Subconsultants – Contract Tip of the Week

Q: We need to hire subconsultants for a portion of our services. Does my client need to approve?

A:  Check your agreement. It’s not unusual for the owner/client to require prior approval of subconsultants. One way to address this in order to avoid any lapses in service is to agree at the outset of the project on a list of prequalified service providers. In any event, be aware that regardless of the type of subconsultant you engage, you can be held vicariously liable for the services that they render. Remember to require those subconsultants to maintain adequate insurance and verify that it’s being done through certificates of insurance.

The Risk Specialty Group and RLI Design Professionals are pleased to feature our Contract Tip of the Week series. Each week, we’ll review a question submitted by a design firm relating to the subject of contracts. Keep in mind, though, that these discussions are general in nature and in making specific business decisions, it’s important to review your options with a knowledgeable attorney.