F E AT U R E The Top 9 Traits of a Successful Specialty Contractor by Michelle Turner, Procore
Being a specialty contractor on a jobsite is not easy. There are practical skills like learning how to budget or set up a comprehensive schedule. And then there are characteristics you either need to adopt or hone in on. Whether you are looking for a change in career or want to improve in your current position, here are nine important traits of a successful speciality contractor.
2. Know Your Weaknesses.
1. Master Your Trade.
One of the biggest complaints that GCs make about speciality contractors is lack of dependability. Luckily, this one is an easy fix: listen and take notes, be on time, answer your phone, and meet your schedule.
The best specialty contractors are those who know their trade inside and out. They move efficiently, like clockwork, because they know that the sooner they finish up, the sooner they can move onto the next job. Ultimately, that's time and money saved on two projects.
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Honesty is the best policy, understand what is realistic for you and your team and don't agree to anything more. It's important to always read the entirety of the contract before signing on the dotted line and promising something that's outside of your scope.
3. Be Reliable and Available.
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4. Communicate Problems and Provide Solutions. No one wants to hear a lame excuse and apology for why you can't get something done, especially a GC. If there is a problem or something unexpected happens, come to the table prepared with what you'll need and how you're gonna get it done correctly and safely.
5. Find Out What Works and Stick to It. Standardizing and instituting basic procedures like payroll and communicating with the GC across your entire team is extremely important. When you can rely on your communication and
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