What GCs Actually Want From Subs
General contractors are not necessarily looking for the cheapest sub. They're looking for the most reliable one. A GC who submits a losing bid because a sub came in late or missed scope is not calling that sub again.
Respond Within 24 Hours
This single change will separate you from most of your competition. GCs receive bids from multiple subs and mentally rank them. The sub who responds first — with a complete scope — is already in the lead.
Define Your Scope Precisely
Vague scopes create problems. A good sub scope includes:
Price Competitively, Not Cheaply
The GC needs to know you're priced to make money — because a sub who underbids and runs out of budget mid-job is a project disaster. A well-structured, well-priced scope with clear scope notes signals professionalism.
Include Your Credentials
Your sub bid should include your license number, insurance expiration date, and two or three relevant project references. GCs vet subs quickly — make it easy to verify you're qualified.
Use AI to Win More Bids
VegaEstimating.ai's Subcontractor Pro tier generates complete trade-specific scopes in minutes from any uploaded blueprint — so you can respond to more GC requests without adding staff.