🚨 Consumer Alert: Risk Level High
The Subcontractor
Shell Game
Executive Summary
- THE RISK:The person doing the work has never been background checked and isn't covered by the company's insurance policy.
- THE CAUSE:"Sales Companies" that sell the lead for $20k and hire a cheap sub-crew for $10k to do the work.
- THE FIX:Demanding a "Labor Structure Disclosure" (Employees vs Subs).
Who is actually in your house?
You hire "Elite Kitchens." The owner, Mike, comes over. He's polite, licensed, trustworthy. Work starts Monday. Mike isn't there. Three guys you've never met are banging on the door in an unmarked van. You call Mike. "Oh, those are my subs."
You didn't hire them. But they are in your kitchen.
The Liability Gap
If they are "1099 Independent Contractors," they need *their own* insurance. Mike's policy likely excludes them. If they get hurt on your property and don't have comp, they sue you.
⚠️ Red Flag: If a company cannot produce a COI for the *specific crew* on your job, do not let them start.
Hire Transparent Pros.
We ask every pro: "Do you self-perform or subcontract?" and we show you the answer.