You know the story…

Your demo is done. The dumpster’s full. You’re ready to frame. But your framer? He ghosted.

So now you’re scrambling — calling anyone with a truck and a toolbelt, checking Facebook groups, praying someone can “squeeze you in.” And before you know it, you’ve either overpaid, hired the wrong person, or delayed your whole project.

This is the cost of waiting too long to build your subcontractor list.

But it’s a mistake we don’t have to make.

In this blog, I want to give you the shortcut: how to build your subcontractor roster before you need it — so your jobs run smoother, your pricing stays competitive, and your stress level drops by half.

Let’s break it down 👇

Why Every Rehabber Needs a Trade Roster

Think of your Subcontractors List like your construction team’s bench.

Just like a great coach knows who their starters and backups are for every position, you need go-to players for every major trade:

• Demo
• Framing
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Roofing
• Flooring
• Painting
• Final punch

When you’ve got 2–3 solid options per trade (what we call your A-Team, B-Team, and C-Team), you never get held hostage by one contractor’s schedule or attitude. You always have someone to call.

And that phone list?

It’s one of your most valuable business assets.

Always Be Building Your Roster

Most investors only look for subs when they’re desperate. That’s how you end up overpaying or hiring someone you regret.

You should always be on the hunt.

Every week. Every project. Every parking lot.

See a clean, branded van outside Lowe’s? Snap a photo.

Hear a friend talk about a good electrician? Write it down.

At TRP, we keep all this in a simple Google Drive folder — it includes our Subcontractors & Vendors Lists, photos of trucks, business cards we’ve picked up, even referrals from past jobs. Nothing fancy, just frictionless.

Because if building houses is your job…

building your team is your responsibility.

Put a process in place with your assistant, PM, or GC to capture this info consistently. Don’t wait until you need someone to start searching.

Where to Find Great Subs (Before You're Desperate)

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Start with these 3 sources:

1. Other Contractors:

   Ask your best subs who they like working with. Great trades know other great trades. Plus, they’ve already worked together — so they’ll gel better on your job.

2. Other Rehabbers:

   Network with local investors, especially the ones doing 10+ deals a year. Just know that some will guard their A-Team. You might get the B-Team on the first try — but it’s still a lead worth calling.

3. Suppliers and Material Reps:

   Underrated gem right here. Folks at your local siding, roofing, or drywall supply houses know everyone. They’ve seen who pays on time, who shows up, and who’s worth recommending.

How to Organize Your Trade Roster

Don’t let your contractor list live in your head.

Instead, build a Subcontractors List (Members, we have one inside TRP you can swipe — check the Contractors Module) and include:

• Contact info
• Trade type
• License and insurance status
• General notes (pricing, availability, etc.)

This way, when a spot opens or a contractor flakes, you’re not starting from scratch — you’re pulling up a list of vetted pros, ready to call.

Final Word: Stay Proactive, Stay Profitable

Look — we get it. You're juggling a million things on every project.

But trust me when I say this:

Your contractor list is your construction security.

Waiting until you’re desperate means you’ll pay more, settle more, and stress more.

Instead, make contractor scouting part of your weekly routine. Talk to your trusted trades. Ask for referrals. Stay curious.

Because when your bench is deep, your business wins more games.