Questions Trade Contractors Should be Prepared To Answer
As a Trade Contractor & Subcontractor, we know how vital our role is to the construction industry. Through specialized knowledge, cost efficiency, and increased productivity, subcontracting can offer numerous advantages to any General Contractor. However, having the right team can make all the difference between a smooth project and countless complications. Here are three questions that every trade and subcontractor should be able to provide thorough and honest answers to.
Can you provide a list of references?
A great way to learn about Subcontractors is from those who have worked with them in the past. Especially in small towns, referrals are a valuable resource. GCs often ask for a list of construction companies they have worked for. Then they call those businesses, listen to their experiences, read testimonials, and look through project galleries. Strong working relationships and returning clients are a true sign of a company’s trustworthiness and credibility.
“I have known Matt for his whole life and he has always been a caring and hard worker. I have done two projects with Matt Shaw Concrete and both turned out great. Matt and his team are very helpful and I am always pleased with the end product.”
- Doug Murray
What is Your Expected Timeline, and How Do You Stay On Schedule?
An entire project can be drastically delayed from one Subcontractor working beyond their promised timeline. In order for a GC to stick to their expected schedule and satisfy their clients, it is vital that each Subcontractor thoroughly understands the project and has a realistic timeline planned out. A reliable Subcontractor should be able to provide a detailed schedule of their work, and then accurately stick to their timeframe.
Our President, Matt Shaw, and our Estimator/Superintendent, Bob Martinez are personally involved in scheduling and overseeing our work. This process not only results in the highest quality craftsmanship, but it also means we keep our deadlines on every project. Additionally, we work strategically to ensure that each stage of the project properly fits together in a timely manner.
“The last few jobs we have finished together were extremely complicated with aggressive schedules. Matt Shaw Concrete has dedicated enough qualified manpower to get the work done accurately and in a timely manner. In the rare occasion that we have had cracking or some strange anomaly, Matt Shaw Concrete has always quickly repaired the issue with great results.”
- Rich Coffin, RHC Construction
Do you anticipate any challenges with this project?
Each project will present a unique set of challenges. A trustworthy Subcontractor will be up-front about these issues from the start. By explaining any challenges they foresee, a GC can rest assured that their Subcontractor will be transparent about possible adjustments to the cost or timeline.
At Matt Shaw Concrete Inc, we take pride in being communicative professionals who are transparent about all aspects of our work. With this commitment top of mind, we make sure that the GCs we work with are informed about any foreseeable challenges.
With reputable answers to the above questions, we’ve been able to work alongside premier construction companies in Santa Barbara County. Building strong relationships with fellow contractors and architects is one of our proudest achievements, and we look forward to more projects in the future!