What Does a General Contractor Do? Why It Matters More Than You Think

When you're planning a home project—whether it's a remodel, an addition, or a new build—you’ll inevitably come across the role of a general contractor. For many homeowners, the term feels vague or interchangeable with a construction manager or subcontractor. But in reality, a general contractor (GC) plays a critical role in whether your project is delivered on time, on budget, and up to quality standards.

In this article, we break down exactly what a general contractor does, why it matters, and how working with the right one can dramatically affect the outcome of your project.

Understanding the Role of a General Contractor

A general contractor is responsible for the overall execution of a construction project. They act as the central point of contact between the homeowner (or client), subcontractors, suppliers, and—depending on the scope—architects, engineers, and inspectors.

In a residential setting, a GC is typically hired for jobs that require multiple trades (plumbing, electrical, framing, finish carpentry, etc.) and coordination across various phases.

At its core, a GC’s job is to:

• Manage the day-to-day on-site operations

• Source and schedule subcontractors

• Order and track materials

• Ensure work is code-compliant and meets agreed-upon specs

• Communicate with the client

• Keep everything moving on schedule

This level of coordination may seem invisible when it’s working well—but when it's absent, projects fall apart.

Why Hiring a GC Is About More Than Labor

Many homeowners ask, “Can’t I just hire trades directly?” Technically, yes. But that approach assumes:

• You know the right people

• You can manage schedules and resolve trade conflicts

• You understand sequencing and permitting

• You’re comfortable taking on the legal liability

The value of a general contractor is rarely about swinging a hammer. It’s about orchestrating labor, managing risk, and applying expertise that keeps the project structurally sound and financially sane.

The Key Responsibilities of a General Contractor

Here’s a breakdown of what the GC actually handles—and why it’s important:

1. Pre-Construction Planning

A GC doesn’t just show up once framing starts. They’re often brought in during planning stages to provide budgeting guidance, feasibility feedback, and input on materials or layouts. They can also connect you with trusted architects, designers, or engineers.

2. Permits and Compliance

Building codes vary by region. A licensed general contractor will know exactly what permits are required, how to pull them, and how to navigate inspections. They’ll also make sure subcontractors are licensed and insured.

3. Subcontractor Coordination

This is where most homeowners run into trouble. A GC vets and manages all trades—ensuring your plumber doesn’t delay your drywall crew, or your flooring installer doesn’t show up before cabinets are set.

4. Material Procurement

From lumber to tile to hardware, materials often come from multiple vendors. GCs place orders, manage delivery timelines, and adjust for lead time shifts.

5. Project Scheduling

Perhaps the most underappreciated skill of a GC: sequencing. Knowing when to bring in each trade, how long each task should take, and how to prevent costly overlap is what keeps a project moving.

6. Quality Control

A GC performs daily check-ins, walks the site, and ensures work is being completed to standard. This prevents costly rework and ensures trade accountability.

7. Client Communication

The best GCs act as a buffer between the client and the chaos. They distill the complexity, provide updates, and make sure you understand timelines, budgets, and issues when they arise.

What Happens Without a GC?

In short: chaos.

Even well-intentioned homeowners who try to run a project themselves often find they’ve taken on a second full-time job. Worse, they become the person blamed when things go wrong—because no one else is ultimately responsible.

Without a GC:

• Work often falls out of sequence

• Conflicts between trades go unresolved

• Inspections fail or are delayed

• Projects stretch past deadline (and budget)

In contrast, a good GC prevents scope creep, mitigates risk, and protects your time and your investment.

How to Know if You Need One

If your project involves:

• Multiple trades

• Structural changes

• Permitting

• A budget over $10,000

• A timeline longer than 2–3 weeks

...you’re likely best served by hiring a general contractor. Even if you’re budget-conscious, hiring a GC may actually save money by preventing mistakes, accelerating timelines, and ensuring better long-term outcomes.

What to Look for in a GC

Not all contractors are created equal. Here’s what to prioritize when evaluating one:

• License & Insurance: Always verify both.

• Portfolio of Work: Look for recent, relevant experience.

• Communication: Clarity, responsiveness, and honesty go a long way.

• References: Talk to past clients. Ask about timelines, change orders, and any issues that arose.

• Transparency in Pricing: A good GC walks you through bids, outlines contingencies, and explains any markups.

Tradehaus, for example, is built on coordination, trust, and clear execution. We bring together trusted trades, maintain a tight process, and communicate from day one.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a general contractor is not an unnecessary luxury — it’s a smart decision that pays dividends in peace of mind, build quality, and time saved.

Whether you’re planning a full-home remodel or a focused renovation, working with a contractor who understands every step of the process—and takes accountability for the whole—is the difference between a stressful project and a successful one.

Thinking about a project? Let’s talk about how Tradehaus can manage it with precision from day one.