For example, if I think my problem is only with my roof, I’d call a roofer, not a GC. When else should I go straight to a specialist instead of first looking for a General Contractor
General contractors are most effective and can deliver a complete project when there are multiple trades required. Single trade projects are best handled by a contract between the project owner and that trade. Roofers will generally repair any damaged sheeting plus replace shingles and gutters.
It really depends on the issue at hand. For example, if you need an electrical panel upgrade, you would call an electrician, and If you need a new water heater installed, you call a plumber, and so on.
When you’re dealing with a single trade issue, then you call a specialist for that issue.
However, many of our clients have called us for electrical panels, water heaters, roofing, etc.
When a client calls us for a new water heater, they are usually looking to relocate and convert to a tankless water heater. This requires opening walls, closing walls, plastering, stucco, painting and so on. Owners use a general contractor to oversee these various trades and to make sure everything is done in a professional and timely manner.
Great question, Kent!
A General Contractor is a specialist for multifaceted projects; i.e., kitchen remodel, bath remodel, basement remodel, etc. Even if you are building a new home, you will call a General Contractor. A General Contractor will manage all of the trades; e.g., electrician, plumber, roofer, etc., for the duration of the project. However, (Big But Here) some General Contractors are more equipped to handle projects than others. One thing to look for in a General Contractor is to see if his or her business holds licenses (or trades) in-house or does the GC sub all of the work. For instance, if you hire Bob’s Roofing to re-roof your home, ABC Construction (GC) may hire the same company to re-roof your home if the GC has to sub it out. This creates additional costs in the project because the GC is acting as a middle man. But, the GC will typically have to sub out at least one to two trades, so this is common practice and does not create abnormal, additional costs. However, if a GC subs out everything (no in-house labor or trades/licenses), then the GC will have to charge more to make a profit (because the other companies “subs” have to cover their business costs as well). Therefore, hire a GC for a project that will require multiple steps (bath, kitchen, garage, home, basement); hire a Specialist for a single-trade project (roof, plumbing, electrician, concrete); and, hire a Handyman for small projects (replacing a deck post, installing a door, replacing a mailbox, etc.). Hope this helps.
Kent,
This is sometimes a difficult question to answer given the fact that many specialists are not GCs and many GCs are not specialists. I feel it is always best to first consult with a GC who should be able to recommend a specialist or hire a sub to work under them. This is primarily because a lot of the specialists don’t know what permitting could be required or what other issues could result from the project. A good GC will most likely help you through the entire process and sometimes will put you into direct contact with a specialist keeping themselves out of the project. Hope this helps.
Its always a good idea to check with your States ROC (Registrar of Contractors) with up to date regulations and licensing rules. Below is AZ ROC General Contractors License information and when they are required to subcontract out to other Specialty Licensed Contractors. ALWAYS be sure your contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.
Its always good to look at previous work done by a general contractor and if they would be subcontracting your work out to another contractor or if they have their own crew doing the work. Sometimes you can save money by going directly to a specialty licensed contractor rather than going through a general contractor who may have to use a sub anyways.
B-1 GENERAL COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR
Construction, alteration, and repair in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind. This scope includes the supervision of all or any part of the above and includes the management, or direct or indirect supervision of any work performed.
Also included are the scopes of work allowed by the CR-2 through CR-80 license classifications. Work related to electrical, plumbing, air conditioning systems, boilers, swimming pools, spas and water wells must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed contractor. This classification does not include work authorized by the A-, B-, or B-3 scopes.
B-2 GENERAL SMALL COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR
Small commercial construction in connection with any new structure or addition built, being built, or to be built for the support, shelter and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or movable property of any kind for which the total amount paid to the licensee does not exceed $750,000. This scope includes the supervision of all or any part of the above and includes the management or direct or indirect supervision of any work performed.
Also included are the scopes of work allowed by the CR-2 through CR-80 license classifications. Work related to electrical, plumbing, air conditioning systems, boilers, swimming pools, spas and water wells must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed contractor. This classification does not include work authorized by the A-, B-, or B-3 scopes.
A GC can do anything from the ground up: electrical, framing, plumbing, roofing, etc. As GC, I can tell you that it depend on the actual GC. Some of them use subcontractors for roofing, glass doors and counter tops. If you want to make sure your job in good hands, always ask the GC if he has his own employees or subs. Both ways are okay, but you need to know that info to understand what is your GC’s abilities.