Posted by u/growing_remodeler
Self-perform or sub out framing?
Answered by Ask a Shop Owner ·
Currently self-perform framing. Debating subbing it to run more jobs. What is smart?
u/askashopowner Owner-business owner advisor
Top answer
Sub what other people can do faster or cheaper than you. Keep in-house what protects your reputation and your margin. For most remodelers that is finish carpentry, project management, and client communication. Framing is a great sub.
The math: your framing crew probably runs at 15% net. A good framing sub charges 20% to 25% but frees your PM to run one more job. If the extra job carries 30%+ net on $80k, that is $24k of new profit vs $8k of preserved profit.
Vet subs like employees. Insurance certificate on file, W-9, signed sub agreement, backup sub for every trade. One flaky sub costs you a whole job.
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