What’s the Difference Between a Contractor and a Subcontractor?

Timothy Mahoney, a resident of San Ramon, California, has been working in the construction industry for more than four decades. The project superintendent at Fine Line Construction Company, Timothy Mahoney of San Ramon handles all construction matters, including scheduling and coordinating subcontractors.

On a construction site, both subcontractors and contractors, or general contractors, are essential for finishing a project on budget and on time. Yet, despite having differing roles, many people conflate these two professionals.

General contractors operate at a level above subcontractors. They are either companies or individuals that are hired for different construction projects. While the specific duties of a contractor do vary from job to job, they are generally responsible for coordinating the project. This includes supplying the necessary equipment and materials to complete the project. Furthermore, contractors may be responsible for applying for permits, maintaining site security, and providing on-site utilities.

Meanwhile, subcontractors are professionals hired by the general contractor to perform specialized tasks and jobs around the site, such as plumbing or painting. Depending on the subcontractors' skills, they will be hired to complete either a small or large project, or be involved with the entire construction project. Similar to contractors, subcontractors may also operate as a company or individual, but they specialize in a specific area of construction.