👷♂️ Why Employees Are Better Than Subcontractors in Construction
When it comes to building or remodeling a home, who does the work matters just as much as how it’s done. One of the biggest choices a construction company faces is whether to staff projects with in-house employees or rely on subcontractors.
While subcontractors are common in the construction world, we firmly believe that employees offer more value, consistency, and accountability — and here’s why.
1. Better Training & Consistency
Employees are trained to meet your company’s specific standards. From safety protocols to quality control and customer service, employees know what’s expected — and they perform consistently.
Subcontractors, on the other hand, may work with multiple companies, each with different standards. That variation can lead to inconsistent results and communication issues.
With employees, you’re not just hiring a worker — you’re investing in a trained, consistent team.
2. More Accountability
Employees answer to Folkers management directly. If there’s a mistake, they own it — and so does the company. That chain of accountability builds trust with clients and helps resolve issues quickly.
Subcontractors, however, may shift blame or walk away when things go wrong. Worse, clients can be caught in the middle of disputes between contractors and subs.
3. Improved Communication
Employees tend to be more integrated into project workflows and more responsive to daily changes. They communicate with supervisors, other trades, and clients in real time — without the “telephone game” that can happen with third-party crews.
4. Stronger Company Culture
Construction isn’t just about materials and blueprints — it’s about people. Employees contribute to a positive, professional work culture. They feel a sense of ownership and pride in the projects they build, which leads to better workmanship and morale on the job site.
You can’t build a great company culture with revolving-door subcontractors.
5. Fewer Delays & No-Shows
Subcontractors often juggle multiple jobs at once. That can lead to delays, missed deadlines, or them pulling off your project halfway through because another job is paying more.
Employees, on the other hand, are dedicated to your schedule and your priorities. That control helps keep timelines realistic and projects on track.
6. Compliance & Insurance
With employees, the company handles all insurance, workers’ comp, licensing, and tax responsibilities. Subcontractors are supposed to handle their own — but not all do, and that can create legal or financial risks for both the contractor and the client.
Final Thoughts
Subcontractors have their place — especially for highly specialized trades — but when it comes to quality, consistency, and client satisfaction, nothing beats a strong in-house team. That’s why we invest in our employees: because we’re not just building homes — we’re building trust.
Need a contractor who takes pride in their people and their work? Let’s talk — our team is ready to bring your vision to life, the right way.
