What Is a General Contractor? Roles, Responsibilities & How They Help Your Project

Are you planning to fix up your home or build something new? You may have heard that you need a general contractor. But what do they actually do?

A general contractor takes care of the hard parts of building projects. They make schedules, hire workers, get permits, and keep everything moving. For Mesa homeowners, having one person in charge can save you weeks of worry. It can also help you avoid costly mistakes.

This guide explains what a general contractor does. You will learn how they are different from subcontractors. You will also find out what to look for when you hire one. By the end, you will know if a GC is right for your project. You will also know what questions to ask before you sign a contract.

What Is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is someone with a license to run building projects. They are also called a GC for short. A GC hires workers, gets permits, orders supplies, and keeps the job on time and on budget. For homeowners, a GC is your one contact person. They handle daily choices so you do not have to.

Think of a general contractor like a team captain. You tell them what you want. They bring in the right people to make it happen. They also make sure everything follows local building rules.

GCs work on both homes and business buildings. A residential GC works on houses. This includes remodels, room additions, and new homes. A commercial GC works on bigger jobs. These include offices, stores, and apartment buildings.

Many homeowners mix up GCs with handymen. The big difference is the size of the job. A handyman fixes small things. A general contractor runs whole projects with many workers, timelines, and inspections.

Learn more about our services.

What Does a General Contractor Do? (Core Responsibilities)

Now you know what a general contractor is. Let us look at what they do each day.

A GC has many jobs. Their main goal is to keep your project moving. Here is what they handle:

• Get permits and set up inspections. Your GC fills out forms with Mesa building offices. They also set up inspections at each step.

• Hire and manage workers. Electricians, plumbers, framers, and drywall crews all work under your GC. The GC brings them in at the right times.

• Order materials. From wood to light fixtures, your GC gets what is needed. They make sure it shows up on time.

• Check quality and safety. A good GC looks at the work every day. They spot problems early before they get expensive.

• Give you updates. You will hear from your GC often. When things change, they explain your options before moving ahead.

• Handle changes. Plans can shift. Your GC writes down changes, fixes the budget, and keeps things on track.

On most home projects, a GC works with 10 or more different workers. That means scheduling, paying, and checking quality for all of them. Most homeowners do not have time for that.

General Contractor vs. Subcontractor — What's the Difference?

Knowing the difference between a GC and a subcontractor helps you decide who to hire.

A general contractor runs the whole project. A subcontractor does one type of work. The GC is the boss. Subcontractors report to the GC, not to you.

Here is a simple comparison:

General Contractor

• Runs the whole project

• Hires and schedules all workers

• Gets permits and handles inspections

• Your one contact person

• Responsible for timeline and budget

Subcontractor

• Does one job (plumbing, electrical, etc.)

• Works under the GC

• Focuses only on their skill

• Usually does not talk to you directly

• Responsible for their part only

Let us say you are redoing a kitchen in Mesa. You will need a plumber, an electrician, and a carpenter at least. A GC hires all three. The GC schedules them in the right order. The GC makes sure each one finishes before the next one starts.

Can you hire subcontractors yourself? Yes. Some homeowners do this to save money. But then you handle the scheduling, permits, and problems. If the electrician runs late, your tile person may have to wait. That delay costs money.

For small jobs with one or two workers, hiring subs yourself can work. For bigger projects, a GC keeps everything running smoothly.

Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor

Still not sure? Here is why most Mesa homeowners work with a GC.

• One person in charge. One person owns the timeline, budget, and results. No blame games between workers.

• Licensed and insured. A good GC has liability insurance and workers' comp. If someone gets hurt on your property, their insurance covers it. You are protected.

• Trusted worker network. Good GCs have worked with the same plumbers, electricians, and framers for years. They know who shows up on time and does great work.

• Permit help. Mesa requires permits for most remodels and additions. Your GC knows what you need. They handle the paperwork.

• Saves time and stress. You will not spend your evenings calling workers. You will not check on deliveries every weekend. Your GC manages the details.

• Recovery Fund protection. When you hire a licensed contractor in Arizona, you may qualify for help. The Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund can cover up to $30,000 if work is bad or unfinished.

We have seen DIY projects run 30 to 40 percent past deadline. This happens because of scheduling gaps between workers. One late plumber can push back flooring, painting, and final inspections by weeks.

A GC stops those gaps. They plan the work order. They confirm everyone can show up. They adjust when surprises happen.

Learn more about our approach and values.

How to Choose a General Contractor in Mesa

Ready to move forward? Here is how to find a good general contractor near you.

• Check their license. Arizona requires general contractors to have a license. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues these licenses. You can search their database online at roc.az.gov to check if a GC is licensed. You can also see if anyone has filed complaints.

• Read Google reviews. Look at their Google Business Profile. Read recent reviews from Mesa homeowners. Pay attention to what people say about communication, timing, and quality.

• Ask for references. A good GC will give you contact info for past clients. Call them. Ask if the project stayed on budget. Ask if they would hire the contractor again.

• Get written estimates. Request detailed quotes from two or three contractors. Compare the details, not just the totals. A low bid with vague info often leads to surprise costs later.

• Confirm insurance. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation. This protects you if someone gets hurt on your property. It also protects you if work causes damage.

The Federal Trade Commission gives good advice here. They say to get multiple written estimates. Read contracts carefully. Never pay the full amount upfront. These steps help protect you from scams.

Take your time with this step. The right GC makes your project easier. The wrong one creates headaches that last long after the job ends.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!