What Does a General Contractor Do?

The Short Answer

A general contractor (GC) manages the entire renovation project from start to finish. They coordinate all trades (electricians, plumbers, drywall, tile), handle permits and inspections, order materials, and ensure work meets building codes and your timeline.

What a General Contractor Does

1. Project Planning and Estimating

• Site visit to assess the space and understand your goals
• Detailed estimate covering materials, labor, and timeline
• Help you understand what's possible within your budget
• Identify potential issues (outdated electrical, structural concerns)

2. Permits and Building Code Compliance

• Apply for necessary building permits
• Create drawings and documentation for permit applications
• Schedule inspections with the municipality
• Ensure all work meets Ontario Building Code
• Coordinate with inspectors and address any deficiencies

Learn more about when you need permits in Ontario.

3. Hiring and Coordinating Trades

• Hire licensed electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, drywall, tile, and other trades
• Schedule trades in the correct sequence (rough-in before drywall, tile before vanity install, etc.)
• Ensure trades show up when scheduled
• Supervise work quality and adherence to plans
• Handle any issues between trades (electrician and plumber routing conflicts, etc.)

4. Material Ordering and Delivery

• Order materials based on your finish selections
• Ensure materials arrive when needed (not too early to clutter the site, not too late to delay work)
• Verify material quality and correct items
• Handle returns or exchanges if needed
• Coordinate delivery and storage on site

5. Day-to-Day Project Management

• Visit the job site daily or multiple times per week
• Ensure work is progressing on schedule
• Problem-solve when issues arise (unforeseen structural problems, material delays)
• Communicate progress and any issues to you
• Maintain a clean and safe job site

6. Quality Control

• Ensure work meets professional standards
• Verify tile is level, drywall is smooth, cabinets are plumb
• Check that electrical and plumbing work meets code
• Inspect finished work before presenting it to you
• Address any deficiencies before final payment

Why Hire a General Contractor?

1. Saves You Time

Managing a renovation project is a full-time job. Coordinating multiple trades, scheduling inspections, ordering materials, and problem-solving requires constant availability. A general contractor handles all of this so you can focus on your work and family.

2. Avoids Costly Mistakes

Experienced general contractors know how to sequence work properly, avoid code violations, and prevent common mistakes. They also have relationships with trades who do quality work, reducing the risk of hiring someone inexperienced.

3. Faster Project Completion

General contractors coordinate trades efficiently, ensuring each trade is ready when needed. DIY coordination often results in delays when trades aren't available or work isn't done in the right sequence.

4. Single Point of Contact

Instead of managing calls with 5-10 different trades, you communicate with one person — your general contractor. They handle trade coordination and come to you only for design decisions and approvals.

5. Warranty and Accountability

A general contractor provides a warranty on the entire project. If something goes wrong (a leak, a finish issue), you call one person who handles it. With individual trades, you'd need to diagnose the problem and figure out which trade is responsible.

What You're Responsible For (Even With a GC)

• Design decisions: Choose finishes (tile, paint colors, fixtures, hardware) before construction starts
• Budget approval: Approve the estimate and any change orders
• Progress approvals: Review and approve work at key milestones
• Final walkthrough: Inspect finished work before final payment

How General Contractors Charge

Most residential general contractors use one of these pricing models:

• Fixed price (most common): You get a detailed estimate covering all labor and materials. Price is fixed unless you request changes.
• Time and materials: You pay for actual labor hours and materials plus a markup. Less common for residential renovations.
• Cost-plus: GC passes through all costs and charges a percentage or fixed fee. Common for large or complex projects.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor

• Are you licensed and insured? (WSIB coverage, liability insurance)
• Do you handle permits and inspections?
• Who are the trades you work with? (electrician, plumber, etc.)
• Can I see examples of similar projects you've completed?
• What's the payment schedule?
• What's the project timeline?
• How do you handle change orders or unforeseen issues?
• What warranty do you provide?

Learn more about typical renovation timelines.

General Contractors for Hamilton Area Renovations

Elite Carpenter Home Renovation serves as general contractor for kitchen, bathroom, basement, and flooring projects throughout Hamilton, Dundas, Burlington, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, and Grimsby.

We handle all permits, trade coordination, and project management so you can focus on enjoying the finished space.