West Virginia Contractors License Practice Exam

What does the term 'subcontractor' refer to in construction?

1. A contractor hired to perform a specific task for another contractor

2. The main contractor responsible for the project

3. An employee of the main contractor

4. A regulatory authority overseeing the project

The correct answer is: A contractor hired to perform a specific task for another contractor

The term 'subcontractor' specifically refers to an individual or business that is hired by a main contractor to perform a particular task or service within a construction project. This arrangement allows the main contractor to delegate certain responsibilities, typically based on specialized skills or expertise that the subcontractor possesses. For example, if a general contractor is managing a large construction project, they may hire a subcontractor to handle electrical work, plumbing, or roofing. Subcontractors operate under a contract that outlines their obligations, pricing, and the scope of work they are expected to complete. This division of labor is common in the construction industry, where projects often require various types of skilled labor that the main contractor may not have in-house. The other options provided do not accurately define a subcontractor. The main contractor is ultimately accountable for the project's completion and quality but does not fit the subcontractor definition. An employee of the main contractor works directly for them and is not considered a separate entity. A regulatory authority refers to a government entity that oversees compliance with construction laws and safety regulations, which is entirely different from the role of a subcontractor. Thus, the definition provided in the first choice aligns closely with the established understanding of subcontractors in construction.