Should you hire a general contractor?

If you’re planning a major renovation or you want to build a new home, you should consider hiring a general contractor (GC) to manage the project. If you do, the GC will be responsible for supplying materials and equipment. They’ll also oversee the hiring of specialized subcontractors such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Plus, they’ll take care of administrative tasks like obtaining the proper permits, acquiring the requisite insurance and paying subcontractors.

While managing the project on your own may seem doable, a contractor has the experience and resources to execute the work more efficiently. Most GCs have a short list of professionals they’ve worked with before and trust, saving you the guesswork of finding the right person for each job. And, because they’re licensed pros, they can get materials for your project at discounted prices only offered to those in the industry.

Managing a renovation or construction project is a full-time job that requires experience in order to do it well. If you aren’t able to take time off from work, or if you don’t have experience in project management, you may run into problems. But by hiring a general contractor, you’ll be sure that your construction project gets completed properly and on time.