What General Contractors Do & When to Hire One

Planning a home renovation? You’ll likely need to hire a general contractor (GC) to manage the project. Whether it’s updating your kitchen or adding a new bathroom, a general contractor (GC) handles everything from securing permits to hiring subcontractors and keeping your project on schedule.

But how do you know when to hire one and what to expect in terms of cost?

In this post, we’ll break down what general contractors do, how to find a reliable one, and why working with a professional can save you time, money, and headaches.

Continue reading to find how to select the ideal general contractor for your project.

What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor (GC) is the main professional who manages home improvement projects. They handle all aspects of construction and remodeling work.

GCs can be individuals or companies of different sizes, from small operations with just one or two people to large firms with many employees.

What Does a General Contractor Do?

General contractors manage all aspects of renovation projects. Their main responsibilities include getting proper permits, ensuring work follows local laws, providing materials and equipment, hiring workers, estimating costs, controlling expenses, and keeping projects on schedule.

They also hire and watch over specialized subcontractors like painters, plumbers, and landscapers.

GCs ensure site safety, maintain needed insurance, secure work areas, remove trash, and ensure required inspections. They also handle problems that arise during projects and take responsibility if things go wrong.

Who Do They Work with?

General contractors collaborate with many different people to complete projects. They manage subcontractors with special skills in areas such as painting, plumbing, electrical work, and landscaping.

GCs also work with material suppliers and vendors to get everything needed for the job. They talk with architects and designers when plans require it. For homeowners selling their houses, GCs often work with real estate agents.

They also deal with local building departments for permits and inspections. Everyone involved depends on the GC to keep the project moving forward.

Why Hire a General Contractor for a Remodel?

Hiring a general contractor for your home remodel is often the best choice for complex projects.

GCs bring expertise, connections, and organizational skills that help projects run smoothly. They save homeowners time and stress by handling all the details and solving problems that arise.

For real estate agents helping clients get homes ready to sell, working with a GC means less worry about project management.

Problems with DIY or Unlicensed Help

Taking on major home projects yourself or hiring unqualified workers can lead to serious issues. Poor workmanship, from uneven finishes to badly installed fixtures, is a common problem.

Without proper knowledge, you might break building codes and face legal troubles. Safety risks increase with inexperienced workers, and you could be responsible if someone gets hurt on your property.

DIY projects often take longer than expected and can cost more due to mistakes and rework. Many homeowners find themselves stuck with half-finished projects they can’t complete.

Benefits of a Qualified GC

Working with a professional general contractor provides many advantages for your home renovation project. Here are the key benefits they bring:

• Expert management of all project aspects from start to finish
• Proper permits and compliance with local building codes
• Access to reliable, skilled subcontractors
• Accurate cost estimates and timeline planning
• Professional-grade materials and equipment
• Insurance coverage that protects your property
• Clear communication throughout the renovation process
• Proven problem-solving skills when challenges arise
• Quality workmanship with attention to detail
• Peace of mind knowing your project is in capable hands

Signs You Need a General Contractor

You likely need a general contractor when your home project involves multiple specialized trades, requires permits, or changes your home’s structure.

Complex projects affecting plumbing, electrical systems, or walls typically require a GC’s expertise to ensure safety and proper completion.

Projects That Require a GC

General contractors are essential for complex home projects, such as creating a master suite by removing walls, completing kitchen or bathroom remodels, adding rooms, or changing your home’s layout.

Projects that require permits or involve multiple subcontractors with specific skills also require a GC. A general contractor should manage home foundation repairs, major electrical or plumbing work, roof replacements, and structural changes.

These projects have safety considerations and building code requirements that GCs understand and can properly handle.

Projects You Can DIY or Use a Handyman

Smaller jobs that don’t alter your home’s structure typically don’t require a general contractor. Simple tasks like painting rooms, replacing light fixtures, fixing leaky faucets, or installing shelving can be DIY projects or handled by a handyman.

Basic floor repairs, minor drywall patching, cabinet hardware updates, and simple landscaping jobs are also suitable for DIY or handyman work. These projects typically don’t need permits, don’t involve safety risks, and don’t require coordinating multiple specialized workers.

General Contractor vs. Design-Build Firm

Choosing between a general contractor and a design-build firm can shape the success and flow of your renovation. To make the decision easier, here’s a quick table showing the main differences between the two types of professionals.

Feature	General Contractor	Design-Build Firm
Role	Manages construction after plans are drawn	Handles both design and construction
Team Structure	Works with outside architects/designers	In-house team of designers and builders
Best For	Projects with pre-made plans	Full-service renovations from concept to finish
Coordination	Separate parties may require more communication	Streamlined communication under one company
Design Input	Limited	Full design services included

Understanding your renovation goals and how much design support you need will help you choose the right path. Both options can lead to great results—it just depends on what kind of help you’re looking for.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a General Contractor?

The cost of hiring a general contractor varies based on several factors, including project scope, location, and the contractor’s experience level.

GCs typically earn money through service fees, which can include a percentage markup on materials and labor. Before starting work, you’ll need to discuss fee structures, which might be a fixed rate or a percentage of the total project cost.

Pricing Factors

Many elements affect how much you’ll pay a general contractor. Project size and complexity play major roles – larger projects with multiple rooms or structural changes cost more than small updates. Location matters too, as prices vary widely across different cities and regions.

The contractor’s experience and reputation impact costs, with highly skilled professionals charging more for their expertise.

Material quality is another key factor, as premium finishes cost more than basic options. Finally, project timelines can affect pricing, with rush jobs often carrying higher fees.

How to Hire a General Contractor the Smart Way

Finding the right general contractor for your home renovation can make the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one.

Taking time to research, interview, and compare contractors helps ensure you choose a qualified professional who can deliver quality work. The following steps and tips will guide you through the hiring process.

Step-by-Step Hiring Process

To find the right general contractor, follow a careful selection process. Here are the steps to take when hiring a contractor for your project:

1. Identify 3-5 qualified contractors operating in your area.
2. Check their experience with projects like yours.
3. Schedule separate site visits with each contractor.
4. Ask detailed questions about their process and experience.
5. Get written estimates from each contractor.
6. Compare bids to determine what is included and excluded.
7. Check references and past work examples.
8. Review contracts carefully before signing.
9. Please pay the agreed-upon deposit to secure your start date.
10. Keep all project documents in one place.

Questions to Ask During Site Visits

When meeting with potential contractors, it’s essential to ask the right questions to gain a clear understanding of their approach. Consider these key questions:

• How long have you been working as a contractor?
• How many projects do you manage at once?
• How do you handle unexpected problems?
• How will we communicate during the project?
• What challenges do you see with my renovation?
• Can I speak with your past clients?

What Makes a Great General Contractor?

Finding a skilled general contractor involves looking beyond basic qualifications. The best GCs combine technical knowledge with strong management skills and professional integrity.

Understanding what sets top contractors apart helps you choose someone who will deliver excellent results and make your renovation experience positive.

Key Qualities

Great general contractors excel at clear communication, keeping you informed throughout the project. They show honesty about timelines, costs, and potential challenges.

Top contractors adapt quickly when issues arise, finding creative solutions to keep work moving forward. They pay close attention to small details that affect the quality of finished work.

Professional contractors keep work areas clean and protect your home during construction. The best general contractors also have strong organizational skills, bringing in the right workers at the right time and ensuring materials arrive when needed.

Red Flags to Avoid

Watch out for contractors who demand large upfront payments before starting work. Be careful with those who avoid putting agreements in writing or offer vague estimates.

Contractors who can’t provide references from past clients may be hiding a poor work history. Those who suggest skipping permits are cutting corners and risking legal issues.

Communication problems early in the process often get worse during construction.

Contractors who take on too many jobs at once may not give your project enough attention. If you notice unprofessional behavior during initial meetings, it likely signals future problems.

Conclusion

Hiring the right general contractor can make or break your home renovation experience. A good GC handles permits, subcontractors, materials, timelines, and problem-solving so you don’t have to worry about these details.

They bring valuable expertise to complex projects that require multiple specialists. While smaller jobs might not need a general contractor, larger renovations benefit greatly from professional management.

Take time to research potential contractors, check their references, and ask plenty of questions before making your choice. With the right professional leading your project, you can transform your home with less stress and better results.