What is the difference between a Sub-Contractor and General Contractor?

Question

Obviously I know very little about the construction business

Answer 1

General Contractors are the overall contractor. They organize and help execute the entire building process from beginning to end. The General Contractor will hire and supervise various sub-contractors. Subcontractors specialize in specific areas (such as the electricity or putting up the frame for the building). Most subcontractors are only there until their particular task is complete.

Answer 2

General Contractor is responsible for making sure the sub contractors provide the services needed to complete a project. Sub-contractors can be dry wall contractor, electricians, tile contractor, flooring contractor...

A General contractor might have these sub-contractors as part of his staff and does not need to hire an outside contractor, but becase the changes in the demand of work, a general contractor will only hire a subcontractor as needed.

Therefore subcontractor can do work for other general contractors

Answer 3

In a legal sense there's no real difference between an independent contractor and a subcontractor. Each class of worker has the same tax-paying requirements and enjoys the same benefits. The differences arise primarily from who is in charge on a given work project. An independent contractor may be a subcontractor on one job and in charge on the next.

Answer 4

A prime contractor is the lead contractor submitting a bid under which sub-contractors submit estimates. It could also mean a general contractor on a project. It is also good to note that a prime contract is a high-value contract that is awarded directly by the government.

Answer 5

General contractor is the one who has the contract signed and is working for the owner
sub-contractor is who the general contractor hire to do certain parts of the job
IE electrician, plumber , roofer ect... what ever he doesn't know how or just doesn't want to do on the job and he is responsible to pay them out of the amount the job was bid for

Answer 6

A general contractor (General) is hired by the customer to coordinate the building of the entire structure. He hires and oversees all Subcontractors (subs) to ensure the work is done correctly and ontime, with respect to the project. All subs are responsible to the general, and the general is responsible to the customer. Subs are paid by the general, and the general is paid by the customer.

Answer 7

I think a subcontractor answers to the contractor. You have contact with the contractor but very little contact or no contact with the subcontractor.

I tink a subcontractor is a specialist who has expertise in tasks and skills which the contractor doesn't have

Answer 8

A general contractor is someone who is fully licensed to perform and oversee a construction project,he/she then usally hire subs to do the work,carpenters,plumbers,electricians etc.licensed being a key word here.

Answer 9

a general contractor is responsible for the entire job. subcontractors are hired by general contractors to proform there trade ,plumbing , electrical, framing ,etc.