When to Hire a General Contractor
If you have large-scale work that needs to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible, or if the work will involve multiple contractors from different fields, it's probably a good idea to hire a general contractor. If there will be more than 2 trades needed there can be work that must be done in a certain order which is exactly what a general contractor is there to help organize.
A GC will know what permits are needed for different jobs and some cities require a licensed professional to get a permit that a homeowner is not able to obtain.
Why Hire a General Contractor?
A general contractor's bread and butter are coordinating multiple trades and timelines to make a project as seamless as possible. Some GCs even have their own workers who can complete a task in-house. If it's out of their wheelhouse they will already have the contacts necessary to complete the task. All good general contractors already know that you get what you pay for. The lowest bid on a project is almost always the worst option because that contractor is either missing a large portion of the work they bid on, or they are likely cutting corners somehow which means a sub-par or possibly unacceptable result. Of course, vetting a general contractor is similar to vetting a specific contractor. Here’s how to make sure you’re hiring a good contractor. This is specifically important with a general contractor, as they assume liability for more than one project. Contractor connection puts it well:
“General contractors also have a role in the validity of certain products or material warranties. Roofs, windows, and other features (especially those that are critical to structural integrity and long-term performance) may have warranties that will be voided if the work to install them isn’t performed by a qualified and certified contracting professional.” (1)
What does a general contractor really do?
Quite a bit, actually! They organize all trades and coordinate all simultaneous work. They also have a working knowledge of industry standards, building codes, and who to call for specific tasks. When is it too cold to pour concrete? Why do I need a P-Trap under my sink? Is (insert contractor in the area) reliable? These are all questions that general contractors will be able to answer. A general contractor also assumes liability for damages and makes sure project elements are built to the correct code and with the correct permits for the job.
Finally, a GC is going to be able to hire the right people for the job. Some projects will need specialized skills or tools to be done correctly, and the GC will know who has what is needed for the project you bring them.
A GC will also be able to get more bids on a job, so they will have more options to choose from which may save you money in the long run, or help you find a contractor who shares your vision.
Sources:
https://www.contractorconnection.com/when-to-hire-general-contractor
https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/planning/why-hire-a-contractor.htm
