Whats the difference between a General Building Contractor and a Sub-Contractor?
A General Building Contractor usually oversees a multi-faceted project and coordinates the specialty contractors or sub-contractors for a job. Specialty or Sub-Contractors are usually hired to perform a single kind of work. For example, if you need only roofing or plumbing work, you may want to hire a sub-contractor licensed in that particular specialty. Both states have divided the specialty license into more specific classifications. There are more than 40 different classifications, ranging from landscapers, window installers, to painters, electricians, plumbers, etc. A general building contractor may also perform the needed specialty work, such as roofing or plumbing, but must hold a specialty license for that work or actually have a specialty contractor do the work. The only exception is if the job requires more than two types of work on a building. Then it is appropriate for a licensed general building contractor to contract for and oversee the entire project. For example, if your
