How do you foster long-term relationships with reliable subcontractors?

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and it's especially important when working with subcontractors. You need to communicate your expectations, scope, schedule, and budget clearly and frequently. You also need to listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions. Use multiple channels of communication, such as phone calls, emails, texts, and meetings, to keep everyone on the same page. And don't forget to acknowledge their achievements and thank them for their efforts.

3 Provide feedback and support

Another way to foster long-term relationships with subcontractors is to provide feedback and support. Feedback helps them improve their performance and quality, while support helps them overcome challenges and difficulties. You need to provide constructive and timely feedback, both positive and negative, to your subcontractors. You also need to offer support, such as providing resources, solving problems, and facilitating coordination, to help them complete their tasks. Providing feedback and support shows that you care about their growth and success.

4 Be flexible and reasonable

No construction project is without changes, delays, or surprises. You need to be flexible and reasonable when dealing with these situations and your subcontractors. You need to understand that sometimes things are beyond their control and that they may need to adjust their plans or requests accordingly. You also need to be reasonable and fair when negotiating changes, resolving disputes, or enforcing penalties. Being flexible and reasonable shows that you trust their judgment and respect their professionalism.

5 Reward and incentivize

One of the best ways to foster long-term relationships with subcontractors is to reward and incentivize them. Rewards and incentives can motivate them to perform better, deliver faster, and exceed expectations. You can reward and incentivize your subcontractors in various ways, such as offering bonuses, referrals, testimonials, or repeat business. You can also recognize their achievements, celebrate their milestones, or invite them to social events. Rewarding and incentivizing shows that you appreciate their work and want to continue working with them.

6 Build rapport and trust

Finally, you need to build rapport and trust with your subcontractors. Rapport and trust are the foundation of any lasting relationship, and they can make or break your collaboration. You need to build rapport and trust with your subcontractors by being honest, transparent, respectful, and friendly. You also need to show interest in their goals, needs, and preferences, and treat them as partners, not vendors. Building rapport and trust shows that you value them as people and as professionals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?