You may not need to hire a general contractor if you’re a do-it-yourselfer type and the task on hand is mundane and does not require special skills or city permitting, inspection and/or the project has nothing to do with code compliance.

In other instances where there is just one task to accomplish, such as the case of pool repairs or electrical work, or HVAC installation, you do need a licensed contractor in his field (not a general contractor), often referred to as a “specialty licensed contractor”. The General Contractor’s job and responsibilities differ from specialty licensed contractors in that they specialize in one field and one field only. For example, a licensed plumbing contractor cannot undertake electrical projects despite the fact that he is a licensed contractor.

So, do you really Need to hire a General Contractor?

The short answer is: when your project requires multi-faceted skills or several specialty subcontractors where there are city permits,  inspections involved, and code compliance then a General Contractor is required. A simple example would be a residential project that involves plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry, and installation of electrical appliances.

With regard to commercial projects, it is almost always a general contractor is required at least here in the State of Arizona.

General contractors supervise and coordinate practically every aspect of a multi-faceted project. They recruit other specialists whose talents are required, such as plumbing and electrical subcontractors, as well as painters and flooring installers. Whatever trade or professional services are required, the general contractor will arrange and schedule the subcontractors so that the work is completed in the most efficient order.

Qualified contractors will also have necessary licensing, worker’s compensation, and insurance, implying that they accept responsibility for any property damage or injuries that may occur. The less apparent — but still significant — value they offer to your task is project management expertise, as well as knowledge of the finest construction processes, local building codes, and industry standards that apply to your specific project.

Additionally, if something goes wrong, the general contractor will be held accountable for making it right as well as the associated costs.

General contractors can also influence the validity of product or material warranties. Roofs, windows, and other elements (particularly those crucial to structural integrity and long-term performance) may have warranties that are voided if the installation work is not conducted by a competent and registered contracting professional.

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if it’s time to hire a general contractor:

How long will the project take to complete? Consider hiring a general contractor if you believe the job will take a week or longer. The contractor can keep things flowing smoothly by knowing how the availability, skills, and much time any subcontractors will require.

What impact will your local building codes play on your project? Certain projects may be required by building codes to be completed by certified experts who must receive a permit that non-professionals cannot obtain. If you decide to undertake such a job on your own, you may face significant fines.

How many subcontractors will be required? You may be able to supervise the work of a single window installer, but if your project (say, a kitchen makeover) necessitates the services of multiple tradesmen, hiring a general contractor can save you time, headaches, and possibly even money.