REVIEW OF SUBCONTRACTING PRACTICE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abdullahi, A.H.

Department of Quantity Surveying,

The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

E-mail: ameehajj@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Great numbers of traders from different specialization makes construction industry complicated and unique industry. The construction process is a function of many variables and is exceptionally complex both in conception and implementation. In a construction project of appreciable size, it is probable that much of the actual work will be sub-contracted. The situation is no longer obtainable for a contractor (builder) to simply carry out all the works for the client. This is as a result of the need to involve other specialists in some elements of the work. Success of a construction project is essential depending on the ability of the general contractor to select the appropriate subcontractor during bidding process, and the sufficient management of subcontractor during construction. Main contractors use subcontracting as a means of surviving the volatility of the construction business cycle such as transferring financial risks and burdens and offloading direct employment responsibility. The construction industry is one of the main sectors of the economy. The contracting companies carry out important construction projects in cooperation with subcontractors. The majority of works in construction projects (such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, and ironmongery works) are implemented by subcontractors through the main contractors. The paper is a summary of literature review done on the definitions, relationship between the client, contractor (builder) and the sub-contractor, formation of building contracts.