When managing major projects, the number of individual tasks that need to be managed and actioned can seem enormous. Getting the right subcontractors on board can be a challenge; but by taking a few simple considerations on board, major contractors can ensure they assemble the best team for the job.

Choosing subcontractors for major projects will usually involve a number of different factors. Beyond the usual price, there’s a number of other factors contractors should take into consideration when deciding who they want to work with.

A little bit art, a little bit science, there’s a few simple things contractors should look at which will help ensure a smooth transaction with the subcontractors they engage on major projects.

Geographically close

It might seem obvious, but the importance of working with a contractor who is geographically close to the job they are completing cannot be overstated.

As a contractor, you might be considering a range of subcontractors for different works packages on your job. One of the most important considerations you can take into account when weighing up the service offering of different subcontractors is whether the company has a base close to the job site. Importantly, you’ll also want to know who operates that base – it’s important that there are senior managers (ideally directors) who will be on hand to supervise the works the subcontractor will be completing on your project.

The knowledge that someone who has bottom-line accountability for their portion of works will be close at hand throughout the duration of a project gives peace of mind and allows you, as lead contractor, to focus on other important aspects of managing the overall job.

Understanding of ground conditions

When you’re working on major projects, you want to work with subcontractors who have a solid understanding of the prevailing ground conditions. Anyone in the construction game knows that ground conditions can change from suburb to suburb, let alone across state lines. It’s important that when you’re bringing subcontractors on site, they are fully aware of the ground conditions they are working with, and are capable of quickly and efficiently navigating them.

Local regulations and requirements

Understanding and managing the requirements of different councils, utilities and regulatory bodies with a project environment can be a bit of a minefield. That’s why it pays to work with subcontractors who have a solid working knowledge of the rules and regulations in place in a particular area or region. Not only will they be up to date on what they need to do; they can also provide you with invaluable insight into what regulatory requirements need to be met. They can also help you build relationships with relevant bodies – be it councils, utilities, or regulators – to help make sure the job runs as smoothly as possible.

A good working knowledge of the rules and regulations put in place by specific councils and utilities can improve efficiency, and importantly, eliminate the risk of costly mistakes or regulatory oversights.

Who you know matters too

While what your subcontractors know is of critical importance, who they know should also be taken into account. Look for subcontractors with key personnel who are well-respected in their industry, and have good working relationships with the other subcontractors they might be working with.

When your subcontractors who are able to confidently navigate relationships, and quickly and easily deal with any conflicting interests that may arise, the job site is a much more pleasant place for everyone to be.

Getting the Edge

Edge Underground is a precision microtunnelling subcontractor that works with principal contractors throughout Australia on a large range of projects, big or small.

Founder and Managing Director Stuart Harrison is well known for the work he has completed on Victorian jobs, but what a lot of potential clients aren’t aware of is the fact that the company also has bases in New South Wales and Queensland.


With a number of bases and a well-established team, which includes Steve Mitchell – a tunnelling veteran with more that many years’ experience – Edge Underground has the local knowledge and relationships to assist clients located around Australia.