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How to hire a Sub-Contractor:

What is the definition of the term "Sub-Contractor"?
	sub • con • trac • tor Definition: 1: an individual or business firm contracting to perform part or all of another's contract.

When deciding whether to act as an owner-builder you first must understand how to protect yourself. Part of understanding how to act as an owner-builder you must first understand your risks. By following a few basic plans you can help minimize your risk when acting as owner-builder.

Have a complete set of plans outlining your project from start to finish. It is ideal if all of your research regarding products and detail work regarding all phases of labor and installations were referenced in drawings and or detail sheets prior to interviewing subcontractors.

Have a budget for the overall project and then break it down and itemize by product supplied, and labor required to complete each task. Make sure that each subcontractor is licensed. If they are not licensed you will most likely get a better price. You can use unlicensed laborers if you take steps to protect yourself. The first step is to make sure that they have a driver's license, vehicle insurance, and medical. If they are going to have a helper on the job you need the same for him. Without these you are assuming liability for them while they are on your project. If you are going to be on-site the entire time you can oversee all safety applications to keeping a good clean and safe workplace. If you are not going to be on-site it would be advisable to have an agreement signed by anyone on your property that you expect the jobsite to be kept clean and safe from hazards at all times. This agreement should be copied and posted daily with all subcontractors initialing it for your records. Acting as the general contractor can have great rewards monetarily, but can be very taxing policing the project and managing the different trades.