The Role of General Contractors
A General Contractor (GC) is the project manager of your home’s construction, overseeing every stage to ensure the work gets done correctly, on time, and within budget. They act as the bridge between you, the homeowner, and everyone else involved in the project, from tradespeople to suppliers. Without a GC, managing the complexities of building a home can quickly become overwhelming.
What They Do
Project Management: The GC organizes the schedule, ensuring that each phase of construction and specifics of each phase happens in the correct order—from foundation to framing to this needs to happen before that happens.
Hiring Trades: They hire and manage subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, roofers, and drywallers. They should always come with their own team that they have worked with for years.
Materials and Supplies: The GC sources materials and ensures they are delivered on time and meet the required specifications.
Problem Solving: If unexpected challenges arise, such as delays, budget overruns, or unforeseen site conditions, the GC handles them to keep the project moving forward.
Compliance and Safety: They make sure that construction meets building codes, passes inspections, and adheres to safety standards.
Why They’re Valuable
Experience: A good GC brings years of experience and knows how to troubleshoot problems that might derail a less experienced builder.
Time Management: Coordinating multiple trades and suppliers requires a sharp eye on the schedule. A GC keeps the process smooth and efficient.
Cost Savings: While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a GC can save you money by minimizing mistakes, delays, and costly miscommunications. Many GCs also have relationships with suppliers, potentially securing discounts. And I’m not just talking 10% off. These discounts can be HUGE.
Peace of Mind: They take the stress off your shoulders by handling the details and providing regular updates so you’re always in the loop.
Warranty & Accountability: See below.
Where They Overlap
The GC works closely with the architectural designer or architect, structural engineer, and tradespeople to bring your home’s design to life. While they don’t typically design or engineer the project, they are responsible for making sure the plans and specifications are executed correctly.
Pro Tip: Have them included in the design process to stay on top of the budget. Your Architect/ural Designer can do it’s best, but the only one who knows the most current and up-to-date prices is the GC.
What to Look For
We’ll get to this in more detail in further lessons, but when hiring a general contractor, ask for:
References and Reviews: Speak to past clients to ensure they have a track record of quality work.
Licensing and Insurance: Verify that they are properly licensed and insured in your region.
Transparent Estimates: Look for clear, detailed cost breakdowns so you know what you’re paying for.
Communication Skills: A great GC keeps you informed and involved without overwhelming you with technical details.
By hiring the right general contractor, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide steering your project toward a successful completion, helping to turn your vision into reality.
Still feeling unsure about hiring the right GC? Don’t worry—this program is designed to guide you every step of the way. Continue learning what to look for (and look out for) in a GC, understanding contracts, communication, and accountability, and so much more.
DIY Risks
While doing it yourself may seem rewarding, it comes with risks. Misinterpreting plans, overlooking code requirements, or underestimating costs can lead to significant problems down the line. A licensed builder not only ensures compliance and quality but also anticipates challenges before they arise.
Being your own General Contractor also puts the liability on you. This means you are required to have your own insurance, have to hold all the trades responsible for their own work and, in some cases, are responsible for the overall build for the next 10 years.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you have the time and knowledge to manage a home build or renovation?
Are you prepared for the physical, emotional, and financial demands of being the General Contractor?
Would the added stress outweigh the perceived savings?
Are you willing to take on the insurances and warranties that are now set on you?
Hiring a licensed residential builder isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your investment, your timeline, and your peace of mind. Their expertise ensures your dream home is built right the first time, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the long run.
Let's move on to the next lesson