Your subcontractors will make or break your project. Selecting the right ones requires more than getting the lowest bid — it requires due diligence. This is one of the most important roles you'll play as an owner-builder.
What to Ask Before Hiring
- Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
- Can you provide three references from similar projects?
- What is your current workload and availability?
- How do you handle change orders and additional work?
- What are your standard payment terms?
Red Flags That Should Stop You Cold
- Large upfront payment demands — never pay more than 10% to start
- No written contract — if it's not in writing, it doesn't exist
- Can't provide references — experienced subs have a track record
- Vague timelines — a sign they're overcommitted or disorganized
How to Structure Your Agreements
Every subcontractor agreement should include scope of work, payment schedule tied to milestones, timeline with penalties for delays, warranty terms, and insurance certificates on file. This protects you legally and financially — and it's the kind of structure we walk every iBuild client through alongside the framing inspection milestones in our complete guide to the building process.
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V
Vipin Motwani
Founder, Iron Gate Development