Finding Good Subcontractors

Getting your projects completed often hinges on the reliability of the subcontractors you hire. Most companies have go-to contractors for various jobs. Here are some ways you can find subcontractors you can trust to do the work right, within a budget, and on time.

The first place you should look for a subcontractor is by asking others in the industry you know and trust who can refer good subcontractors. That can include suppliers. Many suppliers have long lasting relationships with subcontractors, can vouch for their professionalism, and attest to their knowledge about their craft.

Contact other businesses and institutions and ask them who they trust. A large established company that has used the same electrician, for instance, for a decade or more, shows trust. On the flip-side, a company that has used a subcontractor for less than a couple years, may vouch for that subcontractor, but may not realize yet the shortcomings of that contractor yet.

There are plenty of online resources to find reliable services. Simply search that contractor's company name on a search engine like Google to see what the search result reveals. Search for customer reviews but be aware, almost every established company is likely going to have at least few poor reviews.

First look to see if the complaints are reasonable. If the same complaint keeps popping up, that could be a red flag. Also, look to see if the contractor took the time to respond to poor reviews in an effort to resolve the problem.

Ratings are a great way to gauge the reliability of a company. If the subcontractor you are researching has a high star rating, such as 4.4 our of 5 stars with hundreds of ratings, they are likely a dependable subcontractor. If there are only a few rating, about 20 or less, you probably shouldn't use that in your decision making.

One online resource you might want to check out is The Blue Book Building & Construction Network.

When you find a subcontractor you believe would be a good fit, be sure to ask some important questions including how many workers they employ, what other projects they've recently completed, and if they have references you can contact.

Be sure to get documentation including insurance, certifications, and safety records.

When you finally decide to go with a subcontractor, be sure to cultivate the relationship. You don't want to lose a good subcontractor, and you certainly don't want to earn a reputation of someone who is difficult to work for.

If your company, or subcontractor needs parts for heavy construction machines, give ConEquip Parts a call today!