Building Connected Subcontractors vs. Downtobid Network - A Complete Analysis

Subcontractor recruitment is a nightmare for many general contractors since many subcontractor directories have outdated contact details. Most listed subs also have little proof of their experience, which erodes trust. Fortunately, platforms like BuildingConnected Subcontractors and Downtobid Network are solving these problems. These subcontractor databases connect general contractors with qualified, vetted, readily available subs to handle different projects. 

However, each platform offers different features and capabilities. This comprehensive guide will compare the two platforms to help you choose the right one for your next construction project. 

Let’s begin with a tool we know best - our very own Downtobid Network.

Downtobid Network - Best for Finding Highly Qualified Subcontractors

Downtobid Network is a database of pre-vetted local subcontractors looking for projects. Unlike other subcontractor networks, we’ve managed to keep our database fresh by pre-vetting experience, availability, and contact details. 

General contractors can quickly connect with qualified local subcontractors and create a construction team. Traditionally, general contractors would mass-mail every listed subcontractor without proper experience verification. This process was hit-and-miss and took a long time to complete. General contractors mostly settled for close enough bids since they wanted to beat project deadlines.

Key Features

We’re more than a subcontractor network. Here’s what more we offer:

Pre-Vetted Subcontractors

Say goodbye to the pressure of finding suitable subcontractors. You don’t have to hire a team and spend countless hours to qualify subcontractors. We verify every subcontractor registered to our platform to ensure only the best and most qualified are available. 

We mostly focus on their performance history and the projects they claim to have worked on during subcontractor qualification. This approach encourages transparency and honesty by ensuring subcontractors are who they claim to be. General contractors can therefore confidently browse through a list of recommended subcontractors knowing that every information is accurate. It helps project managers quickly assemble a team and begin the preconstruction processes. 

That’s not all. We also encourage subcontractors to update their contact details and websites to streamline communication. So, every email you send is delivered straight to an active user. What about inactive users? Our AI-powered self-cleaning database removes inactive users to keep the list fresh. 

Targeted Subcontractor Matching

A pre-vetted subcontractor database gives you access to qualified subcontractors, but you still have to choose the ideal candidates. Our AI helps remove this load by recommending a list of qualified subs matching project requirements. This approach saves you time by hand-picking the most qualified and best match, allowing you to focus on other things, such as building relationships.

This is how it works:

Our AI scans the construction plan documents to detect scopes and then recommends a subcontractor list for every detected scope. Our AI focuses on two things when recommending subcontractors:

• Experience: We focus on their detailed performance metrics on similar projects to determine if they’re the right fit.
• Location: We recommend subcontractors closer to the project to reduce expenses and speed up communication.

Just like that, you can recruit a construction team in less than a day.

Stop wasting time contacting random subcontractors for your next project, and let our software help you with minimal manual data entry. 

Streamlined Communication

Construction projects require huge crews and equipment to complete operations. From design to project delivery, it’s common to work with hundreds of people, and collaboration isn’t an option but a priority.  Project managers must track progress to ensure it stays on track and meets requirements. 

As you can imagine, constructions can get chaotic, which is why collaboration tools are popular. 

For instance, our platform uses threaded messages to centralize communication. This approach helps users find specific messages, such as invoices, without reviewing lengthy emails. You can communicate with subcontractors from the platform without needing an email application. 

How We Created Our Network of Subs

Reliable and qualified subcontractors are few, and finding them requires doing the dirty work (which we love!). Here’s how we’ve managed to build our pre-vetted subcontractor database:

Subcontractor Discovery

Although there are few great subcontractors, we know where (and how) to find them. We start by analyzing regional data of specific regions. We check every industry database, online directory, and referrals from general contractors and subs. 

We also check their online presence, including websites, social media accounts, and online profiles. Our team vets and verifies each subcontractor to ensure accurate information and updated contact details. That’s why we’re known for having the best and most qualified subcontractors in the construction industry. 

Comprehensive Subcontractor Mapping

We have subcontractors from every town across the US. This way, you’re guaranteed to recruit subs no matter where you are. We leverage Google Maps’ API to help us target specific regions and trade specificity. General contractors can contact subcontractors based on their location and experience. 

Automated Data Verification

Verifying every subcontractor takes time, and general contractors have many things to worry about, such as material acquisition. Our web-scraping tool extracts crucial subcontractor data, such as past projects, and updates the database. General contractors can view updated work history, operational areas, average project sizes, MWBE status, and union/non-union distinctions. 

We also update contact details and availability to streamline communication and expediate subcontractor recruitment. 

Direct Decision Maker Contacts

Subcontractors rarely post their personal contact details on social media and websites. Instead, they post generic business emails to collect feedback and inquiries. General contractors make a huge mistake in sending bid invites to these emails and rarely reply. 

Unfortunately, many industry databases and directories list these emails under ‘contact details.’ No one will respond to your bid invite, and you’ll have to start the process altogether. 

Luckily, we go the extra mile and collect relevant and active contact details. 

We mostly focus on key decision-makers by leveraging LinkedIn to find contact details. We have a software script that extracts email addresses and uses third-party email verification to check each address’ authenticity. 

Now that you know where to find verified subs, let’s see how our platform works.

How to Use Downtobid Network

We made our network directory straightforward to use by following simple steps. Here’s how you can find the right subcontractors in minutes. 

First, go to this Search link to visit the Downtobid contractor search page. It’s a simple and neat page that opens well on any device. 

Look for fields labeled ‘Trade’ and ‘Location.’ Type the specific trade, and the ideal location such as electrical in Houston. Click the search button, and our system will use this information to retrieve a list of subcontractors matching the trade in that location. 

You can also refine your search using the search filters to target specific subs. For example, you can target subs based on project type, such as warehouses, distribution centers, and car dealerships. You can also choose whether they should be unioned or non-unionized, and specific certifications, such as BEPD or BCORP.

The results contain summarized subcontractor profiles with relevant information, such as work experience, specialized trade, and location. This way, you can compare different subcontractors side by side before selecting the one that ticks all the boxes. 

You can click on the subcontractor’s name or the ‘Details’ button to access their complete and more detailed profile. 

You can repeat the process for different locations or trades until you find your ideal subcontractors. You can invite your desired subcontractors to initiate a bidding process on projects using our bid board here. 

Why Downtobid Network

Downtobid Network isn’t another subcontractor database. We have only the best and thoroughly vetted subcontractors from every city and town across the US. Our subs are actively looking for projects, and every detail and information they share on their profiles is accurate. Our approach has a higher response rate, and you’ll likely form long-term relationships with many subs. 

You can even compare The Blue Book Network vs our list of subs.

BuildingConnected Subcontractors

Building Connected Subcontractors, or Building Connected Pro, is an online subcontractor directory that connects subs to general contractors and project owners. Think of it as a marketplace where subs showcase their services and find new projects. Find out more here.

Key Features

BuildingConnected Network is popular due to the following:

Online Profiles

Subcontractors can create online platforms highlighting their experience, qualifications, certifications, and portfolio. Potential clients use this information to find suitable candidates for their next projects. Unfortunately, general contractors cannot compare subs side by side like our platform.

Project Matching

The website has advanced algorithms that match subcontractors to relevant projects. The matching technology focuses on project requirements, location, and skills to recommend potential projects, saving project owners and subcontractors time. 

Reputation Management

Project owners can often rate and review the subs they have worked with by giving honest feedback. This approach helps build credibility and distinguish good subs from bad ones. It also speeds up subs recruitment since general contractors gravitate toward those with proven track records. 

Pricing Plan

BuildingConnected Pro offers a tiered pricing plan, and you must contact customer support for a quote. However, you can get a demo to test the platform before fully committing. Read our guide on if BuildingConnected is worth it.

Pros

• Enhanced communication
• Increased visibility
• Efficient project matching

Cons

• Higher competition
• Subscription costs
• Limited control over project match