When should I hire a general contractor?

Hire a general contractor when a project crosses multiple trades, needs permits and inspections, involves structural or layout changes, or runs more than a couple of weeks. The GC coordinates subs, schedules, and inspections so you don't have to manage it all yourself.

Can I act as my own general contractor?

Yes, on smaller jobs. You can hire and schedule trades directly and save the GC markup if you have the time, know which trades to call in what order, and can be on site to make decisions. On large, multi-trade projects, that becomes a part-time job with real risk.

When do I not need a general contractor?

You don't need a GC for single-trade work like painting, flooring, or a water-heater swap, or for small jobs a handyman can handle. Hiring the specialist directly is cheaper and simpler when only one trade is involved and no permits or coordination are needed.

When should you hire a general contractor?

Q: What does a general contractor charge?

A general contractor typically charges 10 to 20 percent of the total project cost as their markup, or builds it into a fixed bid. On a $40,000 renovation that's roughly $4,000 to $8,000 for coordination, scheduling, permits, and accountability for the result.

Hire a general contractor when a project crosses multiple trades, needs permits and inspections, changes structure or layout, or runs longer than a couple of weeks. The GC coordinates the subs, sequences the work, pulls permits, and is accountable for the finished result, so you're not managing a half-dozen tradespeople yourself. For single-trade jobs, you usually don't need one.

We build websites and SEO for general contractors, and we run our own home-service companies. This is the honest homeowner version of when a GC earns their markup and when hiring trades directly or doing it yourself is smarter.

Hire a GC when...

🔀 The project crosses trades

A kitchen or addition needs framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, and finishes in the right order. A GC sequences them so the plumber isn't waiting on the framer and you're not the one calling everyone.

📋 Permits and inspections are required

Structural work, additions, and major systems need permits and pass-or-fail inspections. A GC handles the paperwork and makes sure the work meets code, which protects your home's value and a future sale.

🏗️ It's structural or large

Moving walls, changing the layout, or anything load-bearing carries real risk. A licensed GC carries insurance and stands behind the result if something goes wrong.

⏱️ It runs for weeks

A multi-week job is a part-time management job. If you can't be on site daily to make decisions and keep trades moving, the GC's coordination is worth the markup.

What a GC costs you

A general contractor typically adds 10 to 20 percent on top of the project cost, or builds it into a fixed bid. On a $40,000 renovation that's roughly $4,000 to $8,000. What that buys:

→ Scheduling and sequencing every trade so the job actually progresses.
→ Permit pulling, inspection coordination, and code compliance.
→ One point of accountability — and insurance — if something fails.
→ Established sub relationships, which often means better trades than you'd find cold.

When you don't need a GC

Plenty of projects don't justify the markup. Hire the specialist directly, or DIY, when:

• Only one trade is involved — painting, flooring, a water-heater swap, a single bathroom fixture. Call that trade directly and skip the middleman.
• It's a small job a handyman can handle in a day or two with no permit.
• You have the time, know the right order of trades, and can be on site to manage them. Acting as your own GC saves the markup if you can do the coordinating.

The honest rule: pay for a GC when the project's complexity, permits, or timeline would otherwise become your second job. For anything simpler, the specialist alone is faster and cheaper.

Are you the general contractor?

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Common questions

What does a GC charge?

Typically 10 to 20 percent of the project cost as markup, or built into a fixed bid. On a $40,000 job that's about $4,000 to $8,000 for coordination, permits, and accountability.

Can I be my own GC?

On smaller jobs, yes — you hire and schedule trades directly and save the markup, if you have the time, know the order of work, and can be on site to decide.

When do I skip the GC entirely?

For single-trade work like painting, flooring, or a fixture swap, and for small no-permit jobs. Hire the specialist directly when only one trade is involved.

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