5 Benefits of Hiring a Licensed General Contractor

When tackling a major home improvement project, you might consider managing subcontractors yourself to save money. While this approach can work for simple projects, hiring a licensed general contractor like Property Doctor delivers significant advantages for complex work.

1. Single Point of Accountability

A general contractor manages all subcontractors, suppliers, and inspections. Instead of coordinating between a plumber, electrician, carpenter, and painter yourself, you have one professional managing the entire project. If something goes wrong, you have one call to make.

2. Proper Licensing and Insurance

Licensed general contractors carry comprehensive insurance including general liability and workers' compensation. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Unlicensed work can void your homeowner's insurance and create legal issues.

3. Code Compliance and Permits

Building codes are complex and constantly changing. A licensed general contractor knows current codes, pulls necessary permits, and ensures all work passes inspection. Unpermitted work can create serious problems when selling your home.

4. Quality Craftsmanship

General contractors have established relationships with skilled tradespeople and quality suppliers. They know who does the best work and can negotiate better prices on materials. This translates to better quality at competitive prices.

5. Project Management Expertise

Managing a construction project requires scheduling, budgeting, problem-solving, and quality control skills. Professional contractors have systems and experience to keep projects on track and within budget—something that's extremely difficult for homeowners to replicate.

The Bottom Line

While hiring a general contractor adds a management fee (typically 10-20%), the value they provide in coordination, quality, compliance, and peace of mind far exceeds the cost. Contact Property Doctor at 805-403-8727 for a free project consultation.