5 Tips for Getting Hired as a Subcontractor in Michigan
If you work in the construction industry, getting hired as a subcontractor is a fantastic way to grow your business. As a subcontractor, you’ll reap the benefits of paying work without having to navigate the project management process.
Securing jobs as a subcontractor in Michigan requires special licensing, relationship management, and proving your value and professionalism over time. Here are five tips for getting hired as a subcontractor in the construction industry.
Commit Yourself to Continuing Education
Learning and skills development doesn’t end when you graduate, whether you’re in a vocational school or university. Continuing education goes a long way, particularly in the construction industry. Innovations and technological developments lead to continuous changes in the construction industry; the tools and skills you use today are not the same as they were 20 years ago.
Depending on the type of projects you want to work for in Michigan, you’ll require up-to-date licensing and knowledge — as will anyone who works with you. Fortunately, there are plenty of continuing education courses you can take online. Sites like https://www.micontractortraining.com offer everything from risk management courses to project management and scheduling.
You can also update your knowledge and licensing with the most recent industry changes and updates, like the 2015 Michigan Residential Code and OSHA regulations. These supplementary skills go a long way when building a reliable construction company and landing subcontracting jobs, and the pre-license training will set you up for success when you’re just starting out.
Build a Network
Networking is everything in the construction industry. The better you become at building a network, the more likely you are to be chosen as a subcontractor for profitable projects. This fact remains the same, whether you have your own contracting team or you’re a single carpenter marketing your skills.
In addition to connecting with local companies and builders in your area, it’s also beneficial to establish a social media presence. Use your social media to share completed projects, customer testimonials and reviews, updates to your skills and certifications, and to share relevant information.
Sometimes, it’s not what you know; it’s who you know when trying to land a subcontracting job.
Manage Your Reputation
When it comes to securing jobs — whether independently or as a subcontractor — your reputation is everything. If you don’t follow through on what you’ve promised or if you produce shoddy work or have a bad attitude, no one will want to work with you. It’s not just about the quality of work you produce, it’s also about how you treat others in the business.
Damage to your reputation can derail your business and ruin your chances of securing a subcontractor job.
Be Insured and Compliant
As a subcontractor, you may not be responsible for the larger project management side of things. However, you will need to ensure that your business is compliant with regulations and that you’re carrying the right type of insurance coverage.
As a subcontractor, you’re also responsible for the health and safety of everyone on your team. Take the time to do your due diligence and ensure everyone gets home safe and sound.
Understand Your Limits and Rights
It’s important to understand your role as a subcontractor, including your rights and responsibilities. You need to understand your scope of work and ensure you don’t go beyond that scope while meeting your requirements. Determine your relationship with the contractor and follow the chain of command when dealing with any issues that arise. Understand that as a subcontractor, you’ll be responsible for the upfront costs, so be financially prepared.
It’s also important to understand what you can handle as a subcontractor. Making a great impression is essential and will ultimately determine whether you get more subcontracting jobs. Don’t over-promise on what you can deliver. Instead, understand what you can handle and try to over-deliver based on your core agreement.
Building a strong brand and reputation will help you land a subcontracting job. After you get the first few subcontracting jobs under your belt and showcase your value as a subcontractor, the rest will follow.