How do I create a subcontract?

Paying a subcontractor / vendor in Beam happens in two stages: first you create a subcontract on the project, then you create a bill against that subcontract and schedule the payment.

Note: You don't have to create a subcontract to pay a sub. If you just need to pay a single bill without tracking it against a subcontract, create a one-off bill instead — see How do I create a one-off bill for a project?

How do I create a subcontract in Beam?

1. From the Projects page, click into the project you want to work in.
2. In the left-hand navigation panel, select Subcontracts.
3. On the Subcontracts tab, click + Add subcontract.
4. Click the Vendor field and select the subcontractor from the list.
   • (If they aren't listed yet, choose + Add new vendor to create them.)
5. Under Schedule of values, add your line items:
   1. Select the accounting code (e.g., 0030 Electrical).
      • This field will only be visible if you have accounting codes in Beam.
   2. Enter a description for the line item (e.g., “Electrical Scope”).
   3. Enter the amount to set the contract value.
   4. Use + Add item to add additional line items as needed.
6. (Optional) Upload a subcontract document, toggle on Sign and collect vendor e-signature, and set Retainage or Attachments.
7. Click Add to finalize the subcontract.

The subcontract now lives inside the project and shows the projected cost, contract sum, and balance breakdown (Paid / Processing / Unpaid / Balance to finish).

Now that your subcontract is set up, learn How do I bill against a subcontract? to record payments and schedule them.