What does a general contractor do? This question always shows up right when people start dreaming big (new build, major renovation, that sort of thing).
It does feel doable on your own. Call a plumber, line up an electrician, maybe find a carpenter, super easy, right? But when you get quotes all over the place, trades not showing up when they said, jobs overlapping, costs slipping out of your hands…stressful doesn’t even cover it.
Hiring a general contractor makes sense here. They’ll keep everyone in line, keep the pace, so the whole construction comes together nicely. They deal with the permit issues on your behalf, schedule the trades, check the budgets, and when anything goes south, they’re the one who sorts it out before it snowballs. And it’s always nice to have someone else responsible for the risk & warranty.
A general contractor sees the big picture while making sure the little details don’t slip through.
Read on to learn exactly what a general contractor does. Learn about the services they provide and how they keep complex construction projects on track.
What Is a General Contractor?
A general contractor is basically the person who stands in the middle of all the noise and somehow keeps it from going down the drain. Like… schedules that keep changing, materials showing up late, trades not answering their phones.
They’re the one who takes all of that and tries to keep it moving in a straight line. You’re not running around trying to track down electricians or calling the tile guy for the fourth time. The contractor does it.
They coordinate, they remind, they adjust when something slips. It’s part manager, part negotiator, part referee when two trades argue about who’s supposed to be where first.
There are three main industry segments of general contractors:
- Residential: That’s houses. Luxury kitchens and bathroom remodels, adding a second story. They usually have smaller teams.
- Commercial: Offices, retail spaces, warehouses with endless wiring and safety requirements that feel like another project on top of the actual project. More people to manage, more paperwork, and basically more of everything.
- Industrial: Power generation plants, refineries, chemical plants, mass manufacturing facilities, shipyards. These facilities require intense engineering and highly sophisticated electrical mentoring of equipment. Safety is of great importance when performing project work.
In Houston, you also have to consider documenting and the permitting process. If one form is wrong, officials can shut things down in a second. Work in process pending, projects delayed and your money burning.
A good contractor (like Marwood Construction) knows how to keep that from happening. Keeps the city side moving while the building side doesn’t stop.
What Are the Core Responsibilities of a General Contractor?
When you dip your toe into a build or home remodeling, the big question (right after “what does a general contractor do?”) is always the same. How does all of this actually come together without draining your bank account or dragging on for eternity? You picture the end result, sure, but in the middle of it… It’s a mess if you’re on your own.
A general contractor‘s job is a layered, constantly moving role that starts at the very first conversation and keeps going until the last inspector signs off. It’s the glue. The difference between you losing your mind and the project actually crossing the finish line. Here’s the answer to the question “What does a general contractor do?”:
Project Oversight: Planning, Permits, and Inspections
A general contractor has a checklist. They make sure the project has a map (not a vague idea). Timelines, drawings, revisions, calls with the architect. All of that gets folded into a plan so nothing slips through.
That also means dealing with permits (especially if you’re in Houston). Paperwork, filing with the city, double-checking compliance with codes (that change more often than one might expect), and scheduling inspections at exactly the right stage.
Miss one inspection? The whole thing comes to a halt. Teams waiting. Time wasted. Costs are ticking up every single day. Having someone (a general contractor) who knows how to go through it all will mean steady progress instead of weeks of nothing.
These responsibilities can be better defined in two categories; onsite
Construction Project Management – Onsite operational functions such as quality control, resource logistics, problem solving, project safety protocol, site liaison,
Administrative Project Management – Offsite operational functions such as contracts, insurance, accounting, procurement and financial matters.
Subcontractor Hiring and Management
Ask anyone who’s ever tried to find trades on their own. It’s a gamble, really. Some don’t show up, others do half the job and vanish. A general contractor already has a bench of people they trust.
Electricians who wire properly, plumbers, painters, roofers, carpenters who know the rhythm of a job site. The contractor handles the calls and the scheduling, so one team wraps up before the next walks in.
That means there are no clashes or any overlap that ends in finger-pointing. If something goes sideways, they’re the ones fixing it. They chase down corrections, not you.
Budget and Cost Control
Money can disappear fast on a project. It’s not always big mistakes either. Sometimes it’s a dozen tiny things that add up. A general contractor is the guardrail, really. They price materials, negotiate, and keep a close eye on labor costs.
They know when a supplier is trying to pad numbers. General contractors also track the budget, so you’re not blindsided halfway through.
Costs swing with supply chains, with storms, with market shifts. They’ll build contingencies into the plan. That means fewer nasty surprises. They’ve seen enough projects to spot the hidden expenses you won’t catch until it’s too late.
Safety and Compliance
A general contractor enforces safety rules because the risks are real. Securing scaffolding. Making sure protective gear is used. Ensuring only licensed professionals handle electrical systems.
Also, they carry insurance. Liability protection covers both the workers and you if something happens. Without it, you’re exposed to risks you didn’t even think about.
The safety codes are super specific with OSHA, and falling short will shut a site down instantly. A good general contractor will keep the work moving without taking dangerous shortcuts.
Daily Site Supervision
Construction doesn’t run itself. Someone has to be there…every day, so things are happening the way they should.
A GC walks the site, checks workmanship, and catches problems before they grow. Deliveries don’t always arrive, or subcontractors fall behind. Without someone adjusting the plan in real time, small delays become big ones.
That daily presence is what holds the schedule together. You don’t have to spend your days wandering a dusty job site with a notepad, worrying. They’re already there. Watching. Fixing. Keeping the job alive and moving.
What Services Do General Contractors Provide?
A general contractor has a lot of things working together, and half the time you don’t notice until something goes wrong and you realize, oh, that’s their job.
They’re the one keeping the mess from spilling over.
- Design coordination: They pull architects, engineers, and designers into the same lane so the drawings are actually buildable. Spotting problems before anyone picks up a hammer. Saving weeks, sometimes months, just by asking the right questions early.
- Construction management: Watching subcontractors, checking the scope, making sure work doesn’t drift into the “almost right” direction.
- Material sourcing: Hunting down the right materials at the right price. That also means dealing with supply hiccups, storms that delay shipments, and still keeping things moving. They have supplier contacts you don’t.
- Scheduling and timelines: A contractor will line up tasks so teams don’t collide, adjust when there are any issues, and find a way to keep the wheels turning.
- Quality assurance: Inspections, codes, workmanship checks. Every stage gets looked at, so nothing sneaks through and blows up later.
- Risk management: Safety rules, insurance, liability coverage.
The GC is the one stitching it together, so you’re not buried under a pile of phone calls and unfinished work.
How Does a General Contractor Manage a Construction Project?
Managing a construction project doesn’t just involve calling up a few trades and hoping it all works out. The process is super layered, where a hundred moving pieces have to land in the right order. Without someone doing it right, it crumbles fast. So, what does a general contractor do?
Here’s what and how they do it::
Pre-Construction Planning
The contractor looks over the plans, develops the budget, the timeline, while poking holes in them. Where’s this going to run over? Where’s the design asking for something that’s not realistic? They map out a roadmap so the build has structure. They’ll be sitting down with architects, engineers, and designers, making sure the pretty drawings stand up to Houston’s codes and conditions.
Permits and Inspections
Permits, zoning rules, building codes. All the details hidden in fine print. A contractor files with the permit authorities for approvals, schedules inspections at the right checkpoints. Because if one inspection is missed, the whole job grinds to a halt. Teams wait. Money bleeds.
Daily Supervision
Once building starts, it’s constant eyes on the ground. Checking if teams are on pace, if quality’s holding up, and if the site is safe. Daily supervision keeps simple mistakes from snowballing.
Subcontractor Coordination
Electricians, plumbers, roofers, carpenters; none of them work in a vacuum. The contractor lines up who shows up when so trades don’t trip over each other. Timing is everything here. One misstep and you’ll have downtime you didn’t budget for.
Issue Resolution
And of course, something always goes sideways. Weather, supply shortages, or even last-minute design changes. A general contractor’s job is to jump in, untangle the mess, and keep momentum.
Do I Need a General Contractor for My Project?
It really depends. Small stuff, maybe not. Swapping out a vanity, repainting a room, fixing a light fixture? You could probably manage that on your own. But some homeowners try to play project manager on bigger things, too. They think, how hard can it be? Call a few trades, line them up, save some money. And sometimes it works. But usually… not for long.
Because once a project has multiple trades (electricians, plumbers, framers), it becomes a lot more complex. You’ll be buried in permits, managing schedules, and trying to figure out why one sub failed a job when you thought everything was fine. Acting as your own contractor means every single problem lands on your plate.
A general contractor already knows who to call, how to get permits approved without weeks of back-and-forth, and how to keep trades moving in order instead of stepping on each other’s toes.
They have the systems, the experience, and the backup plans when things stall.
For luxury builds, big remodels, and commercial construction, it’s not even a question. The stakes are too high. Too much money, too many risks. You want someone running it all perfectly, someone who’s done it a hundred times (not guessing their way through).
How Much Does a General Contractor Cost in Houston?
It’s usually not a flat figure. Contractors typically charge a percentage of the total project, somewhere between 10 and 20 percent most of the time.
Smaller jobs can go higher because overhead is still there no matter how small the project is. Bigger builds sometimes fall closer to the lower end since the scale spreads the cost out.
Here are a few things that push it up or pull it down.
- Scope of work: A bathroom refresh isn’t the same as a new custom build, with every detail needing coordination. Simple takes less. Complex takes more.
- Size: A bigger project means more subs, more scheduling problems, and more paperwork. And that extra coordination drives the fee up.
- Material selection: High-end finishes are more difficult. They need trades who know what they’re doing and more quality checks. Costs change when the standard isn’t basic.
People sometimes treat contractor fees like they’re optional. Just another line item to shave down. But those fees cover planning, scheduling, oversight, safety, and avoiding mistakes. Pick the lowest bid, and corners will be cut.
GC professional fees are no different than paying fees to your attorney or accountant. You rely on such professionals for their services.
These are the common fees contract fee structures for GC agreements;
- Fixed Cost Lump Sum Contracts – The highest risk agreement for GC, the most common contract and most expensive for the owner.
- Cost Plus – Reduced contract risk for GC and a bit more price favorable for owner, This agreement reflects the cost of the project plus a percentage to the contractor, these contracts are good for owners that do not mind sharing the cost risk,
- Time & Material Contract – A contract that is paid in unit prices times the quality of materials used and labor hours experienced, used on projects that are hard to quantify the actual amount,
At Marwood Construction, we go for the balance. Fair pricing without sacrificing the craftsmanship that makes a luxury project feel properly finished. Costs are transparent. Clients know what’s being spent and why. And the payoff is a build that looks good and lasts.
What Qualifications Should a General Contractor Have?
In Houston, sure, you don’t technically need a specific GC license, but that doesn’t mean anyone can just step in and call themselves a contractor.
Insurance is non-negotiable (general liability, workers’ comp) because without it, you’re exposed if something goes sideways on-site.
Also, certifications show the person actually knows building codes, safety rules, construction contract law and how to manage a project without a mess.
Experience is huge, especially if you’re talking high-end or luxury builds. There’s precision, problem-solving, and an eye for design that only comes from years of actually doing the work. Someone who’s handled upscale homes or commercial spaces will know the pitfalls before they hit.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor in Houston?
Hiring a general contractor is bigger than just convenience. You’ll be protecting your money, your time, and your sanity. A GC pulls the threads together so the whole project doesn’t run into the ground halfway through.
Construction Expertise
The most significant benefit is the GC’s expertise in the industry. You want a captain of a ship with years of experience if the waters get rough. They have done this before and can avoid the many landminds that less experienced or novice contractors don’t see coming.
Reduced Risk & Liability
Hiring a GC is a very effective way of mitigating the owners risk and liability on the project. There are many risks associated with a construction project. Design plan errors and omissions, cost overruns, code non compliance, personal injury, product failures, incidental & confidential damages, contract disputes,, non-performance,
Simplified Communication
Without a GC, you’ll have to get updates from five trades, a supplier who keeps dodging your calls, and an inspector you can’t get on the schedule.
A contractor becomes the single point. Everyone funnels through them. Subcontractors, suppliers, inspectors, even you.
Access to Skilled Trades & Vendors
You don’t have to gamble on random plumbers or electricians. A GC already knows who’s good, who shows up, and who finishes. Their network saves you from rolling the dice on untested teams.
Budget & Timeline Oversight
Numbers and deadlines slip fast. A GC watches both. Tracking expenses every day, adjusting schedules when delays pop up is what they do. Their job is to keep the scope intact so you’re not staring at a half-finished build with no cash left.
Local Knowledge of Codes & Permits
A general contractor knows the system, files correctly, and lines up inspections. That local experience prevents costly stalls.
Higher Resale Value on Homes
Work done under professional oversight carries weight. Buyers trust it. Appraisers too. Corners aren’t cut, quality shows, and property value climbs instead of questions.
Local Credibility
And if you’re working with someone respected, like Marwood Construction, that reputation follows. They (lenders, appraisers, future buyers) see the name and know the project wasn’t patched together. It signals professionalism before they even walk through the door.
FAQs: What Does a General Contractor Do?
What does a general contractor do on a daily basis?
It’s not just one thing. They’re scheduling subs, chasing deliveries, keeping an eye on permits, walking the site, and checking safety (to name a few responsibilities). Basically, making sure the job doesn’t drift off course. One point of accountability, so you’re not managing everyone yourself.
Can a general contractor handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes. The good ones adjust their resources to fit. A custom home build takes one rhythm. A commercial renovation, another. Same skillset, just scaled differently.
What’s included in a general contractor’s contract?
The contract is the roadmap. Scope of work, costs, timelines, payment schedule, and warranties. The details that keep expectations clear, so arguments don’t arise later.
How long does a general contractor stay involved?
From the very first planning meeting to the last inspection. They don’t walk until everything’s signed off and the work matches what was agreed.
Is hiring a general contractor worth the cost?
Yes. Because mistakes are expensive. A GC keeps budgets tight, communication clear, and the entire process manageable. The value is in what doesn’t go wrong.
Wrapping Up: What Does a General Contractor Do?
A good general contractor like Marwood Construction is really the difference between a project that collapses under pressure and one that stands solid for decades. They carry the weight of coordination, compliance, and quality, so you don’t spend your nights worrying about delays or mistakes.
If you’re planning a build or remodel in Houston, don’t roll the dice. Partner with Marwood Construction, the best general contractor in Houston, known for turning complicated projects into clean results.
