Hiring Subcontractors During a New Home Build

Have you ever contracted a business to perform a project for you? Great job! You have an idea of what it is like to hire a subcontractor.

When building a home, there are many tasks or projects that professionals must complete specific to each trade. While a traditional home build from HiLine Homes takes care of much of this process, our unique Shell and Super Shell programs leave some of it up to you.

Shell Homes & Subcontractors

During a Shell home build, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the process and work with subcontractors to customize the home of your dreams with personally selected finishes. This allows you to build an affordable home while gaining equity. If you work in a trade like electrical, plumbing, or carpentry, or are handy enough to take on some of the tasks yourself, a shell package is a great way to save money and customize your home.

With a Shell home package from HiLine Homes, you may need to find some specialists to help complete your home. Here are some tips to help you hire wisely.

What is a Subcontractor?

A subcontractor has specialized skills in certain areas and does that specific part of the construction work. Subcontractors typically have a greater skill level & attained specific insurance & licensing to perform particular work, making them more efficient and knowledgeable.

Usually, subcontractors are hired by general contractors for their specific expertise and to execute a portion of the overall construction project. It’s a symbiotic professional relationship, where a subcontractor can give specialized knowledge to a contractor who doesn’t possess it or help keep the project on its timetable by alleviating some of the contractor’s workload.

If you’ve never worked with subcontractors before, the key to finding good subcontractors is to do your research. Ask your friends and family who they have used and got quality work from. Pay attention to who might be working in the neighborhood and get their business card.

What to Look for in a Subcontractor

Make Sure They are Licensed and Insured

First and foremost, ensure that the person or company you are hiring is licensed and insured. You are protecting your dream home by hiring a properly registered and insured contractor. Liability insurance protects your project from personal and bodily injury and property damage that could occur during your project. A licensed contractor will take the time to understand your building jurisdiction thoroughly to ensure your home & site meet their requirements. We highly recommend you verify your contractor by using an online license lookup tool, such as the ones provided below:

Washington:
Washington State Contractor License Lookup 


Oregon:

Oregon Construction Contractors Board Website 


California:

California Contractors State License Board Website  


Idaho:

Idaho Contractor State License Lookup 

 

All the listed sites will allow you to search by their personal name, business name, or license number. You will view contact information, confirm their active license, the type of work they are licensed to do, and verify insurance/bond information. You'll also be able to check if they have any license violations or complaints filed against them.

Set Expectations

It is very important to protect yourself by “getting it in writing.” Ultimately this step sets the expectations for both parties, thereby protecting you and your project from time-wasting misunderstandings & is a foundation for a strong working relationship. While you may not need a highly detailed contract document for every job, ensure your documentation includes project expectations, the agreed-upon price, timeframe, the type of labor, materials, and any applicable permits. Getting it in writing sets expectations leading to a successful outcome.

Consider Past Performance

Last but certainly not least, consider past performance. Try to locate good reviews from previous customers of a potential subcontractor. There are many places to find feedback on a subcontractor. Here are a few suggestions: online review websites, friends, family & neighbors, contractors’ board websites, and chambers of commerce can all be good sources of past experiences.

The HiLine Home Experience

HiLine Homes has helped thousands of homeowners obtain a custom home at an affordable price for nearly 30 years, ensuring our clients don’t need to worry about searching for a subcontractor as who you need to build your home is handled as part of our process. Our successful “on your lot” building program assists families in attaining their homeownership goal while building potential for equity in their new home. Our streamlined “on your lot” building program provides resources to guide you every step of the way, no matter if you own your land or are searching for the perfect lot.

HiLine Homes foundation poured for new home build.

Securing financing can be one of the most stressful parts of building a new home, and we are ready to help. Together with our Home Consultants, our Approved Lenders can help you find the best financing solutions to secure the right land for building or starting the process with your existing property.

Don’t know where to start? No worries. Whether you are looking for a traditional home building program or are interested in our Shell or Super Shell Building Program, our building process is designed to support you. Connect with a Home Consultant in your area to develop your home-building journey.

Contact your local HiLine Homes office to speak with a knowledgeable Home Consultant about our home building process. If financing is needed, be sure to ask about our approved lenders, whether you need to purchase land or not.

Ask an expert about building a custom home on your land.

We’ll connect you with a Home Consultant in your region to schedule your consultation.

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