It is then important to set up a meeting. This can be done either in person or on the phone where you can discuss the plans and cost in more detail. This is an important meeting because you will be forming an opinion about this business/individual which will have an extreme weighting on your final decision. At this point, you would give them all of the information including blueprints or plans to get a bid from them. At this meeting, this is the time to ask all questions that you may have. Find out if they are licensed with the State and what other qualifications they have. Another good question to ask is the type of liability insurance they carry. Also the date of expiration on their state worker's insurance. If any of the above items are in question, DO NOT hire them because there will be problems in the relationship.

Be as specific as you can when preparing the items in your bids. This will get you a true and equal bid and get you as true to cost as you can get. One quick blip, do not allow the subcontractor to add an "Or equal" clause to your bid. This will allow them to use sub-par items on your job and ultimately you won't be happy.

Deadlines are also a must. Once you have met with them and they have received all the information from you, set a date for when they need to get back to you. A good approach would be to get at least three alternative bids from three different subcontractors for each job. You being the contractor over the job, gives you the ability to compare the quality, prices, and licenses to choose the best fit for you.

As you begin to get your bids back, there will be a possibility of large price caps in bids. This is where the importance of multiple bids comes in. Also, make sure that their bids are as thorough as possible. It needs to include the price, terms, and an in depth article of exactly what they are going to do. If there are any questions call the contractor yourself and ask the question so that you can make a fair conclusion. If any of these come with a request for a signature and a time limit, DO NOT SIGN IT. You are the person in charge and the boss if you will. If there is a contract to be signed, they should be signing yours.

It may be worth your time to consult a real estate attorney and see if there is value in getting any legal documents prepared. If you don't want to spend that money you can always consult the internet to get standard forms for them to sign. Also, make sure that the document clearly states that there will be a penalty for running behind schedule. Remember, time is money. This will keep them working and staying on target.