Employing subcontractors

Either the builder engages the subcontractors, or if you are managing the project, you might engage them yourself.

Who employs the subcontractors?

Subcontractors are generally contracted by the builder who is the head or main contractor. Subcontractors are hired to do the specialist areas of work, such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, joinery, plastering, painting and brickwork. Unless you have a labour-only contract and hire them yourself, the subcontractors will be answerable to the main contractor. So, all instructions must go through the main contractor who will be responsible for the quality of their work.

In some cases you might know someone who can do part of the job for you. You might have an uncle who is a plumber and want to contract him directly. He will be known as a nominated subcontractor. This is fine, provided this is noted in your contract with the main contractor so that everyone understands where their responsibilities start and finish.

But be aware that if your nominated subcontractor gets behind, or fails to turn up, it can delay the whole job and you will be liable for any extra costs due to the delay. Also be aware that as the person contracting the nominated subcontractor, you will be liable for the quality of their work. You won’t be able to go back to the main contractor for remedies if your uncle does a shoddy job.

If you have someone other than the main contractor managing the project, such as the architect or designer, they will organise the subcontractors for you.

Choosing subcontractors yourself

If you are managing the project yourself and are responsible for choosing the subcontractors, use the same criteria as you used to choose the builder.

Go to the various trade organisations for lists of names.

Because subcontractors are likely to be involved in a number of projects simultaneously, on other building sites, getting them to appear at the right time can be a difficult but crucial part of your task.