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What is a Contractor?

Michael Pollick
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 43,079
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Broadly speaking, a contractor can be anyone who agrees to fulfill the terms of a legally binding agreement. Most commonly, the term is used to describe an expert in the construction industry who hires skilled and unskilled workers to actually construct a financed project. A contractor must be licensed by an examining board before he or she can bid on the project. This bid is based on the estimated cost of the building materials, the wages of subcontractors and laborers and the professional's fee for coordinating the project.

Although a contractor's main concern is hiring qualified subcontractors (specialized craftsmen), he or she may also perform some of the construction work as well. Most develop good working relationships with other construction specialists, so they often hire the same specialized companies and workers for each contracted project. The contractor is ultimately responsible for the quality of the work performed by the people he or she hires, so it doesn't always pay to hire unknown entities to cut down on expenses.

A professional contractor should also have an understanding of his or her limitations. The client works with an architect and financier long before the first shovel of dirt is removed. During the bidding process, a contractor may have to work with the building's architect to discuss potential problems with a design element. If the complexity of the building's design or the potential cost overruns threaten to overwhelm the person's skills, he or she needs to step back and allow someone else to win the bid. A good contractor understands that the success of the project depends on his or her ability to hire the right independent subcontractors and follow the wishes of the client.

In a different sense, a contractor could also be anyone who agrees to perform work for a fee. This occurs frequently in businesses that cannot afford to assign or hire a new employee to perform a specific job. The job itself may not be long-term enough to justify the expenses of a new hire, or the wages may not be sufficient for established employees. Companies in this situation often hire independent contractors to perform the job without a formal employment agreement. The pay rate is discussed with each independent worker and a legal agreement may be produced. After completing the job, an independent contractor receives the entire amount of pay without tax deductions or other withholdings. At the end of the tax year, the company issues a federal 1099 form showing the worker's miscellaneous income earned.

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Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

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Discussion Comments
By anon1001851 — On Jul 08, 2019

Is there a way to separate these taxes as an independent contractor to prove earning SS wages? Is there a specialized form to help contractors arrange the various taxes normally taken out to prevent any penalties?

By anon65697 — On Feb 15, 2010

how much does a contractor get paid?

By anon14224 — On Jun 12, 2008

what are the procedures to be made before becoming a contractor?

By anon12961 — On May 16, 2008

Very informative article. Thanks a lot!

By kirinqueen — On Apr 06, 2007

Are there federal or state laws that protect any employees who can be termed independent contractors, beyond whatever restrictions and terms are in the contracts themselves?

What do "potential cost overruns" refer to? I am confused by the description of "overruns" in a context where a project has not physically been started yet. (Maybe this is a typo?)

I would like to know more about the bidding process in building construction.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to WiseGeek, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range...
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