Builders,
On a homebuilding project, how much do you sub out vs doing in house. Do you have employees?
A little background, I ran a homebuilding company 15 years ago and got my teeth kicked in by 2008 crash. Took another job. Back then I was a 1 man show that subbed out most of the tasks. Foundation, framing, trades etc. I did finish carpentry, paint, flooring on some of the projects. But found I was too slow being only one guy. So I started subbing out that work as well.
I plan on returning to the building business when I retire from this job. But I’d like to do more tasks in house. Means hiring employees.
They need hours and pay and are relying on me for their livelihood. Got to be able to keep a good flow of work.
So those of you that transitioned from subbing to hiring employees, I’d like to hear your process of how that went.
Or those that decided to not have any employees, why did you do it and did you find it to be better?
Replies
I feel like the trend I’m seeing is using subs. Why? Less regulations- no workers comp., no unemployment, no payroll and payroll taxes, less OSHA compliance, no dealing with employees. Subs want to work- they have their own companies and overhead to cover. It’s usually all bid jobs so they are hustling not looking to go home early and be on their phones.
The last GC I was a sub for was crushing 500k- 5 million dollar jobs with one job site foreman and all subs. He had multiple plumbers/electricians/hvac guys basically working for him full time. It was amazing to see all the jobs he was getting done with no employees.
I was a one person shop. I subbed out plumbing, roofing,stucco, drywall and HVAC. If I needed an extra pair or hands or two or three I used People Ready temps. They covered the workers comp, taxes etc and I paid a fee to them. Minimum 4 hours. I did this for thirty years. Worked great no regrets. Retired now.