Construction Law

10 Signs of a Bad Subcontractor Part 6 featured image

10 Signs of a Bad Subcontractor Part 6

We have all heard the phrase, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” This certainly applies to construction projects. If a contractor hires the wrong subcontractor, it can negatively affect every aspect of a construction project. In this six-part series, the Lakeland construction attorneys of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants are discussing the telltale signs of the subcontractors you don’t want to work with. In this final section, we will discuss unprofessional character traits commonly associated with bad subcontractors.

If you are interested in catching up on this series, please read sections one, two, three, four, and five. Remember, for any of your construction-related legal needs, a knowledgeable and experienced Lakeland construction lawyer is standing by.       

10. They’re Unprofessional

Being “unprofessional” is a broad term that encompasses many negative character traits related to conduct in the workplace. Here are some common unprofessional characteristics that are associated with bad subcontractors:

  • No Solutions: If your subcontractor isn’t a problem solver and can’t oversee their portion of the work, this eats into your time and work schedule. If a subcontractor makes excuses instead of correcting issues, this makes the problem even worse.
  • Tardy or Absent: If your subcontractor is habitually late or fails to show up when they say they will, this impacts everyone else on the site. A subcontractor who isn’t punctual should not be expected to meet deadlines.   
  • Failure to Communicate: A subcontractor who fails to communicate with the general contractor can lead to a variety of problems. Your subcontractor should be able to clearly articulate their progress or any issues on a project. They should also be willing to answer any questions related to the project.  
  • Out of Touch: Communication is key on every project. When you need to speak with your subcontractor, contacting him or her should be effortless. If a subcontractor is dodging calls or vague over the phone, they either don’t value your time or are hiding something.
  • Attitude Problems: You often have to work with a subcontractor for weeks, months, or even years at a time. Moody subcontractors, disinterested ones, or subcontractors that aren’t friendly or respectful are all examples of unprofessional ones that should be avoided.
  • Poor Managers: As the sum of your work often reflects on the subcontractors you hire, the same can be said for the subcontractors that your subcontractor hires. If your subcontractor poorly manages their own subcontractors, this can also impact your project. At the end of the day, you want good leaders underneath you to supervise their portion of the work.        

If you would like to speak with a Lakeland construction attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.