Domestic subcontractor: definition and example
A subcontractor the main contractor chooses and employs itself, as most subcontractors are.
By Jack Butler-Kettle · Updated
Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job.
What it means in practice
In this context, domestic describes how a subcontractor is selected and appointed. It does not mean that the work is on a house. The main contractor normally engages the subcontractor directly, but the actual scope, obligations and payment rights still come from the agreement.
Identify who appoints and pays you. A pre-signing contract review can help clarify that relationship and the documents forming your agreement.
Worked example
The facts
A main contractor selects a brickwork business to work on an office project.
What happens
The two businesses agree the package and subcontract terms.
The brickwork business checks its payment and instruction routes with the main contractor.
What this shows
The appointment may be domestic subcontracting even though the building has no residential use.