What does the term 'subcontractor' mean in construction?

The term 'subcontractor' in construction refers to a company or individual that is contracted to perform a specific task or portion of work within a larger project. Subcontractors specialize in various areas of construction, such as electrical work, plumbing, roofing, or concrete finishing, and are often employed by a general contractor who oversees the entire project. This arrangement allows for the division of labor, enabling experts to focus on particular tasks, ensuring higher quality and efficiency in the completion of the project.

The other options do not align with the definition of a subcontractor. A general contractor, for instance, is responsible for managing the entire project and coordinating various subcontractors rather than performing specific tasks themselves. An entity providing financing for a construction project is involved in funding rather than the execution of the work, while an organization that supplies materials is focused on providing necessary resources rather than undertaking construction tasks. Therefore, option A accurately captures the essence of what a subcontractor is in the context of construction.