Most subcontractors get nearly all their work from a few general contractors and builders. That's a good business until one of them slows down, changes subs or retires. The trade companies that stay busy keep adding contractors to their list. Here's where to find them and how to become the sub they call first.
Where contractors find their subs
- Referrals from other trades. The framer tells the builder about a good roofer. Ask the trades you work beside who else they work for.
- Supply houses. Counter staff know which builders are busy and which subs are reliable. Be the company they mention.
- Building permits. Many cities and counties publish permit records. New residential permits show you which builders are active near you right now.
- Builder and remodeler associations. Local home builder associations hold events where contractors meet the trades they hire.
- Bid marketplaces. Sites like Contracting Bridge show you open projects from contractors who need bids, so you can price work from contractors you haven't met yet. See subcontractor jobs by trade.
Get ready before you ask for work
A contractor deciding whether to try a new sub looks for the same few things. Have them ready to send the same day:
- A certificate of insurance from your agent, with your general liability limits and workers' comp. See what insurance subcontractors need.
- Your license number, if your trade or state requires one.
- A W-9, so they can pay you and file a 1099.
- Photos of recent jobs like the ones they do, and two references.
On Contracting Bridge, your insurance and license become badges that show on every bid, so contractors see them before they open your number.
Make your bid easy to say yes to
Contractors compare bids side by side. The one that wins isn't always the cheapest. It's the one that's clearly complete, fits the schedule and doesn't leave questions. Restate the scope, list what's included and excluded, give your earliest start date, and price the likely unknowns. Our guide to writing a subcontractor bid walks through it.
Tip: Answer fast. When a contractor needs a crew in two weeks, the first complete bid often wins. Bid from your phone the day the project is posted.
Lose well
You won't win most bids at first. When you lose one, ask the contractor what would have made yours the pick: price, schedule or something in the scope. Contractors remember the subs who ask, and many give you the next one to price.
Keep the contractor once you have them
- Show up when you said, and call before you're late, not after.
- Keep the site clean and protect the work of the trades before you.
- Price changes before you do them, in writing.
- Send clean invoices with lien waivers if they use them, and keep your certificate current.
Do that and the contractor stops sending the job out for bids. They just call you.