Subcontractors once had to bargain hard for work and convince startups and other teams that they added enough value to justify the cost.
However, that’s all changing in 2025, thanks to AI, online tools, and a plethora of software options. In fact, we’d argue that it’s never been easier to pick up paid work using this method.
But what’s going on in this industry? Why is it so simple now for a lot of workers?
AI Contract Automation
Part of the story has to do with AI contract automation. A lot of subcontractors are finding that they can simply outsource this task to AI and it will come back with something that protects them legally (and quite well).
According to data from the industry, around 40% of contractors are using this method. That’s significantly higher than it was just a couple of years ago, showing how fast AI is penetrating the industry.
Dashboards
Another development is the era of dashboards. For example, if people are looking for transport subcontractor jobs, they can often find them on software that organizes all the work for them. All they need to do is filter by location and job type, and that’s it.
These dashboards are clever because they collate information and make it manageable. Workers can see what’s available and bid for the work if necessary.
Then, it’s also possible to manage these systems remotely, so workers can only see the jobs that apply to them. It’s a clever form of management and convenience at the same time, making everything so much more predictable.
Online Bidding
Building on this, there are also online platforms that explicitly work on a bidding mechanic. The idea is to bid for jobs, create a profile, and then get selected by employers via text.
The nice thing about this approach is that it gets rid of the overhead of cold outreach. Many subcontractors actually find it more time-effective than going to the market themselves and placing ads. They can pick up work almost immediately by tapping into an existing network and getting the ball rolling.
AI Risk Management
At the same time, subcontractors are also looking into smarter AI risk management. The idea is to improve compliance and make it more effortless, flagging issues before they become a significant drag on the brand.
For example., many pieces of software can now flag things like contractors not having the right type of insurance for a job, or the wrong licences. This visibility at the corporate level essentially means that subcontractors get additional protection and know what they need to do to thrive in the future.
Automated Materials Takeoff
Finally, some subcontractors are exploring tools that enable automated materials takeoff. The idea here is to handle takeoffs and then connect them in real time to supplier inventories.
What this means is that contractors working on multiple sites can reduce the risk of waste and shortages. Instead, they can assess patterns across their jobs and networks, and react accordingly without wasting money.
