Product

The Platform

Platform Overview

Unified platform for construction project management

Core workspace to manage a single project

Automated roll-up of data from all projects

Live visual reporting across all project data

Manage budgets, contracts, payments & forecasting

Track risks, issues, and mitigation actions

Set timelines, milestones, and track delivery

See real AI applications and upcoming features

Platform Overview

Use Cases

Capital Program Management

Capital Projects

Automated Project Reporting

Real-Time Project Dashboards

Project Cost Tracking

Project Controls

Simple Project Scheduling

Construction Contract Management

Progress Payments

Product Tour

A video of Mastt sofware showing a dashboard with a map, charts and visualizations for project progress and health

Watch how Mastt is used around the world for construction project management

Solutions

Business Types

Control capital project outcomes with trusted oversight

Real Estate Developers

Manage your entire portfolio with confidence

Program Management Consultant

Roll up multiple client projects with ease

Project Management Consultant

Run professional projects from a single platform

Small Businesses

Deliver big results with lean project teams

Roles

Executive Program Manager Project Manager Owner's Representative Development Manager Contract Administrator Project Controls Manager

Industries

Commercial Real Estate

Real Estate Development

See All Industries

Resources

Learn

Download free tools, guides, checklists, plans and more

Dashboard Examples

Download free dashboards & reports

Learn about Construction Project Management best practices

Full guides on the important topics around construction management

Watch ConTech in action

SUPPORT

Get answers for common questions

Expert coaching, technical support and guidance

Learn how we protect your data and privacy.

Product Tour

A video of Mastt sofware showing a dashboard with a map, charts and visualizations for project progress and health

Watch how Mastt is used around the world for construction project management

Log In

Australia / APAC

North America Region

Log In See Product Tour

|

Log In

Australia / APAC

North America Region

/

Subcontractor

Subcontractor is a type of contractor hired by the General Contractor to perform specific tasks or complete particular components of a larger construction project.

Topic:

Construction Project Management

Date posted:

April 16, 2024

Date updated:

November 15, 2024

Contents

Confident professional man holding a tablet and smiling while standing in a modern office environment. He is dressed in a blue sweater and white collared shirt, suggesting a tech-savvy or managerial role.

Top Performers Don’t Guess. They Deliver.

Cut the stress of showing up unprepared

Trusted by the bold, the brave, and the brilliant to deliver the future

What is Subcontractor?

A Subcontractor is a type of contractor hired by a General Contractor, to perform specific tasks or complete particular components of a larger project. Subcontractors specialize in specific areas of expertise, such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or painting, and are responsible for completing their assigned tasks under the terms and conditions agreed upon in their subcontract agreement.

Change Order Template

Free Change Order Template. Ready to use Microsoft Excel format for construction change orders.

Use this Template

Contractor vs Subcontractors

Here's an overview highlighting the roles, relationships, and key differences between contractors and subcontractors.

Scope of Control: General Contractor have a broad scope of control over the entire project, and are often engaged by the Project Owner, whereas subcontractors focus on specific areas of expertise within the project and are engaged by the General Contractor.
Financial Relationships: Contractors manage the overall project and receive payment directly from the project owner. Subcontractors are paid by the General Contractor for their specific services.
Liability: General Contractors are generally liable for the overall project, including the work performed by subcontractors. Subcontractors are liable for their own work quality and adherence to their specific contractual obligations.
Project Continuity: Contractors are involved from the start to the completion of the construction project, overseeing all phases. Subcontractors are typically involved only temporarily, during specific phases that require their expertise.
Specialized Work: General Contractors perform construction management and some self performance of work, whereas Subcontractors perform specific tasks specialize in specific areas of expertise, such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or painting.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of Subcontractors:

Specialized Work Execution: Subcontractors bring specific skills and expertise necessary for executing specialized aspects of the construction project, which are often outside the general contractor's scope.
Supply of Materials and Labor: They are typically responsible for providing the materials, labor, and equipment needed to complete their portion of the work.
Compliance with Specifications: Subcontractors must adhere to the specifications and requirements outlined in their subcontract agreements, ensuring that their work aligns with the overall project standards and regulations.
Timeline Management: They are responsible for completing their assigned tasks within the deadlines stipulated by the general contractor to ensure the project remains on schedule.
Quality Assurance: Subcontractors must ensure that their work meets the quality standards required by the project, undergoing inspections and corrections as needed.

Importance of Subcontractors in Construction Projects:

Expertise and Efficiency: Subcontractors bring specialized knowledge and efficiency to projects, which is crucial for complex tasks that require specific expertise.
Cost-Effective: Hiring subcontractors can be more cost-effective for general contractors, as it eliminates the need for maintaining a large, diverse workforce.
Scalability: Subcontractors allow a construction project to scale more flexibly by adding specialized teams as needed without the overhead associated with permanent employees.
Risk Management: By delegating specialized work to subcontractors, general contractors can spread the risk associated with various parts of the construction process.

Contractual Relationships:

Contracts: The relationship between the General Contractor and subcontractors is governed by subcontract agreements, which detail the scope of work, payment schedules, deadlines, and quality requirements.
Payment Terms: Payment terms, including conditions for final payment and retainage, are specified in the subcontract agreement to ensure clarity and prevent disputes.

Free Templates for Subcontractors

Check out Mastt's Free Templates for managing Subcontractors here.

Posts on this topic

Work, Health and Safety (WHS) on Construction Sites | Australia

Construction Project Management

Work, Health and Safety (WHS) on Construction Sites | Australia

Ensure safety and compliance on construction sites with effective work health and safety (WHS) practices. Learn how WHS management systems, notifiable incident reporting, and proactive safety measures improve productivity, attract talent, and foster a culture of care.

Work, Health and Safety (WHS) on Construction Sites | Australia

John Fisher

Why Are Stakeholders Important? The Key to Successful Project Delivery

Construction Project Management

Why Are Stakeholders Important? The Key to Successful Project Delivery

Stakeholders play a crucial role in project success by ensuring alignment, support, and risk management. Engaging them early leads to smoother execution and stronger outcomes.

Why Are Stakeholders Important? The Key to Successful Project Delivery

Anna Marie Goco

How to Effectively Manage Multiple Construction Projects as a Program

Construction Project Management

How to Effectively Manage Multiple Construction Projects as a Program

Learn effective strategies for program management to successfully oversee multiple construction projects, ensuring smooth coordination, budget management, and on-time delivery.

How to Effectively Manage Multiple Construction Projects as a Program

Doug Vincent

Powering Construction Project Management with Easy-to-Use Tools

Start for Free Watch Product Tour

Stay up-to-date with Mastt:

You're in the loop

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Use Cases

Project Controls

Managing Contract Variations

Project Timeline Management

Construction Contract Management

Product

Project Program Dashboard Cost Risk Schedule AI All Features

Industries

Commercial Real Estate

Real Estate Development

Customers

Featured Customer Success Stories

Compare

Mastt vs Procore Mastt vs Kahua Mastt vs InEight Mastt vs Aconex Mastt vs iTWOcx

Resources

Free Templates Webinars Glossary Articles Topics FAQ Project Management Firms Risks Help Pages

Company

About About Construction Project Management Contact Us Privacy Legal Security

© Copyright 2025 Mastt.

Be part of our community