Why I Don’t Hand Off My Subcontractors (And Why That’s a Good Thing for You)

By Craig Smollen, Smollen The Builder Inc.

Every now and then, a homeowner will ask, “Hey Craig, can you just give me your tile guy’s number so I can deal with him directly?”

It’s a fair question. On paper, it sounds like a good way to save a few bucks or cut out the middleman. But here’s the truth, it doesn’t work that way, and if it did, you wouldn’t want it to.

The Power of Relationships

In construction, everything runs on relationships. I’ve spent years building a crew of trusted subcontractors, tile setters, electricians, plumbers, painters, people who show up, do excellent work, and stand behind what they build.

They give me good pricing because they know I keep them busy, pay them on time, and run organized, respectful job sites. They know what I expect, and I know how to set them up for success. That trust and consistency are worth their weight in gold, and it’s why I can deliver great work on schedule and within budget.

When a homeowner hires one of my subs directly, that whole dynamic changes. The pricing changes. The accountability changes. The communication chain changes. And all the quality control systems I’ve built over the years go right out the window.

Here’s What Actually Happens When You “Go Direct”

1. Pricing: My subs give me preferred rates because I provide steady work and handle logistics. Homeowners won’t get those same numbers, it’s just not how the trade works.

2. Coordination: Construction is a symphony of moving parts. When someone starts playing their own tune, the whole schedule can fall apart.

3. Liability: My license, insurance, and warranties only cover subcontractors working under my contract. If a homeowner hires them directly, the homeowner assumes all responsibility.

4. Quality Control: My team works to a standard, tight joints, clean lines, proper waterproofing, full coverage under every tile. If I’m not managing the work, I can’t ensure it meets that bar.

5. Accountability: When you hire me, you get one point of contact….me. That’s how I keep everything flowing. Once separate contracts start popping up, things get muddy fast.

You’re Not Paying for a List — You’re Paying for a Team

My subcontractors aren’t “vendors.” They’re part of a team that’s been built over time, tested on job after job. Together, we’ve learned how to deliver high-end, architect-driven homes without the chaos that gives construction its bad reputation.

So when you hire Smollen The Builder, you’re not just hiring me. You’re hiring an entire network of people who know how to build beautiful, durable, modern homes, together, as one.

In Short

I don’t hand off subcontractors because I value the results more than the shortcuts. And in the long run, so will you.