Employing subcontractors Subcontractor basics

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This article, Employing subcontractors, was last updated on 01 April 2009 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Home & garden articles.

Subcontractors are people such as gas fitters, plasterers and electricians that you either employ on a direct basis, or that an architect, project manager or builder employs on your behalf. 

Always check with any trade bodies that someone who claims to be a member is genuine

It is worth understanding the work they do, what qualifications they have and how much they are likely to cost, so that you can decide whether to employ someone to oversee all the work or find your own subcontractors.

Ask around and talk to anyone who has had work done – personal recommendation is always a good start. Failing that, look in your local newspaper and Yellow Pages, or contact Which? Local. Ideally, find a subcontractor that has qualifications such as NVQs or belongs to a trade organisation that has a code of practice and a complaints procedure. Always check with the trade body that the person is a genuine member.

The National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon has a list of contractors and subcontractors. The centre also runs seminars and can offer professional help. Visit www.mykindofhome.co.uk for more information.

Sub-contractor costs
Sub-contractor Daily rate Specialist daily rate
Bricklayer £100–£200 Stonemasons: up to £400
Groundwork/clearance £100–£180 Drainage: £120–£180
Carpenter £70–£150 n/a
Plasterer £70–£160 Lime plastering: £300
Electrician £100–£150 Emergency: £40+ per hour
Gas installer £100–£150 Emergency: £40+ per hour
Plumbera £100+ n/a
Landscaper £70–£300 n/a

Table notes

  1. Plumbers often charge on an hourly basis as they are often called out in an emergency but you can ask to be charged at a fixed rate. Hourly rates are £35–£55 for the first hour, followed by £30–£50 per hour.
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