What Is a General Contractor?
A general contractor is responsible for the coordination and construction of larger residential projects. This could be a single person or a firm that is contracted directly by the property owner. They are responsible for hiring subcontractors and coordinating their work to make sure the project is completed properly, on time and on budget. Paperwork, licensing and insurance along with a wealth of knowledge pertaining to construction, industry standards and local building codes are just a few other things that fall under the ‘General Contractor’ umbrella.
General Contractor VS. Subcontractor
If we are being technical, anyone you’ve hired to complete a project in your home under a contract is a contractor. And while they work together, it’s important to note the difference between a general contractor and a subcontractor.
In comparison to a general contractor, a subcontractor (or independent contractor) completes work that is more narrowly focused. They are specialists that are highly trained in specific areas such as painting, roofing, flooring, plumbing, flooring, etc.
A general contractor’s work will be focused more on the bigger picture. They are responsible for coordinating vendors and subcontractors and will be the point of contact between all parties involved in the project, including the owner (or customer).
Three Times to Consider a General Contractor
#1: Do you need a permit? Certain projects require permits to be completed. These permits can only be obtained by licensed professionals. If you are doing a project that requires multiple permits, you might be better off contacting a local general contractor.
#2: How many independent contractors (or subcontractors) will you need? The average homeowner probably isn’t an expert in residential building. We might be able to keep an eye on one or two painters but if your project is a room remodel, hiring a general contractor may not only save you time but money and stress, too. A general contractor is going to know exactly who to call. They can better coordinate the work of each subcontractor, will be everyone’s point of contact and may even have access to better pricing for labor and materials.
#3: How long do you think your project take? A week or more is best left to a general contractor. They will know how much time is required for each step of your project, they will be able to coordinate different subcontractors to work quicker and more efficiently.
The More You Know
Some projects are ‘DIY’ and some are not. Some projects will need an independent contractor and some need the help of a general contractor. Knowing what general contractors and subcontractors do can help you analyze the project ahead of you and decide when your project is best suited for a general contractor. In need of a local contractor? Give us a call at (888) 606-4738 and we’ll find one for you.
