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How to Become a Building Subcontractor in Saudi Arabia?

10 Core Competencies and Tips - SPLYD

Published: March 4, 2023

Are you looking to become a building subcontractor in Saudi Arabia?

The construction industry in Saudi Arabia is booming, and subcontractors play a vital role in ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the highest standard.

Here are 10 core competencies and tips to help you become a successful building subcontractor in Saudi Arabia:

1- Pre-qualification: To be considered for subcontracting work, you need to demonstrate your skills and experience. Pre-qualification involves gathering and evaluating information that identifies and evaluates contractor competencies, resources, management processes, and actual performance.

2- Adopting modern technologies: Technology is rapidly changing the construction industry, and subcontractors need to keep up. Adopting digital archiving solutions, such as cloud-based platforms, can help you store big data, access project details, and simplify bid management. to learn more Digital Transformation: The Road Ahead For Saudi Arabia's Construction Industry

3- Simplify the design process: Good design is essential for winning bids. You can simplify the design process by using automated solutions, such as the automatic creation of schedules.

4- Workforce: You need to provide a highly qualified workforce in appropriate numbers, according to the size of each project.

5- Possession of an adequate bank credit limit: Economic and financial safety is a prerequisite for carrying out tasks, and having an adequate bank credit limit is essential.

6- Task management and worksite skills: You need to inspect the worksite before starting the project, manage the worksite effectively, and provide the project manager with a vision that includes potential problems and suggests cost-saving measures.

7- Hold periodic meetings with the general contractor: Regular meetings with the general contractor are essential for informing them of the work progress, discussing safety and quality standards, and distributing meeting minutes to concerned parties.

8- Document all transactions and communications with the general contractor: Keeping all correspondence on file is crucial for reference in case of future disputes.

9- Ensure completion of tasks: You must complete the assigned works according to the predetermined schedule, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

10- Attend workshops: Attending workshops can support skill building and provide opportunities to share knowledge and practical experiences with other subcontractors.

To conclude a subcontracting contract, transactions between the subcontractor and the general contractor must be translated into a contract. The contract should define the rights and duties of the parties involved in the completion of the project and include terms and conditions of the work.

The Saudi Contractors Authority has launched an initiative to build electronic model contracts for contractors, individuals, and subcontractors. The initiative aims to regulate the contractual relationship between the parties, preserve the rights of the involved parties, and resolve disputes and legal issues.

By mastering these core competencies and following these tips, you can become a successful building subcontractor in Saudi Arabia.

There are several ways to find subcontracting projects:

Build a network of general contractors with good reputations in the field. Communicate with them, introduce your services, and build strong relationships with them. Continuously explore whether they have any construction projects available for bidding.

Build a website or blog to effectively market your services and reach more customers. Ensure that it is frequently updated and appears in the first results of search engines. Use social media to showcase completed work to potential customers.

Browse the websites of contracting companies to view their current and future projects, as well as the tenders they offer for subcontractors.

Search for clients through internet advertisements and track tenders offered by both public and private sectors. Subcontracting tenders can also be found on the Merkaz website.

Writing articles for specialized sites is an effective marketing method. Some websites allow the publication of articles accompanied by author information, facilitating access to their services.

Attend exhibitions related to the construction industry and distribute business cards. These events are a great way to gain long-term clients.

For those new to the profession without networks, register on construction job platforms and tenders. These platforms are a haven for contractors looking for subcontractors at the last minute.

Here are some types of subcontractors who specialize in different aspects of construction:

Excavating contractors who use heavy equipment to remove obstacles, level the ground, and do necessary excavation work on site.

Demolition contractors who take on the task of demolishing old buildings to make way for new construction.

Masonry and brick contractors who are experts in building materials and operations. They focus on building design, construction, and repair, and specialize in working with stones, bricks, and concrete.

Carpentry and framing contractors who work with wood and are responsible for installing doors, frames, panels, hard surfaces, and floors of all kinds, including vinyl floors, among others.

Concrete contractors who pour foundations and cement structures. They handle concrete work for building sidewalks, parking lots, squares, asphalting driveways, and reinforced concrete works.

Electricians who handle electrical installations, lighting, and maintenance. They also work with alarms of all kinds, including theft and fire alarms, electronic control systems, cable connections, road lighting within the project's scope, electrical signs, and installation of generators and power transformers.

Plumbing contractors who are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and management of sewage systems and water pipes, tanks and water filtration filters, building connections, and installation and maintenance of water pumps.

Gardening contractors (also known as landscape contractors) who handle the planting and periodic care of gardens and green paths. They also repair damages caused by the passage of heavy equipment on green surfaces.

HVAC technicians who install and maintain climate control systems. Plastering contractors who are responsible for an essential step in finishing before painting and after plumbing extensions. This involves applying plastic mortar to the rough surfaces of ceilings and walls to obtain a smooth and flat surface. It is also applied to the exterior cladding of the building.

Tiling contractors who undertake the task of installing floors for entrances, hallways, and bathroom areas. Painting contractors who are responsible for painting the walls, ceilings, and external structure of the building. They also install wallpaper.

Contractors who install solar energy systems, elevators, swimming pools, and decorations.

If you are looking for subcontracting projects or job opportunities, you can log in to Muqawil, a national platform for projects.