Contractors vs. Subcontractors: What is the Difference?
This question comes up quite frequently among our Dyer customers—especially because we offer our general contracting services nationwide—which is why we’ve put together a summary of the differences between contractors and subcontractors. Keep in mind that, although Marcotte General Contracting works from coast to coast, we never use subcontractors to perform our projects.
Contractors
Here are some quick facts to know about contractors:
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A contractor is someone that an individual or a company hires to perform a specific task that is bound by a contract.
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You can hire a contractor for a specific project or on an ongoing basis to deliver a particular set of skills that you need like construction or remodeling.
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A contractor can provide services to anyone at an hourly, daily, or lump-sum rate.
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The major difference between a contractor and an employee is that a contractor can work for many different clients while an employee works for only one company.
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Contractors can hire subcontractors to fulfill their contract obligations.
Subcontractors
Here’s all you need to know about subcontractors:
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Subcontractors do work directly for a contractor and not a client or company.
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Subcontractors will not have any say in the original project plan. They will just complete the services required of them by the contractor.
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Subcontractors undertake work that a contractor is unable to complete because they are lacking the skill or the resources. An example would be that a general contractor needs wiring done in a building and hires out an electrician as their subcontractor.
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Subcontractors often specialize in a specific skill like electrical, plumbing, or tiling.
Find Out More About General Contracting Services
We know that figuring out whether you need a general contractor for your home or business renovations can be a tricky task, which is why it’s our goal to make sure you have all the answers you need to make the right decision. So, if you have any further questions about contractors, subcontractors, or general contracting, don’t hesitate to contact us online or by phone at 219-595-2642. We hope to hear from you soon!
