When you hire a carpenter for a building project, you're not always hiring just one person. Many carpenters work with subcontractors — specialists like plumbers, electricians, plasterers, or concreters — to complete different parts of the job. Knowing who those people are, what they're qualified to do, and how they're managed can save you a lot of headaches down the track. Here's a practical guide to the questions worth asking before work begins.
Why Subcontractors Matter on Your Project
As the homeowner, you have a contract with your lead carpenter or building company. But if a subcontractor does poor work or causes damage, the lines of responsibility can get blurry fast. Understanding the subcontracting arrangements upfront means you know who is accountable for what — and you're not left out of pocket if something goes wrong.
MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on your rights and responsibilities as a building owner, including how contracts should work.
Key Questions to Ask About Subcontractors
1. Who exactly will be working on my project?
Ask your carpenter to name the subcontractors they plan to use and what trades they'll be handling. A reputable lead tradesperson should be comfortable sharing this information. If they're vague or reluctant, that's worth noting.
2. Are the subcontractors licensed for restricted work?
In New Zealand, certain types of work are legally restricted and must be carried out by licensed professionals:
- Electrical work must be done by a registered electrician. Check the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) register to verify.
- Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying must be done by a licensed tradesperson registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
- Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) are required for certain Restricted Building Work — structural and weathertight work on homes. You can check any LBP's licence on the LBP register.
Always ask for licence numbers and verify them yourself. Don't just take someone's word for it.
3. Does each subcontractor carry their own insurance?
This is one of the most important questions. Ask whether each subcontractor holds:
- Public liability insurance — covers damage to your property or injury to third parties
- Professional indemnity insurance (where relevant) — covers errors in their work
Get confirmation in writing. If a subcontractor isn't insured and something goes wrong, you could be left covering the cost. Check whether your lead carpenter's insurance also covers subcontractors working under them, or whether each sub needs their own policy.
4. Who is responsible if a subcontractor's work is defective?
Clarify this in your contract before work starts. In most cases, your contract is with the lead carpenter, so they should be responsible for the quality of any subcontracted work. Ask them directly: "If a subcontractor makes a mistake, who fixes it and who pays?"
Consumer NZ has helpful advice on building contracts and your rights as a consumer.
5. Will the subcontractors' work require a building consent?
Some work requires a building consent from your local council, while other work falls under Schedule 1 exemptions of the Building Act. Your lead carpenter should be able to advise you, but always confirm with your local council — exemptions can vary depending on your specific situation and property.
MBIE Building Performance outlines what work requires consent and what may be exempt.
6. How are subcontractors managed on site?
Ask your carpenter:
- Who supervises the subcontractors day-to-day?
- How is the work sequenced so trades don't clash or cause delays?
- Who is the main point of contact if you have concerns about a subcontractor's work?
Good project management is a sign of a professional operation.
7. Are the subcontractors regular partners or one-off hires?
Carpenters who work regularly with the same subcontractors tend to have better-coordinated projects. If your carpenter is hiring someone they've never worked with before, it's reasonable to ask why and what vetting they've done.
A Handy Checklist
| Question | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Who are the subcontractors? | Named individuals or companies |
| Are they licensed? | Verified licence numbers |
| Do they have insurance? | Written confirmation |
| Who's liable for defects? | Clearly stated in contract |
| Is consent required? | Confirmed with council |
| Who manages them on site? | Named supervisor |
Protecting Yourself With a Written Contract
Make sure your contract with the lead carpenter clearly covers:
- A list of subcontractors (or a process for approving new ones)
- Who holds liability for subcontracted work
- Payment terms — you generally shouldn't be paying subcontractors directly unless agreed
- Dispute resolution processes
Never pay cash without a receipt, and be cautious of arrangements where you're asked to contract separately with each subcontractor — this can leave you managing multiple relationships and disputes.
Safety on Site
All workers on your site — including subcontractors — must comply with NZ health and safety law. WorkSafe NZ sets out the duties of PCBUs (persons conducting a business or undertaking), and your lead carpenter has responsibilities for managing health and safety across the site, including for subcontractors.
When to Call a Professional
If you're unsure whether the subcontractors being used are appropriately qualified, or if you're concerned about the contract arrangements, consider:
- Consulting a solicitor with building contract experience before signing
- Contacting BRANZ for independent technical guidance
- Checking the relevant licensing boards (EWRB, PGDB, LBP) to verify credentials
For your carpentry project, finding a reputable lead tradesperson is the first step — you can search for qualified local carpenters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
