Attribuer, imputer, etc

I'm afraid I can't think of the French for this, so this is merely a 'descriptive translation', not - TTBOMK - the accepted term.

A contra-charge is applied when the main contractor considers a subcontractor has been negligent, has not done work correctly, has not cleared the site of his rubbish, whatever. It is a BIG source of conflict. IOW, the main contractor charges an amount to the subcontractor as compensation, or as damages, for what he considers to be the extra cost to him of what was done or not done by the subcontractor.

"The following items comprise a list (by no means exhaustive) of typical 'contra charges':
Cleaning and clearing away rubble. Usually accompanied by a portfolio of photographs demonstrating not only that the junior QS had nothing better to do on site, but also allegedly showing how the subcontractor substantially failed to clear his rubbish. Or rather failed to clear it in time, before the junior QS, armed with his phone discovered the scene.
Defective work
Damages to the contractor’s or other’s work that needed repair
Use of the contractor’s equipment, scaffolding or the like
Additional time and attendance by the contractor due to any of the above"

In your case, at least, the 'offending' party is being an opportunity to remediate his work before the demand for 'dédommagement' becomes effective.