A general contractor (GC) is the licensed professional responsible for overseeing a construction project from start to finish. They do not necessarily do the physical work themselves - instead, they manage the people, permits, schedule, and quality that make a project come together correctly. Here is a clear breakdown of what a GC actually does.
Core Responsibilities of a General Contractor
- ✓Project planning: Working with you and your designer to develop a realistic scope, budget, and timeline before a single nail is driven.
- ✓Permit coordination: Pulling building permits from the municipality (City of Victoria, Saanich, etc.), scheduling required inspections, and ensuring work meets BC Building Code at every stage.
- ✓Hiring and managing subcontractors: A GC works with a network of licensed subcontractors - electricians, plumbers, framers, HVAC technicians, tile setters, and others - and coordinates their work so trades do not conflict or cause delays.
- ✓Material procurement: Ordering materials, managing deliveries, and tracking costs against budget.
- ✓Quality control: Inspecting work as it progresses to catch problems before they are covered up by drywall or flooring.
- ✓Communication: Acting as your single point of contact so you are not fielding calls from eight different trades.
- ✓Budget management: Tracking costs, issuing change orders when scope changes, and flagging cost overruns before they become surprises.
When Do You Need a General Contractor?
You should hire a general contractor any time your project involves more than one trade, requires a building permit, or is complex enough that coordinating it yourself would become a part-time job. In practice, this means most additions, full renovations, new builds, and any project with structural, electrical, or plumbing changes.
GC vs. DIY Project Management
| Factor | Hiring a GC | Self-Managing |
|---|---|---|
| Time commitment | Minimal - GC handles day-to-day | Full-time job during construction |
| Trade relationships | Established network of trusted subs | Must find and vet each trade yourself |
| Permit knowledge | Experienced with local requirements | Learning curve for each municipality |
| Cost | GC markup of 15-25% on subcontractor work | No markup, but mistakes can cost more |
| Accountability | Single contract, clear liability | Separate contracts with each trade |
| Quality control | GC inspects work throughout | You must catch deficiencies yourself |
How General Contractors Are Licensed in BC
In British Columbia, residential contractors who build new homes or do major renovations must be licensed with BC Housing (formerly the Homeowner Protection Office). This licensing ensures the contractor carries liability insurance, employs licensed trades for electrical and plumbing work, and provides a 2-5-10 home warranty on new construction. Always verify a contractor is BC Housing licensed before signing a contract.
Questions about your project scope and whether you need a general contractor? We are happy to talk through your options.
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