In addition to drywall, some walls are made of plaster. Plastering a wall is a totally different process than drywalling — so there are plastering subcontractors who specialize specifically in plaster. The flooring sub will usually cover the floor with protective paper to allow the other subs to continue working without damaging the floor. The finish carpentry sub will install door trim, baseboards, crown molding, and other decorative woodwork throughout the project.
Painting contractors have the job of putting a fresh coat of paint on everything. Masonry subs might handle a few jobs on a build. They might be installing fireplaces, building patios, constructing stone walls, and plenty of other brick and stone-related jobs. The landscaping sub will handle most of the work around the project.
These subs repair the ground damage caused by heavy equipment, as well as install gardens, water features, walkways, and other accents to bring a site to its finished state and add curb appeal.
The following are some avenues you can go to find a contractor or sub, and what you can do to vet them before hiring. GCs and project owners looking to connect with prospective contractors should check some of the many construction-centric websites. You can get your name in front of these possible business associates by posting a Request for Proposal on the local section, job board, or whatever option the particular website has.
Social media remains one of the most effective ways to find and connect with anyone, and that includes contractors and subs. Every business has a social media presence, including contractors and subs. Just be sure you trust those contacts, and do your research before hiring anyone. Suppliers can also be a bottomless well of information. They know every contractor, the materials they buy, and the jobs they work on. They typically have their finger on the pulse of every project in the area. See suppliers : Suppliers and Equipment Lessors Payment help is here.
Additionally, suppliers know who not to hire. There are some basic questions you need to ask every prospective contractor before you hire them to work for you or on your project.
These are a good start:. If they have experience with these projects, ask for references and a portfolio. They should be used to providing insurance and license information , so they should have it readily available if they carry it. For safety records, no news is good news, but you should ask. One of the most important steps you can take toward vetting your contractors is to consult their contractor profile.
This data is then compared to thousands of other contractors and results in a Payment Score. That score is extremely helpful in comparing different types of contractors against one another as it provides a simple benchmark for reference.
For additional guidelines on how these contractor profiles work, click here. Choosing the right type of contractor comes down to more than just a trade or specialty. The right types of construction contractors will also be qualified, insured, and licensed. They also need to be fiscally responsible, which is one of the most important aspects of making a job go smoothly.
One of the most difficult things for a project owner or GC to deal with is a mechanics lien filed on their project. One way to avoid this is to require preliminary notices from every contractor on your project. Should a worker be injured while on your property and they are uninsured and unlicensed, you will take the hit financially. The majority of unlicensed workers also perform work at a lower level of quality which can lead to serious damage and expenses. In the end, it is not worth saving a few dollars by opting for an unlicensed roofer, because you risk paying so much more if anything goes wrong.
When you carefully plan your project in advance, it is easier to identify and hire the appropriate contractor. You need to clearly define what you need done before deciding who is the best for the job. You typically get to choose between a general and specialty contractor and understanding the difference is important to your decision. General contractors oversee projects and coordinate specific licensed subcontractors for any particular job. Specialty contractors, on the other hand, are hired to perform a single job.
When you need a roofing project completed, you will hire a specialty roofing contractor to ensure you get someone that knows the industry best. General contractors can also contract for specialty work, but they must hold a valid license for that specific type of work.
The only exception to this is when the project has more than two types of work involved. In this case, a general contractor will oversee the combined efforts of the project. The general contractor can hire subcontractors that have specialties based on the work that is needed. On your own Renting your first apartment Buying your first home Your first job Learning how to budget.
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Enter your 5 or 9 digit ZIP Code. Get a quick bundled quote » Continue a saved quote » Find an agent ». What is a general contractor? The general contractor does the following: Estimates the costs of materials and labor Hires and manages subcontractors Coordinates the subcontractors' work Ensures schedules are met Oversees the entire construction process Although the contractor oversees the overall project from start to finish, the subcontractors are the professionals who will do the majority of work of building the home.
What is a subcontractor? Subcontractors are most commonly used to install or build the following: Security System Installation: Security specialists know not only where best to install cameras, but are aware of the latest security systems and how to link them in a connected home.
Carpeting: Professional carpet installers have the skills and equipment to install seamless, ripple-free carpeting and to border carpeting to tile, wood and other surfaces. HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists not only install these systems but can also match components and advise on duct placement and design — like the location of walls and soffits — to ensure the home is properly, vented, heated and cooled.
Electrical wiring: Periodic electrical code updates may change the types of breakers and outlets a home can have and determine their numbers or placements in specific rooms. Licensed electricians are aware of these code updates and are also equipped to handle this typically hazardous type of work. Plumbing: A plumber installs all the piping in the home, whether it's for water, sewage or drainage.
Plumbers also have knowledge regarding newer types of plumbing products that can increase utility efficiency in your new home. Technology: If you're interested in building a smart home, this type of contractor can install connected devices and communications systems that are compatible with one another. Foundation: The type of foundation you need varies not only by housing design but by type of soil, depth of the water table and the quality of backfill. These subcontractors know about the appropriate methods and materials to create a strong support structure for your home, whether it involves a basement, slab or posts.
Drywall: Drywall installation and spackling is a type of finish work that involves installing the walls in your home. It takes a specialist to ensure that seams and dimples from drywall screws are invisible.
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