A subcontractor is a person or business entity hired by the general contractor to provide some of the labor, materials, or services required for the overall completion of a construction project. Subcontractors can specialize in one particular area such as plumbing, electrical work, cement work, carpentry and more. They typically charge an hourly rate for their services and are responsible for providing their own tools and equipment.

Subcontractors are generally experts in their line of work and often hold certifications or degrees in the trade. They may be employed on either a full-time basis or on an as-needed basis when additional resources are needed on a project. In some cases, subcontractors can also be held accountable if they fail to meet deadlines or quality requirements on the job site.