Difference between contractor and subcontractor
In very broad terms, contractors are the organisations appointed by clients to carry out construction works. However, this apparently simple relationship is complicated by the fact that contractors tend not to have all the trades required to construct a building in their direct employment. This means that a contractor is likely to appoint a range of sub-contractors to build the works for which they have been contracted. Sub-contractors (or subcontractors) are sometimes referred to as 'subbies', or increasingly, simply as 'suppliers'.
Subcontractors are contracted by the main contractor, they are not contracted by the client.
There are three main types of sub-contractor:
- A domestic sub-contractor is a sub-contractor selected and appointed by the main contractor.
- A nominated sub-contractor is a sub-contractor selected by the client to carry out an element of the works. The client negotiates a price with the nominated sub-contractor and then instructs the main contractor to appoint them for those works.
- A named sub-contractor is a sub-contractor for a particular package selected from a list of acceptable sub-contractors provided by the client.
Increasingly, sub-contractors will themselves sub-contract elements of their package of works to other suppliers (sub-sub contractors). This has resulted in the development of complex supply chains, with different tiers of suppliers, some of whom may be entirely unknown to the client. For more information see: Suppliers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.