5 Subcontractor Management Tips That Will Save You Headaches

In custom home building, your subcontractors are your workforce. Unlike production builders with in-house crews, custom builders rely on a network of specialized trades. Managing those relationships well is the difference between smooth builds and constant fires.

1. Keep a Centralized Sub Directory

Stop storing sub contacts in your phone, a spreadsheet, and your email. One place. Every sub should have: name, company, trade, phone, email, and preferred contact method. When you need a framing crew for a new project, you shouldn't have to dig through old texts.

2. Track COIs Proactively

Don't wait until a sub shows up on-site to realize their insurance expired. Set up 30-day expiration alerts and make it easy for subs to upload updated COIs. Foundation lets subs upload COIs without even logging in — they get a direct link.

3. Use Your Sub List for Bid Packages

When you create a bid package, you should be able to select from your existing subs filtered by trade. No more typing emails from memory. Foundation's address book integration lets you check boxes next to the subs you want and send with one tap.

4. Save Every New Contact Automatically

When a new sub emails you a bid, their info should be saved for next time. Foundation auto-saves any manually entered bidder email to your address book with their trade, so they show up in your checklist for future projects.

5. Rate and Note Your Subs

After each project, note which subs performed well and which didn't. Foundation's sub detail view lets you add notes and track their work history across projects. Over time, you build a curated list of your A-team.