The Vanishing Art of Good Subtrades
A Guide to Surviving the Madness
If you’ve spent any time in real estate development in Toronto, you know one thing for sure: good subtrades are harder to find than a reasonably priced house in this city. Once upon a time, skilled workers roamed job sites freely, wielding their tape measures with confidence, showing up on time (mostly), and taking pride in their craft. Now? It’s a circus act, and I don’t mean Cirque du Soleil—because at least those performers show up to work.
The Subtrade Apocalypse: What Happened?
We all have our theories. The labor shortage is real, the best guys are retiring, and the next generation seems to think that TikTok fame is a viable career path. But the reality is more complex. Between immigration patterns, lack of trade school enrollments, and the rising cost of doing business, subtrades have become a rare and unpredictable breed.
Let’s break down the key reasons why you can’t find a decent plumber without a three-month waitlist:
Skilled trades are retiring faster than they’re being replaced. Boomers are hanging up their tool belts, and the younger workforce isn’t exactly rushing to fill their steel-toed boots.
The “good ones” are booked solid. If a guy is actually competent, he’s probably buried in work until next Christmas.
Training and apprenticeship programs aren’t producing fast enough. Plus, the new apprentices seem to have an aversion to early mornings and heavy lifting.
Everyone and their dog is a “general contractor” now. Just because someone has an Instagram page with time-lapse videos doesn’t mean they know how to frame a wall properly.
The Archetypes of the Modern-Day Subtrade
In my years of dealing with subtrades, I’ve identified some distinct species. Here’s what you’re likely to encounter:
The Vanisher – Starts the job with enthusiasm, cashes the deposit, and then disappears into the abyss. You’ll hear rumors he was spotted on another site, but he won’t return your calls.
The Over-Promiser – “Yeah, I can start next week, no problem.” Three months later, you’re still staring at an unfinished bathroom.
The Artistic Drywaller – Believes their work is so profound that it must be done at a pace that allows for proper inspiration to strike (which is never).
The Stressed-Out Plumber – Shows up late, tells you horror stories about his last job, complains about supply chain issues, and charges you for his lunch break.
The Good One (A Unicorn) – He exists. He is mythical. If you find one, never let him go. Treat him like royalty—buy him coffee, pay him on time, and laugh at his dad jokes.
How to Survive the Madness
So, what’s a seasoned Toronto developer to do? Here’s your survival guide:
Vet everyone like you’re the FBI. Ask for referrals, check reviews, and insist on seeing past work.
Build relationships with the good ones. If you find a reliable subtrade, treat them well and keep them close.
Expect delays and plan accordingly. If a trade gives you a timeline, double it. If they promise two weeks, assume four.
Pre-pay as little as possible. If they need full payment upfront, you’re about to fund their Bahamas vacation.
Have backups on speed dial. You never know when your electrician will decide to take up beekeeping instead.
Final Thoughts: Is There Hope?
Despite all this chaos, the industry isn’t totally doomed. There are still skilled, hardworking trades out there—you just have to dig a little deeper (or pay a little more) to find them. The best advice? Network, pay fairly, and appreciate the gems when you find them.
And if all else fails? Maybe it’s time to start learning how to tile yourself.