Who is responsible for subcontractor work?

Question

Our main contractor used a subcontractor for the electrical work and there's a problem with it. The main contractor is pointing at the sub. Who's actually responsible?

Benjamin · Answer

subcontractor work

You hired the main contractor, not the sub

So

* main contractor answers for quality and faults
* subcontractor works under their control
* warranty and fixes go back to the main contractor

Only exception

* if you hired the electrician directly, then they take responsibility

Mark · Answer

Technically, they're both responsible, but from your perspective, the one responsible to you is the one that you made the agreement with. Your contract (whether an actual physical contract was signed or not), is with the main contractor, and he would be responsible.

This is obviously not qualified legal advice, but in all cases that I can remember over twenty eight years, it's the main contractor's responsibility.

Hope that helps.

Mark - Elevate Homes.

Jimmy · Answer

Hi Sarath,

In most cases, your main point of contact and responsibility is with the main contractor — the person or company you agreed the work with and paid or instructed.

If the main contractor chose to use a subcontractor for the electrical work, that is usually an arrangement between the main contractor and the subcontractor. The subcontractor may be responsible to the main contractor, but from the customer’s point of view, the main contractor should not simply pass you over and avoid responsibility.

The best thing to do is put the issue in writing to the main contractor, explain what the problem is, and ask them to arrange for it to be inspected and corrected properly. With electrical work, it should also be checked by a suitably qualified electrician, especially if there are any safety concerns.

This is not legal advice, but from a trade/customer-service point of view, the contractor you made the agreement with should be the one dealing with it and then sorting matters out with their subcontractor separately.

Kind regards,
Jimmy James
Revived Roofing

Connor · Answer

Personally I would say the subcontractor is at fault however it’s down to the main contractor to be the point of contact

William · Answer

Usually it's the main contractor who is responsible for any subcontractor unless it's the customer who has entered into a separate agreement.

James · Answer

If the main contractor got the subcontractor in it's down to them 
If you engadged the subcontractor it will be down to you

Stuart · Answer

The main contractor is responsible for and subcontractor that they have brought in to do work. But the subcontractor is responsible for his work and he has a duty to come and sort the issue out and inform the main contractor of this as well as you.

Ben · Answer

In cases like this the sub contractor will be responsible. thanks

Ben · Answer

Main contractor!!,as a main contractor myself the buck stops with the main contractor

Jon · Answer

Both parties should be responsible. However, your point of contact is the main contractor, and that is who should be looking to resolve the problem- either through the initial subcontractor who made the error or through another electrician.

If you had employed the electrician yourself, then the issue would be yours to rectify with that subcontractor.

Who is responsible for subcontractor work?

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