I'm trying to grow from a one man show to an actual contracting company on my journey to become a land developer or custom home builder. I've worked as a contractor for 10 years. I hire out the work I can't do, but they charge high market/project rates, leaving almost no room for my markup on their labor.

For example, I'm renovating a bathroom and the plumber I work with is asking for a fair market price, as if I were a one off customer, and not providing them with 20+ hours a week in extra work. I'm not mad at all and don't blame them, I just don't see how I can make any money hiring out the work to other independent contractors if I continue to have to pay their rates.

So do I reach out to plumbers for example, and negotiate with them for a lower price for consistent work? Is that a thing? I don't want to insult anyone. Or is this just what everyone has to do?

I get that this sounds like a "how can I make money off their labor if they charge their worth" types of posts, and that cannot be further than the truth. I am asking how I can afford to hire a professional and provide them with consistent work, in exchange for a lower hourly/project rate, so that my business can grow and continue to provide them with work, and me with business growth.

Any recommendations for literature or YouTube videos covering this aspect of contracting would be greatly appreciated.