Do I Need to Hire a General Contractor? Pros, Cons, and When to Go DIY

If you’re planning a remodel, addition, or new construction project, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: Do I need to hire a general contractor (GC), or can I handle it myself?

The answer depends on your project’s size, complexity, budget, and your own experience. In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of hiring a GC, when it makes sense to skip one, and alternative options to get the results you want.

Reasons to Hire a General Contractor

A general contractor oversees the entire project—from permits and scheduling to managing subcontractors and quality control. Here’s why hiring one might be the right move:

1. One Point of Contact

Instead of juggling multiple trades (electricians, plumbers, framers, etc.), you have one person coordinating everything, reducing miscommunication and delays.

2. Experience and Problem-Solving

Contractors have seen it all—unexpected plumbing issues, material shortages, weather delays—and know how to solve problems without derailing the project.

3. Permit and Code Knowledge

Navigating building codes, inspections, and permit requirements can be overwhelming. A GC handles these details so your project stays legal and safe.

4. Time Savings

Coordinating trades, scheduling deliveries, and dealing with surprises takes serious time. Hiring a GC frees you to focus on your life while the project moves forward.

5. Established Network

Contractors have a vetted network of reliable tradespeople. This often means better workmanship and quicker scheduling than calling around yourself.

5. Liability Protection and Warranties

Another major advantage of hiring a general contractor is the legal and financial protection they bring to your project.

Licensed and Insured

A reputable GC will carry:

• General Liability Insurance – Covers accidental property damage or injury that happens on the job site.

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Protects you from being held liable if a worker gets injured while working on your project.

Without a GC, you may be considered the “employer” of any subcontractors you hire directly—meaning you could be financially responsible for injuries or damages.

Warranties on Workmanship

Many general contractors offer warranties on their work, often 1 year or longer. This means:

• If something fails due to workmanship within the warranty period, they’ll fix it at no additional cost.

• You have one call to make for any issues instead of tracking down individual trades.

Some GCs also help you manage manufacturer warranties on materials, ensuring you keep proper documentation and meet claim requirements.

Peace of Mind

This combination of insurance and warranty coverage means you’re protected against costly surprises, giving you confidence that your project is done right and backed by someone who will stand behind their work.

When You Might Not Need a General Contractor

While GCs are invaluable for many projects, there are situations where you can reasonably skip hiring one—especially if you want to save on overhead costs.

1. Small or Single-Trade Projects

Projects like painting a room, installing a backsplash, or replacing a countertop usually don’t require a GC. You can hire the tradesperson directly.

2. You Have Project Management Experience

If you’ve managed construction before (or are highly organized and resourceful), you may be able to coordinate trades, order materials, and schedule inspections yourself.

3. Budget-Driven Decisions

GCs typically charge 10–20% of the total project cost for management. On tight budgets, that savings can be significant—though you’ll trade money for your own time and effort.

4. You Already Have Trusted Trades

If you have a go-to electrician, plumber, carpenter, and others who you’ve worked with before, you may not need a middleman to manage them.

Alternatives to a Full General Contractor

If you want some professional help without the full GC commitment, consider these middle-ground options:

• Hire a Project Manager – Someone to handle scheduling and logistics but let you hire trades directly.

• Work with a Lead Trade – For example, your framing contractor might coordinate with other trades for smaller remodels.

• Consulting-Only Contractor – Some GCs offer hourly consulting to advise you without fully running the project.

Bottom Line

Hiring a general contractor is almost always worth it for large, complex, or high-risk projects—especially if permits, multiple trades, or strict timelines are involved.

But for smaller, straightforward jobs (or if you have the time, skills, and connections), you can save money by managing the project yourself or exploring hybrid options.

Rule of thumb: If the project keeps you up at night worrying about scheduling, legal requirements, or “what ifs,” hiring a GC is the stress-free choice.