Find subcontracting job offers

SMEs and construction workers face a very competitive market. Subcontracting is a solution to develop their business. But finding projects this way can be complex. This article offers concrete solutions to achieve this. It also provides practical advice to optimize the visibility of your business and to properly draft your contracts.

What is a subcontracting project?

Craftsmen or SMEs, the use of subcontracting is a widespread practice in the field of building and public works, in renovation, rehabilitation or new.

This implies that a contracting company Entrust part or all of the work from a project concluded with the project owner to another company (or a craftsman) designated as the subcontractor. The relationship is therefore tripartite:

• The project owner: sponsor of the work.
• The main business: the ordering party.
• The subcontracting company: the order taker.

Subcontracting comes in two forms:

• Direct, with a single level of subcontracting (first-tier subcontracting).
• Indirect, where the subcontractor in turn engages other subcontractors, provided that the main contract does not prohibit this method (second tier subcontracting).

Role of the ordering company and the subcontractor

So we have two types of companies on the construction site:

The ordering company, market holder

She is the one selected by the project owner (the client) to carry out the works. She has The main responsibility the proper execution of the work, the management of the site, and the respect of the conditions provided for in its estimate.

Its role includes the coordination of all the state bodies necessary to carry out the work, whether internal to the company or subcontracted. She is the main point of contact for the project owner and assume legal and financial responsibility of the project.

The subcontractor

Recruited by the main company, the subcontractor (company or craftsman) may specialize in one or more trades. Its task is to perform works defined in the main contract, under the direction and supervision of the main company.

The subcontractor is responsible for the quality of his work and the management of his team, but does not have a direct contractual relationship with the project owner. He must report the progress and any difficulties to the company that hired him. On the other hand, the latter must often obtain the approval of the project owner or a competent authority before validating the intervention of the subcontractor.

Types of work affected by subcontracting

Outsourcing is useful for main businesses in two main cases:

• For benefit from specific expertise not available internally, such as in electricity or plumbing,
• For increase production capacity during large projects or multiple simultaneous construction sites.

How do I get subcontracts?

To win subcontracting contracts, it is generally necessary for SMEs or artisans to increase their visibility. You also need to know where to look for opportunities.

Make yourself known

There are several strategies. You should choose the one that best fits your environment. For example:

• Create a professional website that clearly presents your services, your past projects and your skills. Ensure intuitive navigation and good referencing.
• Be active on social networks. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram are perfect for sharing your achievements, collecting customer reviews, and publishing relevant content. It strengthens your brand.
• Get involved in networking. Attending trade shows, conferences, and meetings in the building or real estate sector can help you find potential customers, share contacts, and build partnerships.
• Bet on word-of-mouth. Encourage your satisfied customers to recommend you to those around them.

Search for offers

Finding subcontracted projects can be complex. Here are a few ideas:

• Register on internet platforms dedicated to construction. Especially those that connect subcontractors and main companies looking for specific skills.
• Pay attention to tenders, public and private, in your sector. Offer competitive quotes that respond precisely to requests.
• Collaborate with other businesses : partnering with other subcontractors or groups of artisans can give you access to large-scale projects.

Subcontracting construction site: advantages and limitations

Carrying out work as a subcontractor (SME or craftsman) has advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits

• Access to new markets: subcontracting opens the doors to various projects. This allows construction companies to diversify their portfolio.
• Focus on expertise: possibility to focus on specific tasks where the subcontractor excels.
• Expansion of the professional network: collaborating with new businesses can open new doors and expand the business network. This is particularly important in the construction sector.

Limits

• Dependency: Dependence on the main business can be a problem, especially in terms of contract negotiations and payment schedules.
• Lack of coordination: there may be communication problems between the main company and the subcontractor at the sites. This can impact the deadlines.
• Reduced margins: outsourcing can lead to lower profit margins. Costs are often negotiated downwards by the main business.

Contract the construction site under subcontracting

In construction as in other areas, the establishment of a detailed subcontracting contract clarifies roles and responsibilities.

In France, a subcontracting contract must contain numerous mandatory information :

• Purpose of the contract (details of the mission)
• Price of the service
• Indexing clause or renegotiation clause (in case of changes in financial conditions)
• Payment terms (possibility of direct payment from the subcontractor by the end customer)
• Payment deadlines and/or late penalties
• How to modify the contract
• Delivery (if applicable, delivery location, deadlines)
• Penalty for non-compliance with deadlines
• Control and receipt of services
• Guarantees granted to the subcontractor
• Confidentiality of information
• Intellectual property (if applicable)
• Concealed work clause
• Date of conclusion, effective date of the contract
• Competent court and applicable law (In the event of a dispute).

It is also necessary to add clauses specific to construction, such as performance obligations, terms of construction site delivery, agreements for additional work, reverse charge of VAT and subcontractor insurance obligations.

The precision of the contract facilitates the good conduct of the work On construction sites and the management of possible disputes. It is recommended to use professionals or to write it based on an existing (and valid) model, so as not to forget anything: here is for example The one proposed by the FFB (French Building Federation).

The client must also check the subcontractor's registration and ensure that he is Up to date with the payment of social security contributions (by requesting the appropriate Urssaf certificates). These verifications, which are essential for local and foreign subcontractors, guarantee compliance with legal obligations.

Outsourcing involves meeting some challenges, but it is a real solution for developing your business with individuals and professionals. Paradoxically, the search for such collaborations can also lead you to greater autonomy.

‍