The Schedule Can Cost You Thousands $$

[@timl4862]

Have you tried the carrot instead of the stick with smaller subs? Understand you don't want to scare them away but is there a way to incentivize them to prioritize you.

[@derekpetersen3943]

Like I said they could blame you for delays and attempt to still get the carrots.

[@YIQUANONE]

It's called you pay them more if they are done by a certain date and less if not.

[@Mrsmith971]

If your allowed to tell them you won't pay as much if there are delays, are they allowed to tell you they will charge more if they get done early? I already know your answer. I know there are shady contractors and there is always an issue of them having other more lucrative jobs pulling them away. Unforseen issues arise and your delays or someone else's delays screw their schedules. Plus there's probably 3 other guys like you breathing down their necks thinking their job is the most important.

[@gr8dvd]

As you likely guessed everything can be negotiated. And as you imply, smart to have financial incentive for early completion and penalty if late.

[@derekpetersen3943]

You guess is correct. If you incentivize for early completion, they could argue about who is causing the delay, you or them. Small contractors won't bid your job with liquidated damages clause language in the contract. So, the answer is to build in schedule float, assuming it will take longer then expected.