When you’re planning a home remodel in the New Hampshire seacoast area, it can be tough to find a contractor you feel confident trusting with your project. But once you find that contractor, how can you be sure they won’t hire a subcontractor who isn’t as trustworthy? 

What if the subcontractor does shoddy work, delays the project, or—worse—damages your home? You’ve likely heard horror stories about subcontractors not showing up on time, making mistakes, or cutting corners. So, how can you make sure this doesn’t happen to you?

These are valid concerns. Your home is a big deal, and you want everything done right. So, what happens when your contractor brings in subcontractors? Will they communicate with you? Will they be held to the same standards? How do you know they’re qualified and reliable?

In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions homeowners have about subcontractors and their role in the remodeling process. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about what to expect and how to avoid potential headaches. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to choose a contractor who not only keeps you in the loop but also manages subcontractors effectively, ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

What is a subcontractor?

A subcontractor is a contractor hired by another contractor—usually to perform specialized work in a specific trade. In a remodel, your general contractor oversees the entire project, but they often need to bring in specialists to handle tasks like electrical work, plumbing, or tile installation. While your contractor may be skilled at managing the overall project, they rely on subcontractors to ensure certain parts of the job are handled by experts with the right knowledge and experience.

Think of it like this: You wouldn’t want your general doctor performing surgery, right? It’s the same with remodeling. You want someone who specializes in each part of the job to make sure everything is done with the highest level of expertise. 

For a more detailed definition of general contractors, subcontractors, trade contractors, and more, check out our article: What kind of contractor do I need for my project?

How will I even know if my contractor is using subcontractors?

A common worry is that subcontractors might show up without you even knowing. And you’re right to be concerned! No one likes surprises when it comes to their home. 

A trustworthy contractor will always let you know ahead of time who will be working on your project. Whether they are employees or subcontractors, you should know who is coming, what they’ll be doing, and when they’ll be in your home.

What if the subcontractor isn’t as trustworthy as the main contractor?

It’s normal to trust the contractor you’ve hired but worry about the subcontractors they bring in. After all, you picked the contractor, not the subcontractor, right? But here’s the thing: a reputable contractor won’t risk their reputation by hiring someone who’s not up to their standards.

You can always ask your contractor how they choose their subcontractors. What criteria do they use to select subcontractors? Do they work with the same team regularly? How long have they worked together? Contractors who have long-term relationships with their subcontractors tend to have better results because they know what to expect from each other.

What if a subcontractor isn’t skilled enough to do quality work?

It’s a real concern—no one wants shoddy workmanship, especially in their home. If you’re worried about this, the best thing you can do is ask questions upfront. Talk to your contractor about the subcontractor’s experience. Have they worked on similar projects? Can they provide examples or references?

Remember, subcontractors are often specialists. They bring a level of expertise to the table that a general contractor doesn’t have. If your contractor is confident in the subcontractor’s skills, that should give you peace of mind.

What happens if a subcontractor damages something in my home?

Accidents can happen, but what’s important is knowing who’s responsible for fixing it. If a subcontractor damages something in your home, your general contractor should be the one to handle it. When you hire a contractor, they’re responsible for the entire project, including anything their subcontractors do.

Before the project starts, make sure your contract covers how damages will be addressed. And it’s always a good idea to ask for proof that both the contractor and subcontractor are insured—just to be safe.

Can a subcontractor mess up my project’s schedule?

This is one of the biggest fears homeowners have—and for good reason. Delays can be frustrating, especially if a subcontractor doesn’t show up when they’re supposed to. But it’s your contractor’s job to make sure that doesn’t happen. They’re responsible for coordinating the schedule and making sure the subcontractors are on track.

A good contractor will have a plan in place for handling delays. Ask them how they manage schedules and what they do if a subcontractor doesn’t show up. The more you know about the process, the more confident you’ll feel.

How can I know if a subcontractor will show up when they’re supposed to?

It’s frustrating to be waiting around, wondering if someone is going to show up. A good contractor won’t leave you guessing. They should have a clear schedule for their subcontractors and make sure they’re showing up on time.

If a subcontractor doesn’t show up when they’re supposed to, let your general contractor know right away. A good contractor will have a detailed schedule and a backup plan ready. The sooner they know, the quicker they can get things back on track or put their backup plan into action, if needed.

What if a subcontractor doesn’t follow the plan?

You’ve spent time planning your remodel, so it’s natural to worry that someone might not follow the plan. A reliable contractor will make sure this doesn’t happen. They communicate the details of the project to every subcontractor and supervise their work to ensure it’s done right.

If this is something you’re concerned about, ask your contractor how they ensure subcontractors stay on track with the design. Remember, anything a subcontractor does is ultimately the general contractor’s responsibility. A good GC will have a solid communication process to ensure everyone stays on the same page.

What if a subcontractor’s work doesn’t meet my standards?

We all have different standards when it comes to our homes. If you’re not happy with a subcontractor’s work, don’t worry—you don’t have to deal with it yourself. Your general contractor is the one responsible for making sure everything meets your expectations. If something’s not right, talk to your contractor and they should fix it.

Your contractor should stand behind all the work being done, whether it’s by them or a subcontractor. If you’re not satisfied, don’t hesitate to speak up.

Who do I call if something goes wrong with a subcontractor’s work?

If there’s an issue, your contractor should always be your first point of contact. Even though a subcontractor is handling part of the project, the contractor is still responsible for the overall quality and timeline. 

Think of your contractor as the project manager—they’re there to handle any issues, whether it’s with their own team or a subcontractor.

What if a subcontractor isn’t covered by insurance?

This is a big one. If a subcontractor isn’t covered by insurance, it could mean serious trouble if something goes wrong. That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone working on your project is fully insured.

Ask your contractor for proof of insurance for both themselves and any subcontractors. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Could one subcontractor’s work affect the rest of the project?

If one part of the project doesn’t go well, it can definitely impact the rest of your remodel. For example, if the plumbing isn’t installed correctly, it might delay your countertops or flooring.

That’s why your general contractor needs to oversee the entire process and make sure each subcontractor’s work meets the standard. If a subcontractor’s work is late, faulty, or incomplete—it’s the contractor’s job to get things back on track

It’s a good idea to ask your contractor how they manage each stage of the project to keep everything flowing smoothly. You can also ask how they handle issues if something goes off course, so you know they’ve got a plan.

How do I know if a subcontractor is following building codes or regulations?

Building codes can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the details. But they’re important to ensure safety and compliance. Your contractor is responsible for making sure all work, including the subcontractors’, meets local building codes.

In New Hampshire, subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC need to pull their own permits and get specific inspections for their work. This means their work gets an extra layer of scrutiny from your local building department. Other subcontractors, like insulation contractors or drywallers, will have their work inspected by both your general contractor and the city’s building inspector, giving you peace of mind that everything is up to code.

What happens if the subcontractor and the contractor don’t get along?

While it’s rare, tensions between contractors and subcontractors can sometimes arise. If that happens, you might worry about how it will affect your project. The good news is that most professional contractors have processes in place to handle disagreements and resolve conflicts without it impacting your remodel.

It’s worth asking your contractor how they manage any potential conflicts between their team and the subcontractors. The more prepared they are, the less likely it will be an issue for your project.

Do subcontractors clean up after themselves?

No one wants to deal with a mess at the end of the day. A good contractor will ensure that subcontractors clean up after themselves and leave the workspace neat.

You should ask your contractor how they handle daily cleanup. Are subcontractors expected to tidy up before they leave? A clean worksite is a sign of a well-run project.

Can I trust a subcontractor to work in my home when I’m not there?

It can be nerve-wracking to have people in your home when you’re not around, especially if you don’t know them. A reputable contractor will only work with subcontractors they trust, but it’s completely normal to ask questions about who will be in your home and what precautions are in place.

Ask your contractor about the subcontractor’s background and how they ensure the security of your home while work is being done. This can help give you peace of mind when you can’t be there.

Opinion: What really makes a good general contractor? Is it more than craftsmanship?

When homeowners tell us about their preferred contractor, we often hear things like, “He does great work, but he can be hard to get a hold of” or “He’s a little disorganized, but his craftsmanship is amazing.” But that raises an important question: Is that really what makes a qualified general contractor? Should a contractor be considered “good” just because he’s a great craftsman?

What are a general contractor’s responsibilities?

From our perspective, the role of a general contractor (GC) is much more than just being a skilled tradesman. Yes, craftsmanship is important, but it’s not the primary job of the GC. A qualified general contractor’s main responsibilities include:

• Identifying the project’s goals and challenges

• Creating a clear and actionable plan to solve those challenges

• Assembling the right team of tradespeople (this can include themselves, if appropriate)

• Acting as a translator between the homeowner and the tradesmen, ensuring clear communication

• Managing the project’s schedule and finances

• Providing consistent quality control throughout the project

Why project management skills are key

When you break it down like this, you realize a qualified GC needs more than just construction knowledge—they also need strong skills in:

• Project planning

• Management

• Communication

• Financial oversight

Yet, many homeowners overlook these qualifications when choosing a contractor and instead focus solely on trade skills. But here’s the reality: no matter how great someone is at laying tile or installing cabinets, if they can’t effectively plan, manage, or communicate, what do you think will happen when they’re responsible for managing the people, schedule, details, and finances of your $100,000 remodel?

Will their flawless trim work really make up for poor project management?

Why subcontractor horror stories happen

Many of the subcontractor horror stories we’ve all heard stem from both the general contractor and the subcontractor not fulfilling their roles properly.

Some general contractors aren’t equipped to handle the complexity of a remodeling project—they don’t have the right systems in place, and they get overwhelmed. Likewise, some subcontractors are more like glorified employees—they may complete their tasks, but they don’t take full responsibility for their scope of work, expecting the GC or the homeowner to manage every detail and resolve any issues that arise.

Our approach to working with subcontractors

This is why, at Rothrock Kitchen & Bath, we insist on working with trade partners who are legitimate business owners—professionals who take their craft seriously and fully own their part of the project.

These subcontractors don’t need constant oversight because they’re committed to maintaining their reputation for honesty, quality workmanship, and excellent customer service.

We are also dedicated to doing our part, as the general contractor, by carefully planning every step of the project, keeping everything organized, and using advanced tools like JobTread project management software to maintain full transparency with both our clients and our trade partners. 

This ensures everyone is on the same page, from scheduling to budgeting, so the project flows smoothly without unnecessary delays or confusion.

Subcontractors vs. in-house employees: What really matters

The truth is, the debate between subcontractors versus in-house employees misses the point. A contractor can hire a poorly trained employee just as easily as they can hire an unqualified subcontractor.

What truly matters is the caliber of everyone involved—whether they’re in-house or subcontracted. If your general contractor is simply a carpenter who brings in subcontractors for tasks they’re not licensed to do, while they (the contractor) focus only on the carpentry, you’re in for a rough ride. A poorly chosen subcontractor will only make things worse.

But when your contractor takes their project management responsibilities seriously, plans every detail in advance, has systems in place to keep the project on track, and provides high-level oversight and quality control, you’re likely in good hands. If that contractor also partners with reputable, experienced subcontractors, it’s a good sign your remodel will be done right the first time.

Conclusion: Should I hire a contractor who uses subcontractors or insist on one with in-house employees?

At the end of the day, it’s not about whether a contractor uses subcontractors or has in-house employees—it’s about how they manage the process.

Subcontractors aren’t always inferior to in-house employees. In fact, they’re often specialists in their respective fields. Having a specialist, rather than someone with a more general skill set, handle the parts of your project they excel at often leads to better-quality work and greater efficiency.

The key to a successful remodel is choosing a contractor who communicates well, oversees the entire project diligently, and ensures the work meets your standards.

The best advice? Choose a contractor you trust—someone who’s transparent about their process, answers your questions, and keeps you in the loop. Whether they use subcontractors or not, a good contractor will make sure your project goes smoothly from start to finish.

Ready to start your kitchen or bathroom remodel?

At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, we work with a trusted team of expert trade contractors to ensure every detail of your remodel is handled with care. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen or revamp your bathroom, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure your home is in good hands. Contact us today to start planning your dream remodel in the New Hampshire seacoast area!