How many average Americans check the legal status of contractors they hire?
In any general construction, but especially in large scale projects, there exists a cascade of contracts.
The owner/developer releases the Architect and engineers’ construction documents for bids by general contractors.
The general contractor has a direct contract with the owner/developer.
The general contractor then signs contracts with subcontracting firms, providing materials, installation and other services, ie demolition, excavation, foundation, etc. Each of these subs have contracts only with the general contractor with attendant responsibilities, bonding compliance as outlined by the drawings and specifications.
There is no legal contractual relationship between the subs and the owner.
In practice, as an owners rep. if I spotted an error or mistake by a subcontractor, I could only make inquiries of the sub, I could not legally direct him to makes changes nor stop the work.
I had to speak to the GC, present my case, verbal and in written form. The GC would then evaluate the circumstances to see the effect on overall impact to the construction process, what coordination would be required by other subs, total additional cost changes to the general contract amount and changes to the contract completion.
The GC then presented these to the owner for review and approval. And then the chain worked in reverse to continue construction.
As to subcontractor compliance, it is totally part of the contractual obligations of the general contractor. In point of fact, interference by the owner directly with a sub is a violation of the contract with the GC.
Sure that both of you are aware of this but others in the forum pop off through sheer willful ignorance.
Use this as you will.
I check every person who comes on my property.. as far as I can!