Subappaltatori

Subappaltatori are individuals or companies hired by the main contractor (appaltatore) to carry out part of the works specified in a contract with the client. They operate under a subcontract and generally do not have a direct contractual relationship with the client, unless there is a novation or separate agreement.

Subcontractors are typically engaged to perform specialized or technical tasks within a broader project, such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or specialized engineering. The main contractor remains responsible to the client for the overall completion, quality, safety, and timeliness of the project, while the subcontractor is responsible for fulfilling the portion of work assigned to them and for delivering the required outputs.

Legal and regulatory considerations emphasize safety, licensing, and compliance. The appaltatore must coordinate and supervise the work of subcontractors, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and standards. Safety on site is a shared responsibility, with both the main contractor and subcontractors required to cooperate under health and safety directives.

Financial arrangements and risk management are also central. Subcontractors are paid by the main contractor according to agreed terms, subject to satisfactory performance and certification of completed work. Financial risk can arise from delays, non-payment, or insolvency of a subcontractor, which may affect project continuity. In many contexts, additional layers of subcontracting (sub-subappaltatori) exist, with the main contractor retained to manage the overall coordination and contractual flow.

Subcontracting practices may be subject to rules in public procurement and industry standards, including disclosure requirements, qualifications, and limits on subcontracting where applicable.