What Is a Subcontractor?

A subcontractor in Canada is a skilled professional hired by a contractor, manager, or full-time employee to complete particular tasks within a larger project. Though subcontractors work temporarily, their expertise ensures that construction projects are up to code and completed successfully. In this blog, we answer the question “What is a subcontractor?” and explore the job’s responsibilities, benefits, and path to success. 

What Does a Subcontractor Do?

A subcontractor in Canada does specialized tasks in a construction project, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical work, plumbing, and construction tasks overseen by the general contractor. They must be aware of the local laws, regulations, and permits. These specifications vary province to province. 

Here’s what working as a subcontractor in different fields looks like:

• Plumbing subcontractor: Plumbing subcontractors install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems in homes and businesses, including gas lines, water pipes, and sewage systems.

• Electrical subcontractor: An electrical subcontractor installs and maintains electrical systems, ensuring wiring and lighting meet local codes and safety regulations.

• HVAC subcontractor: HVAC subcontractors install, repair, inspect, and maintain heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses. They ensure HVAC systems meet codes, are energy efficient, and comply with safety regulations.

• Concrete subcontractor: A concrete subcontractor pours, finishes, and cures concrete for surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and foundations. They ensure the concrete is mixed and cured correctly for load-bearing structures.

How Does Subcontracting Work?

Whenever a company or government department wants to repair a building or construct a new one, they release a tender with all the specifications of the construction project. Upon ensuring they can successfully and efficiently get the job done, a contractor gets the project. These high-scale projects involve expertise and manpower from different fields and occupations, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. 

Because general contractors oversee the entire project and need individuals to work temporarily, they outsource these specialized tasks to professionals known as subcontractors.

Subcontractors can include freelancers, independent contractors, or vendors. General contractors handle client relationships, while subcontractors report to contractors during their work period.

Learn more: How to Become a General Contractor

Image source: Shutterstock

Subcontractor vs Contractor: How Do They Differ?

The contractor vs subcontractor debate can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the terms. Let’s look at the key differences between a subcontractor and contractor.

Earnings

A contractor procures clients differently from a subcontractor. While a subcontractor reaches out to contractors for work, a contractor connects with government bodies and other organizations for projects and has a direct relationship with the client. 

A contractor can choose their employer and work simultaneously for multiple clients to earn more. On the other hand, subcontractors earn based on their specific skills and the contractor they’re working for. The salary of a carpenter differs from that of an HVAC technician. Similarly, an experienced subcontractor will earn more than a newbie.

Work Schedule

Contractors choose which clients to work for and the period they want to keep working with them. They can negotiate their working hours and part ways if things don’t work. 

Subcontractors don’t have that flexibility since contractors already define their working hours when hiring them. However, a skilled subcontractor can choose to work with contractors they want to and decline any requests that don’t fit into their schedule.

Learn more: 25 Hands-On Jobs That Pay Well

Job Description

General contractors manage projects from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Their day-to-day tasks often include performing precise calculations, reviewing outcomes, and engaging with clients to keep them informed and satisfied. Their responsibilities include the following:

• planning projects
• coordinating with clients and the workforce
• hiring subcontractors
• managing budgets
• creating schedules
• procuring materials
• ensuring safety standards
• preparing progress reports 

Subcontractors are the muscle behind the work, handling physical tasks and reporting to contractors, not the client.

Insurance and Liabilities

Contractors are responsible for subcontractors’ work and answer directly to clients. In a liability claim, the client can sue the contractor, who can then sue the subcontractors if the issue was their fault. Therefore, both contractors and subcontractors need to have the following types of insurance policies to ensure proper coverage:

• General liability insurance
• Workers compensation insurance

Image source: Shutterstock

Benefits of Being a Subcontractor

Flexibility

The best perk of being a subcontractor is choosing your projects and work pace. While tasks may vary by employer, subcontractors often have more autonomy due to their skills and lack of direct client interaction.

Collaboration and Experience

Subcontractors work in different specialties and can collaborate with other contractors. This helps them gain experience quickly, explore various site areas, advance, and earn more.

An Open Canvas

Subcontractors can specialize in whatever field they like. For example, they can enroll in a home renovation introduction course, get a certificate, and start working on home renovations right away. 

Subcontractor Required Skills

To become a subcontractor, you need the following skills:

• Time management: Subcontractors often work long hours to finish a job, so managing time helps maximize efficiency and get paid for your work.

• Trade expertise: Subcontractors with specialized skills who handle complex situations earn more and are seen as experts in their field. Having the right trade expertise is essential.

• Communication skills: Networking goes a long way in this job. Since subcontractors rely on contractors for work, being respectful and confident when communicating adds to their appeal.

• Physical endurance: Working as a subcontractor is tough and requires physical endurance. To succeed, you need strength and good physical condition to operate machinery and lift heavy tools.

FAQs

What Is a Subcontractor in Canada?

A subcontractor in Canada is a skilled professional with a specialized skill set in a specific trade, usually construction. Subcontractors often work as freelancers, part-time contractors, and even vendors. By law, they must understand the permits, rules, and regulations for their work.

Start Your Career Today with Skilled Trades College of Canada

Answering “What is a subcontractor?” is only the first step in starting your trades profession. Jumpstart your career with Skilled Trades College of Canada. We aim to provide students with the knowledge, experience, and expertise required to become the first choice of employers across Canada. We offer scholarships so that deserving candidates like you can fulfill their dreams of becoming a skilled professional. 

Ready to build your career in the trades? Reach out to our experienced career counsellors today, and we’ll guide you toward the right path based on your interests and qualifications.