In the HVAC sector, subcontracting is an everyday reality. Main contractors, installers and design engineers bring in specialist commissioning engineers for the start-up and commissioning phases. Well structured, this collaboration is an asset; badly managed, it breeds conflict.
Legal framework for subcontracting
- • Law of 31 December 1975 (French subcontracting law): the subcontractor must be approved by the client and may be entitled to direct payment.
- • Subcontract: must define the exact scope, timescales, price and acceptance conditions.
- • Liability: the subcontractor is responsible to the main contractor for the quality of its work.
- • Ten-year liability insurance: check that the subcontractor holds professional indemnity insurance and, where applicable, ten-year (décennale) cover.
Best practice for successful collaboration
- • Write a precise specification: list of equipment, expected flow rates, tolerances, deliverables (reports).
- • Pre-start site visit: the subcontractor must be able to assess progress and access before committing to a programme.
- • Regular communication: a weekly catch-up with the main contractor avoids misunderstandings.
- • Witnessed acceptance: tests should be carried out in the presence of the client to validate the results.
- • Clear invoicing: fixed price or time and materials, with payment terms agreed in advance (30 days end of month).
FIELD TIP
The metteuraupoint.fr platform offers a subcontracting module where you can publish requests and receive proposals from qualified commissioning engineers in your area.
HVAC subcontracting works when both parties are transparent. A good subcontractor is a trusted partner you call back project after project.