Sub

Definition: When discussing home renovation projects with a contractor, that contractor will often use the word "subs" and the phrase "subbing out." What's this mean?

Well, you may have guessed that it's short for "sub-contractor." Of course, "subbing out" would then mean "to use a sub-contractor" for a certain task. Again, what exactly is a sub-contractor when we're talking about home renovation projects?

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the trades that subs work in:

• Plumbing
• Drywall
• Electricians
• Foundation work
• Floor installers
• Window installers
• General carpenters

In short, anyone who is hired by the contractor to perform a task is a sub. Thus, it's more of a catch-all term to describe anyone working in the myriad of home renovation trades. Designers, architects, and others who work at a lateral level with the contractor are not called subs.

Examples: "We will sub out the electrical work."