What’s the Difference Between a General Contractor and a Subcontractor?
When planning a home renovation or construction project in Houston, you’ll encounter two key types of professionals: general contractors and subcontractors. Understanding the difference between them is critical to choosing the right team for your project.
What Is a General Contractor (GC)?
A general contractor is the primary professional responsible for overseeing a construction project from start to finish. The GC:
- Acts as your single point of contact
- Creates and manages the overall project schedule
- Hires, schedules, and supervises all subcontractors
- Pulls all necessary building permits
- Ensures work meets local building codes and inspection requirements
- Manages the project budget and material procurement
- Carries general liability insurance and worker’s compensation
In Texas, general contractors working on commercial projects over $50,000 must be licensed. For residential work, while a GC license isn’t universally required statewide, Houston-area homeowners should always verify that their GC is properly registered and insured.
What Is a Subcontractor?
A subcontractor is a specialist hired by the general contractor to perform a specific trade or scope of work. Common subcontractors on a Houston remodel include:
- Plumbers: Licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
- Electricians: Licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- HVAC technicians: Licensed by TDLR
- Tile setters
- Painters
- Flooring installers
- Cabinet installers
- Roofers
Should You Hire a GC or Go Direct to Subcontractors?
Many Houston homeowners wonder if they can save money by acting as their own general contractor and hiring subcontractors directly. Here’s an honest breakdown:
Hiring a GC (Recommended for Most Projects)
Pros:
- Single point of accountability for the entire project
- GC coordinates scheduling so trades don’t overlap or wait on each other
- GC handles permitting paperwork and inspection scheduling
- GC warranties the overall work, not just individual trade work
- Established relationships with quality subcontractors
- Insurance coverage for workers on your property
Cons:
- GC markup on subcontractor labor (typically 15–25%)
Self-Managing as Owner-Builder
Pros:
- Potential cost savings of 10–20% on labor
Cons:
- Requires significant time and construction knowledge
- Scheduling conflicts between trades are common and costly
- You assume all liability for workmanship and safety
- Harder to find quality subcontractors willing to work without a GC
- Mistakes in sequencing (e.g., drywalling before plumbing rough-in inspection) cause expensive rework
How Much Does a General Contractor Cost in Houston?
Houston general contractors typically charge in one of three ways:
- Cost-plus fee: Actual cost of materials and labor + a 15–25% GC fee
- Fixed bid: One lump-sum price for the entire scope of work
- Time and materials: Hourly rate + materials (common for repair/maintenance work)
For a full kitchen remodel in Houston, GC fees typically add $3,000–$15,000 to the overall project cost — a small price for peace of mind and project coordination.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Houston General Contractor
- Are you properly licensed and insured in Texas?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
- Will you pull all necessary permits for this project?
- Can you provide 3 references from similar Houston projects?
- What is your payment schedule?
- Do you provide a written contract with a defined scope of work?
- How do you handle change orders?
- Who specifically will be on my job site daily?
MAV Design & Build: Houston’s Full-Service General Contractor
MAV Design & Build is a licensed and insured general contractor serving Houston and the Greater Houston area. We manage every aspect of your project — from initial design through final inspection — so you can focus on what matters most.
Learn more about our general contracting services or call (832) 532-6829.