12/03/2026
Biting the hand that feeds
One problem almost every contractor runs into at some point
The client starts speaking directly to the lads on site
Then the conversation becomes:
“Can you just do this bit while you're here?”
Or worse…
“If I deal with you directly I can save a bit rather than going through the main contractor”
This creates a real risk for the contractor running the job - financially for sure
But also this can absolutely DESTROY a team
Extra work gets agreed
Scope changes happen
Payments get discussed outside the contract
And suddenly the person responsible for the project has lost control of the commercial side of the job
Some contractors try to deal with this by including terms saying that all instructions must go through the contract holder and that site operatives cannot agree variations or additional works
Others include non-circumvention clauses preventing the client from directly engaging subcontractors or workers introduced through the project
Because once that line is crossed, disputes tend to follow FAST
I’m curious how many contractors here have had this happen on a job - let me know below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
