What does a general contractor do?
Thinking of renovating your home? Don’t start without reading this.
If you’re planning a remodel, new addition, or structural work in your home, you’ll probably need a general contractor. But what exactly do they do? And when should you hire one?
This article breaks it down, covering the top 10 questions we get as general contractors in Denver. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, finishing a basement, or considering a full-home makeover, here’s what you need to know:
1. What does a general contractor do?
A general contractor (GC) manages your entire project. They coordinate subcontractors (like electricians, plumbers, framers), order materials, schedule work, pull permits, and make sure the job is done to code and on time. Think of them as your project quarterback.
2. When should I hire a general contractor?
You should hire a GC when your project:
- Involves more than one trade
- Affects structural elements of the home
- Requires permits or inspections
- Costs more than $5,000 to $10,000
- Will take more than a few days or weeks
For small jobs like a faucet replacement, a handyman might do. For larger work, hiring a GC ensures quality and protects you legally.
3. What types of projects require a general contractor?
Some of the most common include:
- Full kitchen or bathroom remodels
- Basement finishing
- Home additions or ADUs
- New construction
- Garage builds
- Structural modifications (removing load-bearing walls)
- Roofing, siding, and flooring (when done in combination)
4. What’s the difference between a GC and a subcontractor?
A subcontractor is a specialist (like a tile setter or HVAC tech). A general contractor oversees all of them — managing their schedules, contracts, and deliverables. If you don’t want to hire 5+ subs and figure out permitting yourself, you need a GC.
5. Is a general contractor the same as a construction company?
Not quite. A GC may be a solo operator or small team who oversees jobs. A construction company might employ trades directly. At Denver Dream Builders, we act as both GC and builder — combining planning, scheduling, and labor under one roof.
6. Do general contractors need to be licensed in Colorado?
Yes — but licensing is handled by city or county, not the state. In Denver, residential GCs must carry a Class C license. Always check for licensing and insurance before hiring a contractor, especially for work involving structure or code compliance.
7. Can a GC help me with design?
Some do — either in-house or through trusted design partners. If you don’t have an architect or interior designer, we can guide you through layout, finish selections, and design ideas to make sure the construction matches your vision and budget.
8. Should I manage trades myself instead of hiring a GC?
It might seem cheaper at first, but most homeowners run into:
- Scheduling conflicts
- Poor workmanship
- Permitting mistakes
- No legal protection
- No warranties
A good GC handles all of that, and usually saves money through better supplier pricing and efficient coordination.
9. What’s the difference between a GC and a project manager?
A GC builds and manages. A project manager may just coordinate but won’t handle permits, trades, or labor. For residential remodels, your GC is typically both builder and project manager rolled into one.
10. Can I use the same GC for future phases?
Yes — and we encourage it. Most of our Denver clients come back for additional phases over time. Using the same contractor ensures consistency in quality, materials, and communication. We keep detailed records so your home evolves with your vision.
🚧 Still have questions?
We built this GC FAQ to be honest, helpful, and grounded in real experience. But if you’re still not sure whether your project needs a GC — or you want a second opinion — we’d be happy to chat. Just head on over to our contact page.
📍 Serving Denver, Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, surrounding Denver Metro & the Front Range