Generally ‘yes’, you can sub-subcontract out work to a third person – unless your subcontractor agreement prohibits this. So you need to make sure you put in place a subcontractor agreement that is right for the circumstances!

Who is liable for subcontractors?

general contractor
The general contractor is liable for the unpaid wages and benefits of subcontractors at any tier. Claims can be brought against the general contractor on the wage claimant’s behalf either by the labor union, the California Labor Commissioner, or Joint Labor-Management Cooperation Committee.

Are you responsible for subcontractors?

Usually, anything that subcontractors would be liable for, general contractors may also be liable for (with the caveat that if the contractor has to pay for damages, the subcontractor who is legally responsible will often reimburse the general contractor).

Why contractors use subcontractors?

Hiring subcontractors allows your business more flexibility than if you were to hire new, permanent employees. Rather than bringing them on for long term work, you hire the contractors to work on a few short term projects and then part ways. Be forewarned, sometimes they turn into a lifetime business relationship.

What is the difference between subcontractor and contractor?

When clients hire you to work on a specific project or on a freelance basis, you are usually considered a contractor. You provide the labor, services, and sometimes whatever equipment is needed to get the project done. Subcontractors are companies or individual people that you hire to help you complete a project.

What qualifies as a subcontractor?

Subcontractor is a person who is awarded a portion of an existing contract by a principal or general contractor. Subcontractor performs work under a contract with a general contractor, rather than the employer who hired the general contractor.

Should I pay subcontractors directly?

Leapfrogging should be on a one-off basis, else a direct relationship can be created between owner and subcontractor. Direct payment should only be made with the contractor’s and subcontractor’s written consent expressly limiting the owner’s obligations. Optional direct payment provisions are not without other risks.

Does general liability cover subcontractors?

General liability insurance generally does not protect independent contractors or subcontractors. This means your insurance likely does not cover independent contractor mistakes or protect your customers from them. It also likely does not cover accidents or other damage they cause.

Is a subcontractor responsible for damage?

If a negligent subcontractor becomes injured on the job, the general contractor isn’t necessarily liable. They will, however, be liable if they retain control over all work performed.

Can a contractor be held liable for a subcontractor contract?

The master agreement will sometimes say that contractors will be held liable for any mistakes or issues caused by the subcontractors. If you need help with subcontractor contracts, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel’s marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site.

Can a contractor hire a subcontractor for a project?

Sometimes independent contractors can bring subcontractors in to help them complete an assigned project. Once a contractor is hired by a business, they can then hire subcontractors. Subcontractors will sign an agreement like the one the contractor signed with the company, but the subcontractor will sign with the contractor.

What happens when a contractor refuses to pay a subcontractor?

If the owner then fails to pay, the subcontractor can then file the lien. A mechanic’s lien can be used to foreclose on the property in question as a means to collect the money the subcontractor is owed when the property sells. In cases like this, it doesn’t matter whether or not the owner of the property has paid the contractor in good faith.

Can you be liable for an independent contractor’s injuries?

With very few and rare exceptions, an employee’s sole remedy for work-related injuries is the workers’ comp. The employee cannot bring a third-party lawsuit, so you’re most likely not facing exorbitant legal fees and five, six or even seven-figure judgments or settlements.