A general contractor manages subcontractors, schedules work, orders materials, and keeps everything up to code during a construction or renovation project. They’re usually the main point of contact between the client and the other professionals involved.
A general contractor makes sure the moving parts of every job, from kitchen remodels to full home additions, come together. They supervise workflows, hire licensed trades, maintain safety standards, and keep the entire project on budget and schedule.
When Do You Need a General Contractor?
You usually need a general contractor when a construction project involves several trades or requires permits. These elements often cause projects to exceed your capacity to manage them alone.
Jobs that need coordination across many teams are usually where a general contractor steps in. That could mean anything from large-scale home renovations to home additions.
Let’s say you’re remodeling your home, and the job involves plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring, and inspections. That’s a lot of different trades, so hiring a general contractor simplifies the process.
They already know how to sequence trades, which permits you need, and how to communicate with inspectors.
You usually don’t need a GC for smaller DIY projects like painting a room or replacing a faucet. But if the scope widens to structural or code-related tasks, you’ll be glad you hired a general contractor.
What Are the Main Responsibilities of a General Contractor?
General contractors are responsible for managing the daily operations of a construction site. That means hiring subcontractors, securing permits, purchasing materials, managing the budget, and keeping work up to code.
Think of them like the corporate sector’s project managers. They’re both coordinating people, tasks, and resources to achieve a predefined goal. In construction, that includes dealing with vendors, timelines, and technical requirements.
Some of their responsibilities include creating detailed schedules, sourcing suppliers, managing labor teams, resolving delays or miscommunications, and keeping the site safe and legally compliant.
They may also handle inspections, order adjustments, and final walkthroughs before a project is officially complete.
What’s the Difference Between a General Contractor and a Subcontractor?
A general contractor oversees the entire construction project, and hires subcontractors to perform specific tasks like electrical work, plumbing, roofing, or HVAC installation. The general contractor manages these specialists and fits their work into the project as a whole.
Homeowners or developers usually hire one general contractor themselves. The GC then hires subcontractors as needed and coordinates their schedules. Subcontractors don’t interact with the client much, if at all. They follow the GC’s direction and focus on their trade-specific work.
This hierarchy keeps the project organized and gives the client a single point of contact. They handle all the moving parts, juggling communications with five or six different trades so the client doesn’t have to.
How Do You Hire the Right General Contractor?
Hiring the right general contractor starts with doing your homework.
Key Steps for Selecting a General Contractor
- Start researching licensed contractors in your area. Look at online testimonials or ask friends/neighbors for recommendations.
- Shortlist a few contractors, then check their credentials and past projects.
- Ask for examples or previous work like yours in type and scope.
- Talk to previous clients about their experience. Was the contractor communicative? Was the job finished on time? Were there any unexpected costs or problems?
- Set up an initial meeting.
During the initial meeting, ask for bids that break down labor, materials, timelines, and payment schedules. Vague estimates or unwillingness to sign a written contract are huge red flags. A professional GC will outline what’s included and what’s not.
Make sure the contractor is a good communicator. You’ll be working together for weeks or months, so you need a clear, responsive relationship.
What Should Be in a General Contractor Agreement?
A general contractor agreement should clearly outline:
- scope of work
- materials used
- payment schedule
- start and completion dates
- dispute resolution processes
- warranty coverage
It should also address how changes (known as “change orders”) will be handled. You might want to make changes due to design adjustments, material substitutions, or unforeseen issues like mold or structural damage.
Many agreements also specify project milestones that’ll trigger partial payments. For example, your contractor gets paid part of the project total when they complete the framing. This keeps payments and progress in sync, and gives you some financial control as the client.
It’s understandable to be unsure of what to include in a contractor agreement. If that’s the case, find a sample template online or consult a construction attorney.
How Do General Contractors Get Licensed and Insured?
Usually, general contractors must be licensed by the state, city, or municipality where they operate. Getting that license often requires:
- Passing trade-specific exams
- Submitting proof of relevant work experience
- Maintaining liability insurance and a surety bond
General liability insurance protects the contractor and client from financial loss due to property damage, injuries on site, or accidents caused by construction work.
Bonding offers an extra layer of protection if the contractor fails to complete the job or meet contractual obligations.
These credentials prove a contractor’s professionalism and accountability. If you’re hiring a general contractor, always ask for proof of current licenses and insurance coverage.
How Do General Contractors Manage Subcontractors and Schedules?
One of the most valuable roles a general contractor plays is schedule coordination. They develop a timeline for the entire project and assign tasks in the proper sequence.
For example, the foundation must be poured before framing begins, and the electrician can’t do wiring until the walls are in place.
The GC uses project management software or detailed spreadsheets to track who’s doing what and when. If delays occur, they adjust the schedule and communicate updates to the subcontractors and the client.
They also make sure subcontractors complete work to the required standards, inspect progress at every milestone, and make real-time decisions that help the project move forward.
How Much Does a General Contractor Cost?
General contractors usually charge a percentage of the total project cost. This fee includes their project management time, administrative overhead, and profit margin. On smaller jobs, a flat fee or hourly rate may be more common.
Some GCs use a cost-plus pricing model, where they charge the actual cost of labor and materials plus a predetermined markup. Others offer fixed-price contracts that cover the entire job from start to finish.
It’s important to understand how your contractor prices their work before signing. Ask whether the base estimate includes certain services, or if they’re billed separately.
General Contractor FAQs
What does a general contractor do on a daily basis?
They schedule subcontractors, inspect work, manage deliveries, resolve issues, and communicate with clients. Their day is filled with overseeing progress, troubleshooting delays, and keeping everything on schedule.
Is a general contractor necessary for a remodel?
If your remodel involves many trades, structural changes, or permitting, hire a general contractor. They’ll be a big help in coordinating the process and maintaining quality control.
Can a homeowner act as their own general contractor?
Yes, but it requires strong knowledge of construction, permitting, scheduling, and managing vendors. Most homeowners hire a GC to reduce risks and avoid time-consuming errors.
Why Are General Contractors Key to a Successful Project?
General contractors play a critical role in residential and commercial construction projects. They’re hiring subcontractors, securing permits, managing timelines, and handling the countless tasks needed to bring a building or renovation to life.
If you’re planning a significant remodel, new build, or home addition, an experienced general contractor is your best asset. Their expertise helps you avoid delays, legal pitfalls, and budget overruns while ensuring your project is completed safely and professionally.
