Many homeowners are unsure of the difference between general contractors and home improvement contractors. Whether you are planning a condo remodel, home renovation, an addition or new construction, it’s important to hire the right contractor the first time. Equally confusing is when and why are subcontractors brought in?
The Role of a General Contractor
In most construction scenarios, the general contractor (GC) is responsible for the day-to-day operations and oversees the entire project. The GC will visit the project site, evaluate what needs to be done plus the necessary materials, labor, equipment, and any outside specialists (subcontractors) Everything will be analyzed and a cost estimate will be presented to the homeowner. Once agreed upon, contracts will be drawn up for the client, design team, or architect and any subcontractors that are hired.
Keep in mind, there are GC’s that prefer to keep most of the work in-house and tend to hire teams or individuals that have a specific skill set. This allows for better quality control of the materials and workmanship. With in-house teams, projects tend to be completed faster without the scheduling conflicts of outside companies.
The Responsibilities of a Home Improvement Contractor
Home improvement contractors tend to handle smaller projects or small portions of a larger project. They may actually be the subcontractor the GC hires to handle one specialized task such as custom wood trim work or cabinetry. A home improvement contractor may also be hired for a remodel or just the installation of one specific aspect of a project: windows, flooring, exterior siding or stucco, electrical or carpentry.
Is There Really a Significant Difference?
The short answer is yes. As far as residential modifications, either can do the work. However, the work a home improvement or remodeling contractor can complete is limited by what he or she is licensed for. This can be more easily understood by thinking of a home improvement contractor as a handyman. They must hold a specialty license for every task they handle personally. These tend to be smaller, less complicated jobs.
Being a general contractor has more requirements and insurances against personal and property damage. They often bring a certain level if expertise to the project and can handle permitting through your local building department. A GC can also handle whole building or selective demolition as well as builds from scratch. A general contractor will also oversee the entire project including managing the subcontractors and acting as the liaison between the homeowner and the entire crew.
Hiring a Licensed Contractor for Your Luxury Condo Remodel or Home Construction Project
It’s important to know what type of contractor you are hiring. You may find that the home improvement contractor you hired is not only limited skill-wise but also by what they can legally work on. Condo owners may find that their HOA only allows GCs to complete projects in their building.
CMetric Construction is a South Florida general contractor who has the experience, licensing, and insurance to handle everything from a bathroom remodel to a custom home build. We are familiar with condo HOAs and can provide all the documentation necessary to move forward with your project. Our team specializes in creative solutions, custom designs, eco-friendly options, and top-quality craftsmanship. Call us today to discuss your home or condo project, no matter how big or small.