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What Does a General Contractor Do?

What a general contractor actually handles — from permits and scheduling to hiring subs and standing behind the finished work.

By RenovateRadar ·

A general contractor (GC) is the single point of accountability for a construction project. Rather than coordinating plumbers, electricians, and carpenters yourself, you hire a GC who plans the work, hires and manages the trades, and delivers the finished result against a contract.

What a general contractor handles

  • Pulling permits and scheduling inspections.
  • Hiring, scheduling, and supervising subcontractors.
  • Ordering materials and managing the budget.
  • Keeping the project on sequence so each trade can work in turn.
  • Handling change orders and standing behind the workmanship warranty.

General contractor vs. subcontractor

A subcontractor performs one trade — tile, electrical, framing. The general contractor hires and coordinates those subs, carries overall liability, and answers to the homeowner for the whole job.

When you need a general contractor

Any project involving multiple trades, permits, or structural work benefits from a GC. For a single-trade job — just painting, or just a fixture swap — hiring that specialist directly is usually simpler and cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a general contractor for a small remodel?
If the project spans multiple trades or needs permits, a general contractor saves you from coordinating it all and carries the liability. For a single-trade job, hiring that specialist directly is often enough.
How does a general contractor get paid?
Typically through a payment schedule tied to milestones, with the contractor's fee built into the contract price. That fee covers their coordination, supervision, overhead, and warranty.

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