5 Subs Tell Us Their Biggest Pet Peeves with General Contractors

Here’s something most general contractors don’t realize: your subcontractors talk about you. A lot.

They compare notes at the supply house, share stories over coffee, and warn each other about contractors to avoid. The best subs have their pick of projects, and they prioritize GCs who make their lives easier, not harder.

We sat down with five experienced subcontractors—an electrician, plumber, tile installer, painter, and cabinet maker—to get the unfiltered truth about what drives them crazy when working with general contractors. Their insights reveal exactly why some GCs struggle to get quality subs while others have trades fighting to work on their projects.

The bottom line: The contractors who understand and address these pet peeves don’t just get better subcontractors—they get better prices, faster completion times, and fewer headaches. Here’s what the trades really think about working with you.

Pet Peeve #1: “I Built It to the Plan You Gave Me!”

Mike, Electrician with 15 years experience:

“The worst thing a GC can do is hand me outdated plans. I’ll spend a whole day running electrical to the original kitchen island location, only to find out the homeowner moved it three feet to the left last week. Now I have to tear out drywall, re-run wire, and patch everything up. The GC acts like it’s my fault, but I built it exactly to the plan he gave me.”

Why This Happens

Version Control Chaos:

• Plans get updated but not distributed
• Different trades working from different revisions
• Changes communicated verbally but not documented
• No system for tracking current plan versions

Communication Breakdown:

• GCs don’t realize plans have changed
• Assumption that “everyone knows” about modifications
• Last-minute changes not properly communicated
• Trades discovering changes after work is complete

The Real Cost

For the Subcontractor:

• Wasted time and materials
• Additional labor to fix “mistakes”
• Frustration and damaged relationships
• Lost profit on the project

For the General Contractor:

• Expensive rework and delays
• Unhappy subcontractors who avoid future projects
• Client frustration with project timeline
• Reputation damage with quality trades

The Solution: Bulletproof Plan Distribution

1. Single Source of Truth Establish one central location for current plans:

• Cloud-based folder with automatic syncing
• Project management platform with version control
• Physical plan station updated daily
• Clear labeling of current vs. outdated plans

2. Version Control Protocol

• Number every plan revision clearly
• Date stamp all updates
• Mark superseded plans as “VOID”
• Require acknowledgment of new plan receipt

3. The Monday Morning Plan Check Start every week with plan verification: “Before we start work today, let’s confirm everyone has Revision 5 dated 9/15/24. If you have anything different, stop work and get the current plans.”

Mike’s Advice: “The best GCs I work with send me a text every time plans change, even if it’s minor. They’ll say ‘New plans uploaded - Revision 6 - outlet moved in master bath.’ Takes them 30 seconds, saves me hours of rework.”

Pet Peeve #2: “Just Be There Sometime Next Week”

Carlos, Plumber with 12 years experience:

“I hate vague scheduling. ‘Can you come sometime next week?’ doesn’t work for me. I’ve got three other jobs running, a family, and equipment to coordinate. Tell me Tuesday at 8 AM, and I’ll be there. Tell me ‘sometime next week,’ and you’ll be waiting for me to fit you in when I have time.”

Why This Happens

Poor Planning:

• GCs don’t think ahead about trade sequencing
• Reactive scheduling based on daily problems
• No buffer time built into schedules
• Assumption that subs are always available

Lack of Respect for Subcontractor Time:

• Treating subs like employees instead of business partners
• Not understanding subs have multiple clients
• Failure to appreciate scheduling complexity
• Last-minute requests without consideration

The Real Cost

For the Subcontractor:

• Inefficient scheduling and lost productivity
• Difficulty planning other projects
• Stress from unclear expectations
• Potential conflicts with other clients

For the General Contractor:

• Delays when subs can’t accommodate vague requests
• Lower priority with quality subcontractors
• Higher costs from rush scheduling
• Project timeline uncertainty

The Solution: Professional Scheduling

1. Advance Planning Schedule subcontractors at least one week ahead:

• Specific dates and times
• Duration estimates for each task
• Dependencies and prerequisites
• Backup dates for weather delays

2. Clear Communication Provide detailed scheduling information: “Carlos, I need you for rough-in plumbing on Tuesday, September 15th, starting at 8 AM. The electrical rough-in will be complete by Monday evening. Plan for 6-8 hours of work. Let me know if this works for your schedule.”

3. Respect Their Business Treat subcontractors as business partners:

• Give as much notice as possible
• Understand they have other commitments
• Pay promptly and fairly
• Communicate changes immediately

Carlos’s Advice: “The GCs I prioritize treat me like a professional. They plan ahead, give me specific times, and respect my schedule. When they need something last-minute, they ask nicely and understand if I can’t accommodate. That’s how you build relationships with good subs.”

Pet Peeve #3: Last-Minute Changes via Text

Jennifer, Tile Installer with 10 years experience:

“I’ll be setting tile and get a text buried in a group chat: ‘Use the subway tile in the shower, not the large format.’ I’m already three hours into installing the large format tiles. Now I have to tear everything out, return materials, and start over. Critical changes shouldn’t be buried in group texts with 20 other messages.”

Why This Happens

Communication Channel Chaos:

• Multiple communication methods (text, email, calls, in-person)
• Important information lost in group chats
• No clear protocol for change notifications
• Assumption that everyone reads every message

Lack of Change Order Process:

• Informal handling of project modifications
• No documentation of approved changes
• Changes communicated casually
• No verification that message was received

The Real Cost

For the Subcontractor:

• Wasted materials and labor
• Frustration from poor communication
• Time spent clarifying unclear instructions
• Potential conflicts over responsibility

For the General Contractor:

• Expensive rework from miscommunication
• Damaged relationships with trades
• Project delays and client frustration
• Disputes over change order costs

The Solution: Clear Change Communication

1. Dedicated Communication Channels Establish clear protocols for different types of communication:

• Urgent changes: Direct phone call + follow-up text
• Standard updates: Project management platform
• Daily coordination: Morning huddle or group text
• Documentation: Email with read receipts

2. Change Order Protocol Formalize all project changes:

• Written change orders for any modifications
• Direct communication to affected trades
• Confirmation of receipt and understanding
• Stop-work orders until changes are clarified

3. The Change Alert System Make critical changes impossible to miss: “CHANGE ALERT - Jennifer, please STOP current tile work. New selection approved: subway tile for shower walls. Please confirm receipt of this message before proceeding. New materials will be delivered tomorrow morning.”

Jennifer’s Advice: “The best GCs call me directly for any changes, then follow up with a text or email. They make sure I understand exactly what’s changing and when. They don’t assume I saw a message in a busy group chat. That’s professional communication.”

Pet Peeve #4: “Not Ready for Us”

David, Painter with 18 years experience:

“Nothing’s worse than showing up ready to work and finding out the previous trade isn’t finished. I’ll arrive to start priming, and the electrician is still installing outlets. Now I’m standing around for two hours waiting, or I have to reschedule and mess up my whole week. Good GCs make sure each phase is actually complete before calling the next trade.”

Why This Happens

Optimistic Scheduling:

• Underestimating time required for each phase
• Not building buffer time into schedules
• Pressure to keep project moving quickly
• Poor communication between trades

Lack of Quality Control:

• Not verifying work completion before next phase
• Assuming work is done when it’s not
• No systematic inspection process
• Reactive management instead of proactive planning

The Real Cost

For the Subcontractor:

• Wasted trips and lost productivity
• Scheduling conflicts with other projects
• Frustration with unprofessional management
• Potential loss of income from delays

For the General Contractor:

• Delays cascade through entire project
• Higher costs from rescheduling fees
• Damaged relationships with quality trades
• Reputation for poor project management

The Solution: Phase Completion Verification

1. Completion Checklists Create detailed checklists for each trade phase:

• All work items completed
• Quality inspection passed
• Cleanup completed
• Next trade can begin immediately

2. The 24-Hour Rule Verify completion 24 hours before next trade arrives:

• Walk through with current trade
• Confirm all work is complete
• Address any outstanding items
• Give all-clear to next trade

3. Buffer Time Planning Build realistic buffers into schedules:

• Add 10-20% buffer time between phases
• Plan for weather delays and complications
• Have backup work available for early completion
• Communicate realistic timelines to all trades

David’s Advice: “The GCs I love working with do a walk-through the day before I’m scheduled. They’ll text me: ‘Electrical is 100% complete, surfaces are ready for primer, you’re good to go tomorrow at 8 AM.’ That’s how you run a professional job site.”

Pet Peeve #5: “We’ll Figure It Out When We Get There”

Lisa, Cabinet Maker with 20 years experience:

“I need exact measurements, electrical locations, and plumbing rough-in positions before I build custom cabinets. When a GC says ‘we’ll figure it out when we get there,’ I know I’m in for problems. I’ll show up with $15,000 worth of custom cabinets that don’t fit because the electrical outlet is two inches off or the plumbing is in the wrong spot.”

Why This Happens

Poor Planning and Coordination:

• Lack of detailed measurements and specifications
• Assumption that everything will work out
• No coordination between different trades
• Reactive problem-solving instead of prevention

Inadequate Documentation:

• Missing or inaccurate as-built drawings
• No verification of rough-in locations
• Assumptions about standard dimensions
• Lack of quality control checkpoints

The Real Cost

For the Subcontractor:

• Expensive custom work that doesn’t fit
• Time spent on-site making modifications
• Potential damage to reputation
• Reduced profit margins from rework

For the General Contractor:

• Expensive cabinet modifications or replacements
• Project delays while issues are resolved
• Client frustration with poor coordination
• Loss of credibility with quality trades

The Solution: Precision Planning and Documentation

1. Detailed Measurements and Specifications Provide exact information for custom work:

• Precise measurements with tolerances
• Electrical and plumbing locations marked
• Photos of actual conditions
• Written specifications for all requirements

2. Verification Process Confirm all rough-in work before ordering custom items:

• Measure and document all rough-in locations
• Compare to plans and specifications
• Address any discrepancies immediately
• Get written confirmation from custom fabricators

3. Coordination Meetings Bring trades together for complex installations:

• Pre-installation meeting with all affected trades
• Review measurements and specifications
• Identify potential conflicts before they happen
• Establish installation sequence and responsibilities

Lisa’s Advice: “The best GCs I work with send me photos of the actual rough-in work with a tape measure in the shot. They’ll say ‘Here’s the electrical outlet location - 18.5 inches from the left wall, 36 inches from the floor.’ That’s the level of detail I need to build cabinets that fit perfectly.”

How to Become the GC That Subs Prioritize

The Professional Advantage

When you address these pet peeves, you become the contractor that quality subcontractors want to work with:

Better Availability:

• Top subs make time in their schedules for you
• Priority scheduling during busy seasons
• Willingness to accommodate rush projects
• Referrals to other quality trades

Better Pricing:

• Competitive bids from quality subcontractors
• Fewer change orders and upcharges
• Efficiency bonuses for smooth projects
• Long-term pricing relationships

Better Quality:

• Subs take pride in working on your projects
• Attention to detail and craftsmanship
• Proactive problem-solving and suggestions
• Warranty support and callbacks

The Subcontractor Relationship System

1. Professional Communication

• Clear, timely, and respectful communication
• Proper channels for different types of information
• Confirmation of receipt and understanding
• Regular updates and coordination

2. Systematic Planning

• Detailed schedules with specific times
• Proper sequencing and coordination
• Buffer time for realistic completion
• Advance notice of changes or delays

3. Quality Control

• Verification of work completion before next phase
• Proper documentation and measurements
• Coordination meetings for complex work
• Professional problem-solving approach

4. Business Partnership Approach

• Respect for subcontractors’ time and expertise
• Fair payment terms and prompt processing
• Recognition of quality work and professionalism
• Long-term relationship building

The ROI of Great Subcontractor Relationships

Project Efficiency:

• 20% faster completion times
• 30% fewer delays and complications
• 50% reduction in rework and callbacks
• 25% improvement in quality scores

Cost Savings:

• 10-15% better pricing from preferred subs
• Reduced change order costs
• Lower project management overhead
• Fewer warranty and callback expenses

Business Growth:

• Referrals to other quality subcontractors
• Ability to take on more projects simultaneously
• Reputation for professional project management
• Premium pricing from reliable execution

Your Subcontractor Relations Implementation Plan

Week 1: Assessment and Planning

• Survey current subcontractors about communication preferences
• Identify common problems and pain points
• Develop communication protocols and standards
• Create scheduling and coordination systems

Week 2: System Implementation

• Implement plan distribution and version control
• Establish clear scheduling procedures
• Create change order communication protocols
• Develop phase completion checklists

Week 3: Training and Rollout

• Train team on new communication standards
• Introduce systems to current subcontractors
• Begin systematic implementation on active projects
• Monitor feedback and adjust processes

Week 4: Optimization and Relationship Building

• Analyze results and subcontractor feedback
• Refine systems based on real-world experience
• Recognize and reward quality subcontractors
• Plan long-term relationship strategies

The Bottom Line

Your subcontractors are your business partners, not your employees. The contractors who understand this build networks of quality trades who prioritize their projects, deliver exceptional work, and refer other professionals.

Remember what matters most to subcontractors:

1. Current plans and clear information
2. Professional scheduling and respect for their time
3. Clear communication about changes
4. Proper preparation and coordination
5. Detailed specifications and measurements

When you address these fundamental needs, you don’t just get better subcontractors—you become the general contractor that quality trades recommend to their friends. That’s how you build a sustainable, profitable construction business.

The choice is yours: Continue frustrating good subcontractors and settling for whoever’s available, or implement systems that make you the GC that quality trades fight to work with.

Which approach will build the business you want?

---

Ready to transform your subcontractor relationships? ClarityBuildPro provides the communication and coordination tools that make you the GC that quality trades prioritize. With centralized plan distribution, professional scheduling systems, and clear change order processes, your subcontractors get the information they need when they need it. Start your free trial and see how professional project management can transform your trade relationships.