If you recall our previous blog post which gave a good overview of the contracting process, you will also remember that there is a big difference between general contractors and subcontractors.

As we outlined, general contractors are in charge of the entire renovation, including hiring the subcontractors necessary to complete the job to your agreed on specifications. But we find many people wondering if it’s worth acting as their own general contractor and hiring out the subcontractors themselves. We always recommend hiring a general contractor for any renovation, whether large or small, and this blog post will share why it’s advantageous to do so.

Saves You Money

Many people believe they can save a lot of money by hiring out the subcontractors themselves but this is usually not the case. General contractors save you money by negotiating prices with subcontractors and efficiently managing their work, which saves you even more money in the long run. A general contractor also knows which materials are best for your project, offer the best value and will last the longest, saving more money long-term.

Saves You Time & Energy

Related to saving you money, hiring a general contractor is going to save you a lot of time, energy and sleepless nights. A general contractor is able to spend the time needed to negotiate, arrange and coordinate with subcontractors to make sure your renovation is done to your exact specifications. If you have a job, family or other commitments, you might not have time to manage all the subcontractors required to get your renovation done properly.

Brings Experience to the Table

Perhaps the biggest selling point of hiring a general contractor for your renovation is the experience that they will bring to the table. Contractors might have their own employees they rely on or they might have preferred subcontractors who they know and trust to get a job well done. General contractors have gone through this process many times before and they know what needs to happen for your renovation to go smoothly – something that you might not have any experience with.

Knowledge of Building Codes & Permits

When it comes to building codes, which permits are needed for which renovations and even proper construction practices and safety measures, a general contractor has a wealth of information and knowledge to draw from. This history and knowledge is something that many people aren’t experienced with and is best left to the professionals.

Will Ensure You Get What You Want

If you’ve chosen to act as your own general contractor and aren’t happy with the end results, there isn’t much you can do. General contractors are paid to get the job done and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the entire process. When you hire a general contractor, part of what you’re paying for is their knowledge, experience, ability to foresee problems, and take responsibility for the entire job. If you’re unhappy with the final result, your general contractor will take care of everything so you don’t need to worry about it.

Have we successfully answered all the questions you have about the contracting process and why it’s often in the best interest of the customer to protect themselves by hiring a general contractor? Share your thoughts with us below!