Subcontractor Update: Important Details You Need to Know

By Trent Cotney, Jill Bloom, Executive Director, Walls & Ceilings

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, W&C Publisher Jill Bloom talks with Trent Cotney, partner at Adams & Reese, about how the subcontractor market has changed over the past year.

One thing Cotney mentions is that the changes are here to stay, especially in regards to labor.

“Contractors are now basically construction managers,” Cotney says. “They’re subcontracting out the majority of their labor, even contractors that historically never did that.”

However, the reason for this has more to do with company growth than cost.

“It can be [cheaper to subcontract labor], but the big thing is you can scale,” Cotney says. “And the big thing is demand is out there, so if you’re looking to grow, it’s very hard to grow organically with W-2’s. It’s easier, especially if you’re doing storm or restoration work, to expand quickly with sub-crews.”

There is more to having subcontractors than simply managing the job site, though.

“You have to understand how to manage subcontractors,” Cotney says. “And that requires good onboarding, good vetting – there are great sub-crews, there are bad sub-crews out there – and you need to make sure you’re getting the right subcontractors – that they’re insured, they’ve got workers’ comp and CGL.”

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Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.

Jill Bloom is the innovative Executive Director of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.