What is subcontractor in business?
Emma Jordan
Published Mar 28, 2026
Subcontracting refers to the process of entering a contractual agreement with an outside person or company to perform a certain amount of work. The out-side person or company in this arrangement is known as a subcontractor, but may also be called a free-lance employee, independent contractor, or vendor.
What is a sub subcontractor?
Sub-subcontractor means any entity that has a direct contract with another subcontractor to perform a portion of the work under a construction contract.
How do subcontractors get work?
Go to industry events, seminars and networking functions to meet contractors in person. Make connections with other subcontractors. This way, if a subcontractor gets a job that he/she doesn’t have time for, he/she might pass it on to you.
How do subcontractors get contracts?
Here are some ways that you and your subcontractor team can wow contractors and score as many jobs as possible!
- Man the job.
- Be well financed.
- Manage everything well.
- Be active in your business.
- Ask questions.
- Take care of the job site.
- Help the contractor as much as possible.
Do you have to own a business to be a subcontractor?
Subcontractors do not have to own a business, although they can. Subcontractors are hired to complete only a portion of a project or a job. For example, independent graphic designers who are hired to design a company logo are deemed subcontractors for that specific assignment.
Who is a subcontractor and who is the contractor?
In this case, the contractor will be subcontracting the work to a subcontractor. A subcontractor is a type of contractor who works in a specialized area and could be a freelancer, independent contractor or vendor.
Can a contractor hire a subcontractor without a Master Agreement?
Before a contractor hires any subcontractors, they should first be sure that the master agreement allows this practice. Sometimes the agreement will simply say that the client must be notified of when hiring subcontractors, while other times it is forbidden.
What should be included in a subcontractor agreement?
Subcontractor agreements include critical project details like what work will be completed, a milestone schedule for when each part of the work will be done, and payment information. With a sound subcontractor agreement, a company and subcontractors can legally protect themselves if obligations are not met from either party.