Who should you hire – General Contractors or Subcontractors?
Many people are in a situation where they fail to distinguish between a general contractor and a subcontractor, particularly when it comes to construction endeavors, so let’s define each of them. It is essential to know the critical difference between a general contractor and a subcontractor when one is approached with a construction project.
Below are the differences between the general contractor and subcontractor.
Significant Differences Between General Contractors and Subcontractors are:
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Project Scope
- Hiring and Management
- Licenses and Insurance
- Cost
- Project Involvement
Let’s examine these ideas in more detail.
Understanding of General Contractors and Sub-Contractors
General Contractor: A general contractor is a person or firm primarily responsible for hiring other professionals and coordinating time and cost schedules.
Subcontractor: A subcontractor is a person hired by the general contractor to work for him depending on specific tasks or types of work such as electrical, plumbing, etc.
The two must be differentiated to understand each other’s responsibilities in the construction job. Understanding the differences between these two roles can help reduce confusion on any construction site and improve the chances of success at project completion. Therefore, let’s focus on the points of difference.
General Contractor vs. Subcontractor: Key Differences
Key Attributes of General Contractor
Here are some defining features and responsibilities of general contractors:
1. Project Oversight
General contractors are responsible for overseeing construction projects and guaranteeing that the project is completed on or before the set time and the cost. They monitor and organize all facets of the job from conception to completion.
2. Hiring Subcontractors
Subcontractors are usually engaged by general contractors who supervise all construction activities to ensure everything is going according to plan.
3. Licensing Requirements
Contractors’ tasks are usually project-based, and general contractors may need more extensive licensing and insurance, which can cover the entire project area.
4. Acquisition of Materials on the Project Site and Resources
The general contractors are supposed to buy all the required equipment, materials, and resources on the project site. They ensure that the material used is suitable for the project, sourced, and properly placed to be accessed when needed.
5. Quality Control and Compliance Section
The general contractors are also responsible for the quality of work on the construction site. They are also legally responsible for seeing that all work is done according to the required code in the local area, the country’s code, or the client’s instructions. They are also supposed to ensure that all the necessary inspections are done so that the team remains within the legal requirements of the project.
6. Client Communication
A general contractor communicates the project’s progress to a client and responds to their concerns as and when they occur.
7. Distinctive Feature of Subcontractors
Here’s what distinguishes subcontractors from general contractors:
8. Specialized Expertise
Subcontractors offer specific skills and skill sets on the project, and they are more concerned with part of the project than the overall project.
9. Direct Reporting to General Contractor
While it may be beneficial for a subcontractor to report directly to a general contractor, the time and minutes likely ill-used for such reporting are significantly longer than when a project manager initiates communication.
Subcontractors differ from general contractors because they hire them, and their work falls under the general contractors’ project responsibility. Still, they work independently to finish the job assigned within their line of specialization.
10. Flexible Hiring
Subcontractors are often used on a contract basis where they are not on the staff and come to work where their specialty is required.
11. Lower Licensing Requirements
Subcontractors often have different licensing and insurance requirements based on their trade, which can be less comprehensive than those for general contractors.
12. Task-Specific Execution
Subcontractors are only concerned with producing specific tasks related to the subcontractor’s specialty, such as electrical installation, water systems, or painting services. They offer detailed work in the context of these particular aspects of the project so that the primary job will be completed to the best possible quality.
13. Project Flexibility and Autonomy
Concerning project flexibility and autonomy, subcontractors are usually more versatile where scale or the time taken is a concern. General contractors can increase or reduce the number of workers required for this project by hiring or firing subcontractors per the needs of various project development phases.
How to Choose the Expert General Contractor: A Simple Guide
Based on the distinctions between general contractors and subcontractors, here is how to choose the two for your next project.
1. Size and Purpose of Your Project:
A general contractor is your best bet if your project is big or complicated. They are solely responsible for supervising the process and dealing with all trades in the organization. For minor and bespoke jobs beyond the company’s scope, such as plumbing or electric work, a subcontractor would make more sense because he does not need to manage any other construction project.
2. Evaluate Your Budget:
Hiring a general contractor will generally cost more, mainly because they offer extensive services in managing, hiring, and supervising the subcontractors themselves. However, if you require a small job done in some cases, it would be cheaper to hire a subcontractor. They usually charge less since they specialize in a particular field of practice.
3. Review Licensing and Insurance Rule:
It is always essential that the contractor employed has adequate licenses and insurance. Vice versa, general contractors require broader ones, with many calling for construction projects. Subcontractors, however, require permits.
4. Consider Project Timeline:
Consider your timeline for your project. A general contractor helps keep all project components on course if you are under time pressure to deliver. They do not get overwhelmed easily and will ensure that no job stays stagnant. If your project is small or you require specific jobs to be attended to, a subcontractor can do their part and finish up without going through the managerial process.
Why Choose Us?
Mereekh Construction, a licensed construction & remodeling company in Los Angeles, CA, is an excellent choice for all general construction and remodeling services. Our experience in general contracting services in Los Angeles, CA, and subcontracting guarantees top-quality work that meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between a subcontractor and a general contractor?
Ans: A general contractor is in charge of a project and is responsible for all subtasks. At the same time, a subcontractor is responsible for some specific aspects, such as plumbing or electrical work.
Q2. Why should I hire a general contractor instead of a subcontractor?
Ans: A general contractor manages the entire project, ensuring it stays on schedule and within budget, while subcontractors only handle specific tasks.
Q3. What kind of projects require a general contractor?
Ans: Large or complex projects, such as home renovations or commercial construction, usually need a general contractor to oversee all aspects of the job.