How can good subcontractor relationships give a general contractor a competitive advantage? The owner may choose to contract with subcontractors directly unless the general contractor has a good relationship with the subcontractors. The owner will have more trust in a general contractor who has good relationships with their subcontractors. Subcontractors are the experts in their trades, and they will share their expertise more readily if they have a good relationship with the general contractor. Subcontractors give better pricing to general contractors that they like working with. If enough subs give slightly lower numbers, the general contractor will have a competitive advantage on the job