When a general contractor makes sense
If the project touches several trades (say, plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall, tile, and paint), a general contractor coordinates the schedule, the subcontractors, permits, and inspections. Kitchens, bathrooms with layout changes, basements, additions, and whole-home projects usually fall here.
When design-build fits
Design-build firms handle design and construction under one contract. That can simplify additions and major renovations where plans are needed.
When a specialty trade is enough
Single-trade jobs (new counters, a tile floor, a panel upgrade, interior painting) often don't need a GC. Hire the trade directly.
Licensing differs
- North Carolina requires a licensed general contractor for projects of $40,000 or more (NC Licensing Board for General Contractors).
- Georgia's consumer protection office says residential and general contractors are state-licensed; plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors are licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board; painters and roofers aren't state-licensed (Georgia consumer protection).
- In most states, plumbing and electrical work inside a remodel requires those trades' own licenses.
How Remodel.co routes projects
Whole-project briefs go to general contractors and design-build firms in our network. In the future, single-trade parts of a project may be routed to sister marketplaces for those trades; that isn't live today.
Sources
- North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
- Georgia Attorney General Consumer Protection: Home improvement