Specialty trade contractors and subcontractors operate in a challenging business environment. The completion of a quality construction project in a timely manner requires an infinite amount of cooperation among all parties from owners through field employees. But at the same time, the parties’ competing interests all too often entice them to use business practices that often break the bounds of integrity.

This quiz is intended to provide you with a vehicle to evaluate your own business practices in relation to the Professional Standards of Practice for Construction Subcontractors published by the American Subcontractors Association.

1. Before you prepare a bid, do you familiarize yourself with the job requirements in sufficient detail to assure that you have the expertise, finances, human resources and time to complete the work as presented?
Always Often Occasionally Never
2. Do you “prequalify” or otherwise evaluate the general contractor or construction manager before you submit your bid?
Always Often Occasionally Never
3. Do you adjust your bids to different general contractors or construction managers based on factors such as job coordination, payment, supervision, contract terms, and other competencies?
Always Often Occasionally Never
4. Do you research the owner, including the availability of adequate financing for the project?
Always Often Occasionally Never
5. If you identify problems with the technical specifications or project scheduling during the pre-bid phase, do you notify your prospective customer?
Always Often Occasionally Never
6. Do you seek clarification of any ambiguous or inconsistent requirements prior to bidding?
Always Often Occasionally Never
7. Do you provide a written confirmation of the scope of work to your prospective customers prior to bid?
Always Often Occasionally Never
8. Do you avoid practices that might be construed to be in violation of the letter or the spirit of antitrust laws?
Always Often Occasionally Never
9. Do you refuse requests to divulge your price to a competitor prior to the bid or award of a contract?
Always Often Occasionally Never
10. Do you refuse offers from competitors to divulge their prices prior to the bid or award of a contract?
Always Often Occasionally Never
11. Do your bids clearly define the terms of your offer?
Always Often Occasionally Never
12. Do you submit bids in a timely manner?
Always Often Occasionally Never
13. Do you condition your bids upon prompt payment and equitable contract terms as are contained in recognized contract documents such as the ASA Subcontract Addenda or those published by the American Institute of Architects?
Always Often Occasionally Never
14. Do you avoid waiving protections afforded by law or good business practices?
Always Often Occasionally Never
15. Do you promptly assign a qualified field supervisor?
Always Often Occasionally Never
16. Do you assure that you are represented at all project meetings?
Always Often Occasionally Never
17. Do you promptly furnish a schedule of values?
Always Often Occasionally Never
18. Do you provide specialized expertise to help solve technical problems related to your work?
Always Often Occasionally Never
19. Do you coordinate the performance of your work to avoid delays, obstruction or damage to your work or the work of others?
Always Often Occasionally Never
20. Do you assure that all invoices and change order requests are presented in the proper format on time and with complete documentation?
Always Often Occasionally Never
21. Do you treat your own subcontractors and suppliers as you wish to be treated, including offering equitable contract terms, processing change orders, and paying promptly?
Always Often Occasionally Never
22. Do you maintain a safe and clean work place for your field employees?
Always Often Occasionally Never
23. Do you comply with the letter and spirit of the law relating to working conditions, equal employment opportunities, and payment practices?
Always Often Occasionally Never
24. Do you provide timely notice of delays, interferences, damages and other factors that will become claims if prompt corrective action is not taken?
Always Often Occasionally Never
25. Upon completion, do you prepare your own punch list and complete those items before requesting an inspection of your work?
Always Often Occasionally Never
26. Do you promptly correct any work not in compliance with specifications?
Always Often Occasionally Never
27. Do you furnish as-built drawings, warranties and other required documents without delay?
Always Often Occasionally Never

Score Yourself
Calculate your scores by giving yourself four points for each question to which you answered (a) Always; three points for each question to which you answered (b) Often, two points for each question to which you answered (c) Occasionally, and 1 point for each question to which you answered (d) Never. Total your points.

If you scored:
Above 90. You are an angel! You are the type of contractor with which every customer would like to do business. Keep up the good work!

80-90. Your business practices demonstrate your fundamental integrity but you have a few weaknesses. To earn your wings, evaluate your answers and develop a plan to improve in key areas.

65-80. Watch your step! You’re on the slippery slope to the Dark Side! Now is the time to decide. Will you reform your business practices and sprout wings? Or will you join the ranks of construction demons?

Below 65. You devil, you! General contractors and construction managers write their most egregious contract clauses to protect themselves from subcontractors like you. You may be winning bids on price, but how long will it be before you go up in flames?