contractor legal definition

A party to a contract, especially one who agrees to provide goods or services to the other parties.

A contractor who agrees to undertake a large project, such as the construction of a building, and who hires and coordinates subcontractors to complete parts of the project. Also called a prime contractor.

A contractor who agrees to provide services to another party, but who retains significant or complete control over how the work is done. See also employee.

A person retained by a contractor (usually a general contractor or another subcontractor) to complete a part or all of the obligations owed by the contractor under a particular contract or series of contracts. For example, general contractors who build houses frequently hire subcontractors to install the plumbing.