1. Communicate:

Communication is important in any relationship, but in the builder, subcontractor, contractor relationships it is crucial. In fact, communication is probably the most critical thing about building successfully. You will have already had some extensive communication with the subs that will be doing your work. You should have bids, time lines, contact info, and other things from each sub. However, that is not where the communication ends, and just a spoken bid, time line, etc. is not enough. When it comes to construction, the best form of communication is writing. If it is not in writing it is not binding, so remember that. Also, remember to send thank you notes to subs you interview, have written records of interviews, have signed, and written bids, written confirmation of dates, etc. If it is in writing there is far less room for confusion, misunderstanding, and other communication problems.

2. Get a Schedule Commitment:

You want your schedule to move forward, and it won't if you don't get a commitment from those who make it move forward--your subs. When you choose a sub to do a job, have them give you a written time commitment, with start date, duration, and end date, and have them sign it. You should even attach a financial penalty if they don't meet that commitment.

3. Get the Word Out:

If the subs and contractors working on your house do not know your time schedule, they can't very well stick to it. So, after you gotten written time commitments from each member of your team, refine your schedule and then get it out to each person who will be helping you meet that schedule.

4. Call, call, call:

The best way to get people to stick to the schedule they promised is to call and remind them. You need to call each sub once a month until the month before you need them, to ensure they still plan on being at your site. Then you need to call them once a week to make sure their other jobs are on schedule and they will show up to yours on time, as planned. Then call them every other day the week before to verify needed materials, and to see if any last minute problems have come up. The night before they are to start, call again to make sure they will be to your site in the morning. Give them the address, and the time they are expected. Don't feel like you are going to annoy people, rather, feel like you are going to ensure that you meet your deadline.

5. Set Expectations and Create:

Let the subs know that you want them working for you, and that you value their experience and expertise. Make sure they know you care, and make them care too. If your schedule changes at all you need to make sure you let your subs know in advance so they don't lose out on work because you are behind. They should pay you the same courtesy. If you set your expectations of them high, and show them that you know they are worth your money and can meet your expectations, they probably will.

6. Bonus and Incentive:

Just as you should have a financial penalty for being behind schedule, you should have incentives for finishing early. You can offer cash incentives for showing up on time, and for work moving forward and at the quality desired. These cash incentives will save you BIG money in the long run, so don't let a few hundred dollars cash keep you from saving a few thousand dollars interest.