Scheduling & Coordinating Subs

A project is a relay race of trades — your job is to sequence and coordinate them.

Keep it flowing

• Sequence trades correctly (you can't paint before drywall, or close walls before rough-in is inspected).
• Give subs enough notice and keep them updated on schedule changes.
• Make sure the site and prior work are ready before a sub mobilizes — wasted trips sour relationships.
• Communicate constantly and resolve conflicts between trades quickly.

Good coordination prevents the delays and rework that eat profit.

Going Deeper (Intermediate)

The GC orchestrates the trades so they don't collide: sequence the work, communicate the schedule and lead times, and manage site logistics (access, staging, storage). When subs step on each other, everyone loses time and money.

Advanced / Pro-Level

Coordinating like a pro:

• 3-week lookaheads and trade-coordination meetings keep subs staged and informed; pull planning / Last Planner has the trades plan the sequence together.
• Manage the interfaces — who does exactly what at the boundary between trades (a top source of disputes and gaps).
• MEP coordination / clash detection above ceilings prevents the ducts-vs-pipe-vs-conduit collisions.
• Notify subs ahead of time so they can man the job, and document when a sub's no-show or slow work delays others (you may need to backcharge or hold them accountable).
• Good coordination is invisible; bad coordination shows up as idle crews and rework.

Practice Challenge

Drywall shows up to hang walls before the electrical and plumbing rough-ins are inspected. What did the GC get wrong? (Answer: a sequencing/coordination failure — rough-ins and their inspections must finish before walls close; the GC should have set the sequence and confirmed readiness via the lookahead, or the walls get reopened and everyone's time is wasted.)

In Practice

The painter shows up before the drywall's done — wasted trip, soured relationship. Sequencing trades and confirming prior work is ready keeps everyone moving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Poor sequencing of trades
• Not giving subs enough notice
• Subs arriving before the work is ready

Takeaway: Sequence trades correctly, give notice, make sure prior work is ready, and communicate — coordination prevents costly delays.

Educational content — follow tool manufacturer instructions and have subcontracts reviewed by an attorney.