contract work tips?

[Neil T]

I've got some subby work coming up and was after some tips for dealing with contractor and pit falls to look out for. Any help?

 

[Wet dream]

Make sure before you start you agree your pay and payment terms in writing or email and don't let payment terms slip.

 

[jonnyswamp]

As wet dream said, also make sure you've got the relevant insurance cover

 

[Ermintrude]

Get things signed off as complete ASAP!

Breakages and theft your probs till signed off.

 

[Rickster123]

My advice would be no matter how busy you get with the contracting don't ignore your own work completely. And don't forget any regular customer base you already have.

 

[sheff paul]

My advice would be no matter how busy you get with the contracting don't ignore your own work completely. And don't forget any regular customer base you already have.

Spot on advice always being a subbie never built up much of a customer base,hence still grafting my balls off in my mid 40's.Seen some pretty shocking plumbers earning a better living than me.If I could turn back the clock 20 years I would heed this advice

 

[Neil T]

Thanks for the info lads. I have 2 or 3 jobs lined up with him but also some domestic jobs coming up too so just need to fit them in around each other. I spoke to an accountant when I set up and he got me my cis reg and I think with my insurance I can only do 20% commercial but will check it about subbing. Do I take into account the 20% deduction from contractor in my prices or is that just an unfortunate loss as it were?

 

[Sag]

20 cis deductions will go towards your tax bill at the end of the year (just class it as a bit of your end of year tax bill being pre paid in a way)

 

[Neil T]

Thanks again

 

[hammers4spanner]

Get things signed off as complete ASAP!

Breakages and theft your probs till signed off.

alot of firms i have contracted to it was a case of get it fixed to wall asap then its off your hands

 

[Sag]

Just make sure you're getting cis statements if they are making deductions. Have heard of a few companies not paying the contractor or HMRC and then going bust. Not sure what happens to tax liabilities in this case, but best to have a paper trail.

 

[Chris F]

As above and make sure your paperwork is tight,some places will also keep a percentage as a retainer for 12 months so find out about this aswell.

 

[MOSSEP]

As someone who uses subbies a lot here are some tips - communicate well, be honest if you think the time schedule or cost given to you is not enough, don't agree to do any jobs that you are not really capable of. Nothing beats a bit of honesty, and when it comes to payment, a good rapport with the contractor should see you are paid promptly.

 

[oz-plumber]

I would be cautious ( or tentative ) in dealing with a builder that has 2 or 3 jobs for you all at once.

I wouldn't say no to the work on the face of it but i would certainly ensure that payment schedules are kept to as agreed.
It works both ways - you have to hold up your end of the bargain as well as the builder.
There's a lot of your money tied up in 2 or 3 jobs, and if he wants to use you as a bank, you will be the one out of pocket.

Been there and done that - and lost a small fortune putting too many eggs in one basket.
Just make sure the money you are owed will be paid on time.

 

[Chalked]

As this is a new builder to you. I would find out who used to do his plumbing, and find out why he isn't doing it now.

he maybe too busy, or has fallen out, or has not been paid!