What Does a General Contractor Do?

Posted on 2026-02-01 08:51:17

Homeowners planning a remodel or construction project often search for a general contractor near me without fully understanding what a general contractor actually does. The role is sometimes misunderstood as “the person who hires subcontractors,” but a general contractor is responsible for much more than that. In San Jose, CA, where permits, inspections, trade availability, and code requirements play a big role in project timelines, understanding this job helps homeowners avoid costly surprises and make smarter decisions before work begins.

A general contractor is the professional responsible for coordinating the entire construction process from start to finish. That includes planning, scheduling, compliance, quality control, communication, and problem-solving across every phase of the job. Whether you’re tackling a kitchen remodel, a home addition, or a whole-home renovation, the contractor’s main purpose is to make sure the project moves forward safely, legally, and efficiently.

1) Planning the Project Before Work Starts

Most of the value of a general contractor happens before demolition or construction begins. Pre-construction planning includes reviewing the scope, anticipating bottlenecks, and identifying which trades are needed and when. This is where sequencing becomes critical: the wrong order can lead to rework, failed inspections, and major delays.

In San Jose, early planning often includes coordinating permit needs, confirming inspection stages, and evaluating how long approvals might take. Even for smaller remodels, understanding how long certain trades take to schedule (and how long materials can take to arrive) can prevent a timeline from collapsing mid-project.

2) Coordinating Trades and Subcontractors

A general contractor coordinates the specialists that make a remodel or build possible: electricians, plumbers, framers, drywall installers, painters, tile installers, finish carpenters, and more. The contractor schedules these trades in the right order and ensures each one is prepared for the next phase.

A general contracting company also handles the “in-between” details that homeowners often don’t anticipate—like ensuring the electrician completes rough-in before insulation and drywall, or confirming that waterproofing is completed and cured before tile installation begins. When scheduling is done poorly, projects often stall because the next trade can’t start.

3) Managing Permits and Inspections

Permits and inspections are one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose to hire a general contractor. Many remodeling projects require permits—especially those involving electrical, plumbing, structural changes, windows, or additions. Inspections often occur at multiple stages (for example, rough framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, and final inspections).

The contractor’s role is to coordinate these steps so work stays compliant and doesn’t get stuck. If an inspection fails, the general contractor is responsible for organizing corrections and rescheduling. The Better Business Bureau frequently highlights that unclear responsibility around permits is a common source of disputes and unfinished work.

4) Scheduling, Timeline Control, and Daily Coordination

Home projects fail most often due to timeline breakdowns, not necessarily workmanship. A general contractor maintains the schedule, coordinates trade availability, and adjusts the plan when delays occur. This includes managing weather delays (for exterior work), supply chain problems, and conflicts between trades.

In practice, timeline management means confirming that materials arrive when needed, ensuring that work is completed in the right sequence, and making sure the jobsite is ready for the next phase. Without coordination, you might have cabinets delivered before electrical is complete, or finish materials arriving before drywall is ready—both of which create storage problems and extra costs.

5) Quality Control and Code Compliance

A general contractor is responsible for overall quality control. Even when subcontractors are skilled, mistakes happen—measurements are missed, details get overlooked, or installation methods don’t match the project’s requirements. The contractor checks the work, enforces standards, and ensures code compliance throughout the project.

In San Jose, code compliance is not optional. Failed inspections can halt progress. Active oversight helps prevent surprises at inspection time, and it reduces the chance of rework after finishes are installed.

6) Budget Management and Change Orders

Many homeowners assume “budget management” means the contractor controls all costs. In reality, the contractor’s role is to manage how decisions and changes affect the budget and timeline. Projects often change once demolition begins—hidden water damage, outdated wiring, framing issues, or plumbing problems can appear unexpectedly.

A contractor helps homeowners evaluate options and document changes properly through change orders. That documentation matters because it prevents confusion later and keeps expectations clear. Homeowners who want to understand likely cost variables often speak with a general contractor before locking final plans.

Sidebar: A Realistic Example of What Coordination Looks Like

Here’s a simple example that shows why coordination matters. In a typical kitchen remodel:

Demolition happens first, but debris removal must be scheduled so the space is ready for trades. Rough electrical and rough plumbing occur before insulation and drywall. Inspections may be required before walls are closed up. Drywall must be finished and cured before cabinets can be installed. Countertops often require templating after cabinets, then fabrication time, then installation. Final plumbing and electrical occur after countertops and fixtures are ready.

If one of these steps slips, the entire chain shifts. The general contractor keeps this sequence moving and prevents the project from turning into a series of stalled appointments and rescheduling fees.

7) Communication and Accountability

One overlooked part of the job is communication. A general contractor provides a single point of contact, which keeps homeowners from having to chase multiple trades for updates. This also creates accountability: instead of blaming a subcontractor, the contractor owns the overall outcome and resolves issues.

Communication also covers practical details: how changes are approved, when payments are due, what the timeline looks like, and how the homeowner should prepare for disruptive phases of the project. Consistent communication reduces misunderstandings and keeps expectations aligned.

When Hiring a General Contractor Makes the Most Sense

Some projects can be handled by a single specialist (like a painter or flooring installer). But the value of a general contractor increases https://generalcontractorssanjose.com/do-i-need-a-contractor-for-a-bathroom-remodel/ when your project involves multiple trades, permitting, inspections, or structural changes. In San Jose, this often includes kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, additions, major layout changes, and whole-home renovations.

Homeowners planning complex projects often consult general contracting services early to clarify what the contractor will manage and what decisions should be made before construction begins.