Can a contractor be held responsible for subcontractors’ work?

A contractor can indeed be held responsible for the work of their subcontractors, and this is largely due to the principle of vicarious liability. When a contractor hires a subcontractor, they take on the responsibility for the overall project, which includes ensuring that all work meets the required standards and complies with relevant laws and regulations. This liability remains regardless of the subcontractor's direct responsibility for the work performed.

This responsibility is rooted in the idea that clients and property owners have the right to expect a certain level of quality and professionalism, which the contractor guarantees by overseeing all aspects of the project. If a subcontractor performs poorly or violates regulations, the main contractor can still be held accountable for those violations, since they are considered to have a duty of care to the client.

As for the other options, stating that a contractor is not liable under any circumstances or only for damages does not align with the principle of vicarious liability, which recognizes that contractors must ensure quality control over all work done on behalf of the client. Also, limiting responsibility to situations expressly noted in the contract does not cover the broader scope of legal liability that exists regardless of contractual nuances.