Construction companies usually don’t leave all the work to general contractors. You need to perform many tasks on a construction site if you want the project to be done in time. That’s why general contractors hire subcontractors. There are different types of subcontractors in the construction industry specializing in unique fields and can help you improve your project’s productivity.
As a general contractor, you can expect to hire as many as 20 subcontractors at the end of a construction project, depending on the job’s magnitude. Plumbing, demolition, electrical work, and painting are just some examples of subcontractors in the construction industry. Learn more about how to become a construction manager at https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/how-to-become/construction-manager/
All types of subcontractors work directly with the general contractor and not with the client. In that sense, contractors will be the ones choosing which subcontractors will work on the construction site.
Subcontractors have special skills, and most of them possess a certification that proves their expertise. Here, we will list some of the most common types of subcontractors you can find in the industry.
Here Are The Seven Types Of Subcontractors In Construction
Hiring the right subcontractors for your project is essential if you want to deliver a successful result. But vetting the proper subcontractors goes hand in hand with construction manpower planning to know where every subcontractor belongs. For a complete guide on manpower planning, visit this website.
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HVAC Subcontractors
HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning subcontractors. This is one of the most popular types of subcontractors in the construction industry. HVAC subcontractors take care of installing air conditioning or heating systems on the site.
HVAC subcontractors will work together with electricians to ensure the HVAC devices are installed in the right place and function properly. Sometimes HVAC experts could also be mechanical contractors, but this only happens when your HVAC subcontractor takes care of the plumbing.
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Plumbing
From all the different types of subcontractors in construction, these are the ones that will be involved from beginning to end. For example, plumbing subcontractors will be placing pipes and fixtures in the building or home you are constructing.
As general contractors complete parts of the home, the plumbing subcontractors will place the pipes, and in the end, they will install all the appliances that involve a plumbing system. So when you hire a plumbing subcontractor, you won’t have to worry about putting the water filters, sinks, toilets, and showers, among others.
If you hire a plumbing subcontractor, you need to vet them from the start since they will be with you until the project is done.
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Electric Work
When you subcontract an electrician, they will make sure appliances such as light, generators, water heaters, fire alarms, and telecommunications are up and running by the project’s completion. In addition, electrician subcontractors ensure wires are placed in the right spot to provide electricity to the whole building or all the rooms in a house.
For electric work, there are different types of subcontractors within this category. Because of this, you want to make sure you have a clear idea of the project’s objectives and then hire the subcontractors you need for each specific task.
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Stone Setting And Masonry
Within this big umbrella, we can find several types of subcontractors in the construction industry. Some categories are stonework, drywall, insulation, masonry, and tile setting. Since it involves various jobs, it will be more efficient to divide them and hire a different subcontractor to perform each one.
Tile setting subcontractors could be hired near the end of the project because their job will be putting the right tile patterns in the kitchen, the bathroom, and some special rooms in the house. Drywall and insulation, on the other hand, will be by your side throughout the whole process. Specifically, when constructing buildings, they will need to work on the internal and external sections.
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Carpentry
Carpenters will take care of all the woodwork in the house. This type of subcontractor in construction will start their work towards the end of the project when all the stonework and tile setting is done. However, carpenters can only do their job once the room is completed. That’s why you need to make sure all your subcontractors meet the deadline; otherwise, the project will have delays.
These subcontractors can create custom pieces or install the ones that the client already has. The carpenter’s job is delivering the framing, doors, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets, among others, if the client asks for more. Further, they will ensure that the flooring is installed and look perfect for the project’s final day.
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Roofing And Sheet Metal Subcontractors
There are two options for roofing in a home or a building. First, it could be made of metal or wood. Depending on the type of material your client asks for, you will have to vet a unique subcontractor. Second, it could be a carpenter or a welder, although there are more possibilities.
These types of subcontractors resemble carpenters because they can also produce custom pieces or install roofing. However, when it comes to the construction of industrial spaces, these subcontractors have a high demand.
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Concrete
As with other types of subcontractors, there are several professionals you can find within this category. Concrete subcontractors are also in high demand in the construction industry. Almost every construction company needs concrete subcontractors because they put the foundation of every floor in a building or the house.
Concrete subcontractors will work beside masonry when building the walls. If they don’t work on a team, the project will take more time, and it would be more complicated to get everyone on the same page.
Conclusion
Before hiring subcontractors, you need to know the project’s main objectives and how you will accomplish them. Then, depending on the job, you could employ several subcontractors or just a couple of them. However, it doesn’t matter how many subcontractors you hire if you don’t have a good vetting process.
Remember, in the end, you need to work with specialists and professionals and not someone who would delay the project.
