{"id":7583,"date":"2023-08-16T11:41:30","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T16:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/?p=7583"},"modified":"2026-06-12T15:52:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T20:52:02","slug":"getting-the-most-from-contractors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/training\/getting-the-most-from-contractors","title":{"rendered":"Contractor Management: A Key to Successful Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Construction projects must be well orchestrated. There are many contractors working on various aspects of the overall project. Contractor management is a process to manage the contractors and make sure they\u2019re doing what they need to do, when they need to do it and meeting quality standards.<\/p>\n

What Is a Contractor?<\/h2>\n

In the most general sense of the word, a contractor is someone who has signed a contract that legally binds them to specific work, including labor and materials. A contractor is generally independent working as a freelancer in a sense for the property owner or general contractor.<\/p>\n

Being able to manage outside contractors is facilitated by the use of project management software. ProjectManager<\/a> is award-winning project management software that connects contractors with general contractors, property owners, architects, engineers and subcontractors all in real time. Our software has multiple project views so everyone can work on the tools that are most appropriate. They can then share files, comment at the task level and more, creating a virtual workplace that connects the office, the job site and anywhere else work is being done. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.<\/p>\n

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ProjectManager connects your office to the job site in real time. Learn more<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Is Contractor Management?<\/h2>\n

Contractor management is a process used in projects where some or many of the workers are employed by contract as opposed to those who are salaried employees of a company. The goal of contractor management is to plan, manage and track the work of contractors to ensure that they\u2019re meeting milestones in the schedule and keeping to the project budget<\/a> while maintaining safe working conditions and delivering quality work.<\/p>\n

Contractor Management Process<\/h2>\n

To fulfill the goals of contractor management, there are certain steps that must be followed. Here’s a list of the process for contractor management.<\/p>\n

1. Use a Work Breakdown Structure to Identify Your Project Tasks<\/h3>\n

A work breakdown structure<\/a> is a hierarchical tree chart in which the final deliverable is on top and all the deliverables that lead up to that branch are down below it. Once you’ve identified all the deliverables in your project, you can break those down into tasks.<\/p>\n

2. Determine What Tasks Can\u2019t Be Completed By Your Team<\/h3>\n

Each task will have a start date and an end date, which is its duration. This is the beginning of a schedule for the project<\/a> work. Then you\u2019ll want to figure out which tasks can be done by which team member and assign those tasks to them.<\/p>\n

3. Create a Statement of Work<\/h3>\n

Next, create a statement of work (SOW)<\/a>, which is a legally binding document that defines all the work that must be done in the project. This includes activities, deliverables and a timetable. It\u2019s a very detailed document that’ll set the course for the whole project to come.<\/p>\n

4. Choose the Right Type of Service Contract for Your Project<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s time to contract with your contractors. There are multiple types of contracts, which are listed below, so you can determine which is the right one for your job.<\/p>\n