What Does a General Contractor Do?

The Role of a General Contractor

A general contractor (GC) manages every aspect of a construction project from start to finish. They hire and coordinate subcontractors, pull permits, schedule inspections, procure materials, and ensure the work meets building codes and your expectations. Think of a GC as the project manager who turns a plan into a finished space.

Whether you are renovating a commercial office or remodeling your kitchen, the GC is the single point of contact responsible for delivering the project on time, on budget, and to code.

What a General Contractor Actually Does

Licensing and Insurance

In California, general contractors must hold an active license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). A Class B General Building Contractor license requires passing a trade exam and a law/business exam, plus carrying a $25,000 contractor bond and maintaining general liability insurance. The Associated General Contractors of America sets additional industry standards for safety, ethics, and professional development that reputable contractors follow.

You can verify any California contractor's license status at cslb.ca.gov. Always check before hiring.

Pre-Construction Planning

Before any demolition or construction begins, a GC:

• Reviews architectural plans and identifies potential issues
• Provides a detailed, itemized cost estimate
• Creates a project schedule with milestones
• Identifies which subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, HVAC) are needed
• Determines permit requirements for your jurisdiction
• Orders long-lead materials to avoid delays

Permits and Code Compliance

Pulling permits is one of the most important things a GC handles. In Sacramento, permits are required for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The GC:

• Submits permit applications to the local building department
• Responds to plan check corrections
• Schedules inspections at each phase (foundation, framing, rough-in, final)
• Ensures all work meets California Building Code (CBC) requirements

Skipping permits might seem like a way to save money, but it creates legal liability, insurance gaps, and problems when selling the property.

Subcontractor Management

Most GCs do not perform every trade themselves. Instead, they hire specialized subcontractors:

• Plumbers for water supply and drain lines
• Electricians for wiring, panels, and fixtures
• HVAC technicians for heating and cooling systems
• Tile setters for floors, showers, and backsplashes
• Painters for interior and exterior finishes
• Drywall crews for walls and ceilings

The GC is responsible for scheduling these trades in the right order, resolving conflicts, and ensuring each sub's work meets the project specifications. When a plumber and an electrician both need access to the same wall cavity, the GC decides who goes first.

Budget Management

A GC tracks every dollar on the project. This includes:

• Maintaining a detailed budget with line items for each trade
• Processing change orders when the scope changes
• Paying subcontractors and suppliers on schedule
• Flagging cost overruns before they become surprises
• Providing regular budget updates to the homeowner or building owner

Quality Control

The GC inspects work at every stage. Before drywall goes up, they verify framing, insulation, plumbing rough-in, and electrical rough-in are correct. Before final payment, they walk the project with the owner and create a punch list of items to correct.

When to Hire a General Contractor

Hire a GC when:

• The project involves multiple trades (plumbing, electrical, framing)
• You need building permits — the GC handles the entire permit process
• The project involves structural changes (moving walls, adding beams)
• You are doing a full room remodel (kitchen, bathroom, or whole house)
• The project is commercial — tenant improvements, office buildouts, medical offices
• You do not have the time or expertise to manage subcontractors yourself

DIY or Handyman might be enough when:

• The work is purely cosmetic (painting, hardware, light fixtures)
• No permits are required
• A single trade is involved (e.g., just flooring installation)
• The total budget is under $5,000

The Cost of Not Hiring a GC

Homeowners who act as their own GC often underestimate the coordination required. Scheduling conflicts between trades, failed inspections, and material ordering mistakes can add weeks and thousands of dollars to a project. A good GC's fee (typically 15-25% of the project cost) pays for itself in avoided mistakes and efficient scheduling.

How to Choose the Right General Contractor

1. Verify their CSLB license — active, correct classification, no disciplinary actions
2. Check insurance — general liability and workers' compensation
3. Ask for references — and actually call them
4. Get a written contract — scope, timeline, payment schedule, change order process
5. Compare at least three bids — but do not automatically choose the lowest
6. Look at past work — photos, portfolio, or in-person visits to completed projects

NovaSac is a licensed general contractor based in Sacramento, serving both commercial and residential clients. We hold an active CSLB license and carry full insurance coverage. Every project includes a written contract with a detailed scope of work and fixed payment schedule.

What Does a General Contractor Cost?

GC fees vary by project type:

• Residential remodels: 15-25% of total project cost, often built into the line items
• Commercial projects: 10-20% of total project cost
• Cost-plus contracts: Actual costs plus a fixed percentage (usually 15-20%)
• Fixed-price contracts: One total price for the entire scope of work

Most homeowners prefer fixed-price contracts because the total cost is known upfront. NovaSac provides fixed-price estimates for all residential and commercial projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a general contractor and a subcontractor?

A general contractor manages the entire project and hires subcontractors to perform specific trades. A subcontractor specializes in one area — plumbing, electrical, HVAC, tile — and works under the GC's direction. The homeowner or building owner has a contract with the GC, and the GC has separate contracts with each subcontractor.

Do I need a general contractor for a bathroom remodel?

For most bathroom remodels, yes. A typical bathroom remodel involves plumbing, electrical, tile, and possibly structural work — that is four different trades that need to be coordinated. A GC manages the scheduling, permits, and inspections so you do not have to. For a simple fixture swap (new faucet or toilet), a handyman or plumber can handle it without a GC.

How long does it take a general contractor to complete a remodel?

Timeline depends on scope. A bathroom remodel typically takes 3 to 6 weeks of construction. A kitchen remodel runs 4 to 10 weeks. A whole-house renovation can take 3 to 6 months. Add 2 to 4 weeks for permit approval before construction starts. Your GC should provide a detailed schedule before work begins, with milestones for each phase.