How to Subcontract Work in Construction

If you’ve been on the tools a while, you might be ready to take on a new challenge and go out on your own. But if you’re not quite ready to start a construction business, construction subcontracting offers many of the same benefits, like picking and choosing the work you take on and how much you get paid. 

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So, how do you go about finding subcontracting work in construction?

Construction Subcontracting: How To Get Subcontract Work 

1. Choosing the right employment for you
2. How to subcontract work online
3. Networking to find subcontract construction work
4. Use marketing to find subcontract construction jobs

1: Choosing the right employment for you 

Subcontracting construction work is a great option for many tradespeople, but how do you know if it’s right for you? Our guides can help to decide:

• The difference between subcontractors and contractors 
• Subcontractor versus employee – what’s the difference? 
• The difference between being self-employed and being a contractor 

2: How to subcontract work online 

When they want to take on a subcontractor, many construction business owners will turn to Google to find the right people. Ranking at the top of Google search results will get you the most leads, but how do you do that? 

Set up Google My Business
Thousands of tradespeople rely on Google My Business to get their services in the spotlight – and find subcontractors. Here’s a simple, easy-to-follow guide to set up a Google My Business account. 

Perfect your website
Whether you create your website or use Tradify’s free website builder, make sure it’s up to date with relevant contact information, a sleek design that highlights your experience, and plenty of 5-star reviews to showcase your expertise. 

Register with online directories 
Online directories can help generate more business enquiries, build trust with prospective clients, and get your name into the public eye. 

Find your local online directory:

• Small business directories for trade businesses in the UK.
• Small business directories for trade businesses in Australia.
• Small business directories for trade businesses in NZ.

3: Networking to find subcontract construction work 

Looking for ways to boost your exposure and chance of securing work? We’d suggest starting with the networking grapevine: 

Join a trade association
With regular meetings, trainings and gatherings, trade associations give you access to a large audience of industry experts and the people who will take you on as a subcontractor. Here’s how to find one, wherever in the world you’re based: 

• The best UK trade associations 
• The best Australian trade associations 
• The best trade associations for US contractors
• The best associations for NZ tradies

Get referrals behind you
The construction industry is busy and competitive. It’s why general contractors often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations to find the best talent. Here’s how you can make sure you score as many referrals as possible: 

• Let people know you’re looking to secure new work.
  Have business cards on hand to give out so you don’t miss any opportunity to spread the word about your services. 
  
  
• Show people you can be trusted to complete work on time.
  Go above and beyond to impress with prompt estimating and invoicing with a job management app. General contractors will appreciate the fast turnaround and will likely offer you more work when it’s available. 
  
  
• Stay in touch.
  Positive camaraderie with past employers and colleagues goes a long way in the construction industry and could be what scores you more work in the future. 

4: Use marketing tools to get subcontract work

How you market your construction services could make or break your success as a subcontractor. But how do you nail your marketing to find subcontract work in construction? 

Get attention with videos
When inundated with prospective subcontractors, construction business owners look for tradespeople who stand out. Video, either for an application or to market your services on YouTube, can help you do just that. Here are some things to consider: 

• Keep it short – no more than 90 seconds.
• Introduce yourself and your areas of expertise.
• Make sure the video sound and visuals are clear and easy to see and hear.
  
  

Leverage social media
Many construction workers use social media to promote their services. Make sure your Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook profiles are up-to-date and polished with thoughtful content to ensure you gain attention. 

How to find subcontract work in construction
In a competitive market, construction workers look for ways to stand out and secure quality subcontracting work. A well-thought-out marketing plan, networking and referrals are how to get the subcontracting work, and going above the call of duty and doing an excellent job are what will ensure the work keeps on coming.

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