What is Subcontractor?
Quick answer
A subcontractor is a specialist — electrician, plumber, roofer — hired by a general contractor to perform a specific trade.
A subcontractor is a specialist — electrician, plumber, roofer — hired by a general contractor to perform a specific trade. The homeowner typically contracts with the GC, not the subs.
Examples
- A licensed electrician rewiring a kitchen under a GC.
- A drywall sub handling all interior drywall on a new build.
- An HVAC sub installing a new furnace and ductwork.
Why this matters
Is My Quote Fair? compares sub pricing in your quote against local trade rates so you can see if the GC is marking up reasonable sub bids or inflated ones.
Read more in our guides
- How to compare roofing quotes in 2026: what to look for in each line item
- Kitchen remodel quote in 2026: what's fair, what's inflated, and what to cut
- HVAC quote breakdown in 2026: what each line item costs and which ones get inflated
Frequently asked questions
What is Subcontractor?
A subcontractor is a specialist — electrician, plumber, roofer — hired by a general contractor to perform a specific trade. The homeowner typically contracts with the GC, not the subs.
When does Subcontractor matter?
Is My Quote Fair? compares sub pricing in your quote against local trade rates so you can see if the GC is marking up reasonable sub bids or inflated ones.
What's an example of Subcontractor?
A licensed electrician rewiring a kitchen under a GC. A drywall sub handling all interior drywall on a new build. An HVAC sub installing a new furnace and ductwork.
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