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What is a subcontractor?
A subcontractor is hired by a contractor — not the end client — to handle part of a job. The general contractor stays responsible to the client; the sub is responsible to the general. Clear scopes and written agreements between the two prevent the classic 'I thought you were doing that' dispute.
In practice
A general contractor wins a $200,000 renovation and hires an electrician as a subcontractor for $35,000 of the wiring. The client pays the GC; the GC pays the sub.
Bill the GC, not the client
Clean subcontractor invoices referencing the job or work order number.
Create an invoice — freeFrequently asked questions
Who does the subcontractor invoice?
The general contractor who hired them — never the end client, unless the agreement says otherwise. The payment chain follows the contract chain.
Should subs have their own contracts?
Yes — scope, price, schedule, and payment terms in writing with the GC. Verbal subcontracts are where renovation disputes are born.
What's a subcontractor agreement?
The written deal between GC and sub covering scope, pay, timeline, insurance, and who handles permits. One page beats a handshake every time.