How do you communicate job details with your subs?

Question

My husband and I have done one flip and two spec houses since moving to FL. I've noticed throughout all three builds that there isn't really a streamline or consistent method of communication between the contractor and subs. Some job details are sent via email, but with some of the smaller / less sophisticated trades, they just get a phone call. The process is even trickier with the subs who don't speak fluent English. As we branch transition to doing more flips instead of spec houses, I am trying to determine the best way to communicate with our subs. I'd love to hear how the BP flipping community handles this!

I am not interested in large PM or construction software. The subs won't use it and I think it's a waste of money :-)

I am not interested in large PM or construction software. The subs won't use it and I think it's a waste of money :-)

J Scott · Answer

Exactly what Greg said above...

I also like to post my schedules, SOWs and specifications right in the house so they are available for reference at any time by any of the contractors.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

I like to do this as well, have all documents on site at a "site office" which I set up from day one. Usually a dry erase board with schedules, milestones etc, and a table with all the contractors documents on it. There will always be details that can't be planned for and the best way to figure them out is on the job with the sub and if possible follow up with some form of written directive.

Greg Dickerson · Answer

Hi Meghan,

The best way to do this is by having a consistent standardized set of contracts, scope of work, specifications and selections for the projects.  This way they will know exactly what you want and expect on every project for the things that are consistent. These documents can be emailed of course or uploaded into Google Drive or dropbox for everybody to access.

Scaling your business is all about systems, processes and consistency.

Kuba F. · Answer

IMHO you can never over communicate, using whatever mode of communication is available, though it sounds like more face to face time might be in order in this case.  This is the principal function of a PM so as to have effect on the quality, cost, risk, scope, and time of a project.

I agree with the sentiment of not needing large PM or construction software.  As a certified PM for over a decade, there is nothing better than MS Project for these things, and that's only for you to manage your own projects.  Your subs don't care about fancy software and won't use it.

How do you communicate job details with your subs?

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