How do you handle a subcontractor who stops showing up?

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

Cousin Ray

Your cousin who does drywall and painting

Listen

1. ACall another drywall contractor to fill the gap. Tell Ray you need reliability and he's welcome back when he can commit to a schedule. Family is family, but your MHIC license depends on completing projects on time
   Correct

   Mixing family and business is a minefield. Your homeowner doesn't care about Ray's rough week — they have open framing in their living room. Three days without communication is abandonment of the job. You have a contractual obligation to the homeowner with a completion date. Bringing in a replacement isn't personal — it's professional. If Ray can't be treated like a regular subcontractor, he can't be your subcontractor.

2. BWait for Ray — he'll come through. You don't want family drama
   Wrong

   Your homeowner has a contract with completion dates. Every day of delay damages your reputation and potentially violates your contract terms. If the homeowner files an MHIC complaint for delays, 'my cousin no-showed' is not a defense. You chose Ray as your subcontractor — managing him is YOUR responsibility. Family relationships don't exempt you from professional obligations.