How do YOU sub out?

[Cash only]

Hey all! This is a great forum. Lots of info here.
When you sub out a job, does your customer think its you and your company that is doing the work? Does the sub bid the job and also pickup the check? Wonderin how its done. I may have to sub out portions of a moderate size job. i normally do all concrete tho i have a general contractor license. never had to sub out, but since im starting to take on bigger jobs i wanna know what im doing. thanks in advance!

[montytx]

If you sub out, you are held accountable and you are paid. That is why they are called subs. You are playing the GC role. You usally get a bid from them and makr it up what ever you can.

The draw back is if there quality isn't up to par you are also held accountable. So careful with who you get.

[Cole]

Great post, Joel.

[Cash only]

Thanks for the reply Monty.
But what do you mean by:
You usually get a bid from them and makr it up what ever you can.

If I get a bid from them before the project starts I will have included it in the contract with the customer. Why would I have to make up whatever I can? Im sorry I dont think Im understanding correctly. :shock: I really appreciate any advice. this is uncharted territory for me. :D

[Cole]

Do you plan on making any money off of the job?

Marking up is when you add your overhead and profit to his bid and both of your bids become one for the homeowner.

[Cash only]

ok, got it. there was a type o. It says "makr" i thought he meant make it up. He meant "mark" as in mark it up whatever i can. :D :D :D

[Cash only]

My impression has been customers dont like when others show up on their job. They wonder who the heck you are and why didnt their GC tell them there were going to be others in on the job. Just an observation from past employers i have worked for.

[Cole]

Just make sure you are there when they get there and check in from time to time.

[Cash only]

Yes that is what I will do. A buddy of mine is a GC he has subs(friends) wear his company shirts when they go and bid a job. I suppose that keeps the customer thinking they are part of his crew. But i wonder how he would do it if he did not actually know the sub. Im thinking you cant just tell them to wear your shirt. Any tips?

[Cole]

offer a hat to them.

[montytx]

Get good enough at the business and you dont have to bring in other people to bid the job. YOu can bid it and know what your subs are going to charge. Your customer should know right up front that you have a crew and depending on the task they will change out. Surely they don't expect just you to be there. That would be a waste of their time and money. It would take you alone a lot more time to do the job then a crew.

[Cash only]

Your customer should know right up front that you have a crew and depending on the task they will change out.

Love the wording! Doesnt lead onto subs.