Quick answer: A general contractor manages your entire construction project — permits, scheduling, hiring subcontractors, ordering materials, coordinating inspections, and solving the hundred problems that come up between demo day and final walkthrough. We're the single point of accountability so you don't have to juggle 15 different trades yourself.

Here's what that actually looks like day-to-day.

The GC's Job, Broken Down

1. Pre-Construction Planning

Before any hammers swing, a good GC:

• Reviews your plans with architects and engineers to catch issues early
• Pulls permits from the city (LADBS in Los Angeles) — this alone can take weeks and requires knowing exactly what they want to see
• Creates a realistic budget with line-item estimates, not vague guesses
• Builds a schedule that sequences trades correctly (you can't drywall before electrical rough-in)
• Vets and hires subcontractors — plumbers, electricians, HVAC, framers, tile guys, painters

Most homeowners don't realize how much happens before construction starts. On a typical remodel, I spend 3-4 weeks on planning before we touch the property.

2. Project Management During Construction

This is where you see us on site. A GC:

• Coordinates subcontractor schedules — Making sure the plumber shows up before the drywall crew, not after
• Orders materials with proper lead times (cabinets can take 6-8 weeks, you can't order them last minute)
• Manages daily problems — And there are always problems. Supply delays, weather, a sub who doesn't show, unexpected conditions behind walls
• Schedules inspections with the city at each phase (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final)
• Maintains quality control — Checking work before it gets covered up
• Communicates with you — Weekly updates at minimum, same-day calls when decisions are needed

3. The Stuff You Don't See

Half of what a GC does is invisible to homeowners:

• Handling permits and inspections — Dealing with plan check corrections, inspector requests, code compliance
• Managing insurance and liability — Every sub on your job should be insured. Your GC verifies this.
• Solving conflicts — When the cabinet layout doesn't work with the electrical plan, someone has to figure it out
• Protecting your property — Dust barriers, floor protection, securing the site
• Documentation — Change orders, lien waivers, inspection records, warranty info

Why Not Just Hire Subs Yourself?

I get this question a lot. "Can't I just hire a plumber, electrician, and save the GC markup?"

Technically yes. Realistically? It usually costs more and takes twice as long. Here's why:

Scheduling is harder than it looks. Trades depend on each other. If your electrician is delayed, it pushes back insulation, drywall, painting, and flooring — in that order. Miss one domino and the whole schedule falls apart.

Subs prioritize contractor relationships. When a plumber has to choose between a GC who gives him steady work or a one-time homeowner job, guess who gets bumped?

You become the problem solver. When something goes wrong (and it will), you're the one figuring it out. Most homeowners don't know building code, don't have backup subs on speed dial, and don't have time to babysit a job site.

Permits are your responsibility. Acting as your own GC means you're the permit holder. If something fails inspection, that's on you.

I've seen DIY-managed projects that started with good intentions and ended with homeowners stressed, over budget, and six months behind schedule. The "savings" evaporated.

What a GC Costs

General contractors typically charge one of two ways:

Cost-plus: You pay actual costs for labor and materials, plus a markup (usually 15-20%) for the GC's overhead and profit. Transparent, but final cost isn't fixed.

Fixed price: You get a total project cost upfront. Less visibility into line items, but you know what you're paying (assuming no change orders).

In Los Angeles, GC fees typically add 15-25% to the raw cost of a project. On a $100,000 remodel, that's $15,000-$25,000 for project management, coordination, and accountability.

Is it worth it? For most homeowners, absolutely. The peace of mind and time savings alone justify it — not to mention avoiding costly mistakes.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a GC

1. Are you licensed? In California, verify at cslb.ca.gov. A valid license means they passed exams, carry a bond, and can legally pull permits.
2. Do you carry insurance? General liability and workers comp. Ask for certificates.
3. Who manages the project day-to-day? On larger jobs, make sure you know who your actual point of contact is.
4. How do you handle change orders? Changes happen. Get the process in writing.
5. Can I talk to recent clients? References matter. Actually call them.

Ready to Talk About Your Project?

At ZMA Legacy Builders, we handle everything — permits, subs, scheduling, inspections, and the inevitable surprises. You get one point of contact and a team that's done this hundreds of times.

Free consultation — Call (213) 375-4958 or visit zmalegacybuilders.com/contact.

ZMA Legacy Builders is a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1137900) serving Los Angeles County. Updated March 2026.