractor approaches the subcontractor, the subcontractor should already have the essential paperwork and approvals in hand, as well as a working understanding of the project.
Even better, the subcontractor should have gone to the project site and engaged with the general contractor. From start to completion, the subcontractor should be informed of everything going on with the project, asking questions, relaying information to the general contractor, and offering comments and feedback as needed.
3. Use Technology
Subcontractors and general contractors can virtually envision the minutiae of a project using new technologies such as BIM and virtual reality, which can help resolve disagreements before the project even starts. A subcontractor will be able to express to a general contractor why he believes his recommendation is required and offer it more successfully this way. There will be fewer arguments as a result of the greater understanding between the parties. Use Sure-Bid to improve your project at the buyout stage.
4. Stick To Budget And Deadline
The subcontractor must, at the absolute least, adhere to the project’s budget and timeline.
If the subcontractor is unable to do so, they must reassess and change so that the problem does not become a reoccurring one, resulting in continued economic loss.
The subcontractor has a powerful weapon to resolve visibility concerns with the use of a construction project management and document control solution.
This technology will help the subcontractor better anticipate project expenses and eliminate costly human errors throughout project delivery. It will also allow the subcontractor to keep a better track of his workers and keep everyone up at speed.
5. Have Trust
Reliability and trust are reciprocal. The general contractor must have faith in the subcontractor to deliver on their promises, from on-time arrival to high-quality work. The sub must also have confidence in the general contractor to deliver reliable information, such as thorough construction documentation and realistic expectations. It is also necessary for both parties to be trustworthy.
A general contractor must rely on the subcontractor to keep the project on schedule, finish the scope of work as agreed, and adhere to the project parameters. While the sub will rely on the general contractor for supervisory communication, such as RFI replies, change order approval, and payment terms, the general contractor will rely on the sub for RFI responses, change order approval, and payment terms.
6. Plan For Future
When a subcontractor wins a job, one of the best ways for them to grow their general contractor customer base is to go above and beyond the required bare minimum. It’s critical to demonstrate to the general contractor that you’re interested in securing future business. Improving customer relations is the best strategy to expand the subcontractor’s customers.
Avoiding disagreements through clear communication is one method to win over general contractors. It is critical to identify and bring issues to the general contractor’s attention as soon as possible. Changes are unavoidable on a project, but timely and good communication is essential.
No subcontractor wants to miss a vital project update email, a misrouted change order, or the latest versions of plans and specs being misplaced or ignored. Delays, substantial cost increases, disagreements, rework, and even legal difficulties can all result from this.
7. Evaluate Results
General contractors and subcontractors should take the time to sit down and go over the project in detail at the end of each assignment. Take some time to talk about what worked well, what didn’t, and how both parties might improve in the future.
In terms of timeframes and deliveries, make sure to compare the end results to what was expected. Subcontractors should make it a point to learn how to enhance their work so that their general contractor collaboration may continue to grow over time.
General contractor-subcontractor relationships are frequently formed over time and via gained expertise. Subcontractors that are dependable and regularly offer high-quality deliverables will have an easier time cultivating positive relationships with general contractors.
It will be much easier for general contractors that do an excellent job of communicating effectively and defining expectations to attract and retain high-quality subcontractors.
Conclusion
Everyone wants to work with or partner with people they can trust. The subcontractor must ensure that he is providing the general contractor with honest and high-quality work while also establishing references. If the subcontractor succeeds, the general contractor will be more likely to use him again or recommend him to another general contractor.
