Sub Culture

Signs of a Sub Culture Keep an eye on these indicators of a changing relationship between builders and trade contractors … and you.

Sub or specialty contractors paying more attention to takeoffs instead of asking for better pricing on an alternative specification.

Trades making larger purchases rather than supplemental orders.

Plans and specifications with more detail and brand names.

Builder consolidation or a national builder entering the market.

Requests for installed sales among more product categories.

Trade contractor certification programs.

Requests from builders and remodelers for trade contractor referrals.

Trade contractors referring to themselves as “turnkey.”

Specialty contractors are doing more of the work, but their influence over product selection and purchasing depends on the trade and the market.