What’s the Difference Between a Contractor and a General Contractor?
Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, finishing a basement, or remodeling your entire home, you’ll interact with professionals who describe themselves as either contractors or general contractors. The terms sound similar, but they refer to different roles with different responsibilities.
Understanding the difference helps you hire the right professional for your project — and avoid costly misunderstandings.
Contractor vs. General Contractor: The Simple Definition
A Contractor
A contractor is a skilled tradesperson who performs specific tasks in a construction project.
Examples of contractors include:
Electricians
Plumbers
Tile installers
Painters
Carpenters
HVAC technicians
They typically focus on one scope of work, not the entire project.
A General Contractor
A general contractor (GC) is responsible for managing the entire remodeling project, including:
Planning and scheduling
Hiring and coordinating subcontractors
Ordering materials
Managing budget and timelines
Obtaining permits
Overseeing inspections
Ensuring code compliance
A GC is essentially the project manager and builder responsible for the full outcome.
In many cases, general contractors are also skilled tradespeople, but their role extends far beyond physical labor.
What a General Contractor Does on a Remodeling Project
General contractors manage:
Design coordination
Material selection
Structural modifications
Plumbing and electrical work
Flooring, paint, trim, cabinetry
Final inspections and cleanup
They also handle the unexpected issues that often come up during renovation, such as:
Hidden plumbing problems
Structural deficiencies
Moisture or mold
Code violations
This is why hiring a general contractor is recommended for complex projects.
When to Hire a Contractor vs. a General Contractor
Hire a Contractor When:
You need one specific job done
The job is manageable on its own
No additional trades are needed
Examples:
Replacing a toilet
Installing flooring
Painting walls
In these cases, a specialty contractor can be faster and more affordable.
Hire a General Contractor When:
Your project involves multiple trades
You’re altering layout or structure
Plumbing or electrical is involved
You need permits and inspections
You want a single point of responsibility
Examples:
Kitchen remodeling
Bathroom remodeling
Basement finishing
Home additions
Whole-home renovations
Trying to manage multiple contractors yourself can be risky, stressful, and expensive.
Why the Difference Matters in Logan, Utah
In Cache Valley, many homes need:
Plumbing updates
Electrical upgrades
Structural changes
Moisture mitigation
Egress windows for basements
These jobs often require:
Permits
Inspections
Multiple trades
A general contractor ensures work is done safely, legally, and correctly for Utah’s climate and code requirements.
Cost Differences
Contractors typically charge:
By the hour
By the task
Or by project size
General contractors charge:
A project fee or percentage
Often 10–20 percent of total cost
What you’re paying for is management, accountability, and efficiency, not just labor.
Well-organized general contractors often save money overall by:
Preventing mistakes
Reducing delays
Managing logistics
Avoiding rework
Can Homeowners Act as Their Own GC?
Technically: yes.
Practically: rarely advisable.
Homeowners who act as their own general contractor must:
Source materials
Hire and manage trades
Schedule inspections
Handle problems
Ensure code compliance
Without experience, this often leads to:
Budget blowouts
Project delays
Failed inspections
Safety hazards
For most people, hiring a GC is worth it.
Why Many Homeowners in Logan Choose Corbridge Construction
Corbridge Construction, based in Logan, Utah, acts as a full-service general contractor for residential remodeling projects.
They specialize in:
Kitchen remodeling
Bathroom remodeling
Basement finishing
Home additions and upgrades
Whole-home renovation
They provide:
Detailed estimates
Professional scheduling
Skilled trades
Local building expertise
Quality craftsmanship
And they offer free quotes for all projects:
https://www.corbridgeconstruction.com/
Final Thoughts
The difference between a contractor and a general contractor comes down to scope and responsibility.
A contractor performs specific skilled work
A general contractor manages the entire project from start to finish
For simple tasks, a contractor may be all you need.
For remodeling, structural work, or multi-trade projects, hiring a general contractor is often the smartest and safest choice.
If you're planning a renovation in 2026, Corbridge Construction offers free, no-obligation estimates for homes in Logan and Cache Valley.
https://www.corbridgeconstruction.com/