Although there has long been debate among remodelers over whether it is more advantageous to build projects using independent trade contractors or in-house employees, statistics show that most contractors find it necessary to use subcontractors in at least some capacity during production. More
In recent years, many remodelers have taken up the subcontractor mantle -- for trades in particular. But many feel just as strongly that having employees is the model to follow. There is, of course, no right or wrong way to run your business -- just considerations of the strengths and challenges of each. More
This month, REMODELING has a feature about the pros and cons of working with subcontractors versus employees. More
Melinda Booth of Booth Construction and Doug Reymore weigh in on their contract preferences. More
Keeping up with subcontractors' insurance records can be a burden for a small remodeling company. More
This year, for the first time, Archadeck of Charlotte in North Carolina mailed questionnaires to every person on the company payroll. Barry Klemons, president of the deck-building franchise, says he sent the questionnaires to get suggestions from employees and subcontractors for making departments and jobsites run better. Those who responded by a set date received something else in the mail: a check for $100. More
What do you do to ensure that subs show up on time and communicate with on-site supervisors? More
Increasing field efficiency means improved margins, but some tactics are better than others. Purchasing inferior materials is shortsighted because you will have to spend warranty dollars down the line. Using less expensive subcontractors may also increase future warranty costs, but worse is the potential loss in customer satisfaction from subs not treating clients as well as your regular subs do. More
More contractors are hiring installers as full-time employees. As a result, "bonus" and "incentive" are taking on new meanings. More
Subcontractors are an integral part of the Mark IV team, and their buy-in is essential to our success. More
