For every type of project, there is a certain group of contractors to seek help from. When it comes to home improvement, there are two very popular but also confusing terms. These are the home improvement contractor and the general contractor. One thing is for sure: they are not similar. But, what are their differences?
Knowing what separates one from the other is key to avoid wasting money and time by hiring the wrong people for a project. Because it’s your home, you want the best, which comes from a reputable, licensed contractor whose expertise fits what the job requires. Some people may take advantage of using these two terms interchangeably, but it’s better to know their differences.
What is a General Contractor?
There are a number of construction projects out there, but a general contractor is someone who can do any or all of those. Whether it’s a building new house, renovating, or remodeling project, a general contractor is who you need. They are professionals specializing in framing and carpentry with many other useful skills related to the job they do.
Usually, a home improvement or remodeling project involves more than one task, such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical. In such a case, you will need a general contractor who will be responsible for coordinating everyone and everything involved in the project. They are like a project manager who knows each and every task necessary and is effective at overseeing everything.
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What is a Home Improvement Contractor?
On the other hand, a home improvement contractor comes in when the task is about an improvement to be done on a building. Some states do not really have an official role for remodeling contractors, which may encourage some handymen or a different kind of specialist to pretend they are experts you can rely on. To avoid being a victim of this fraud, homeowners should thoroughly investigate a business’s license before making a deal. You must be certain that you are dealing with a legitimate remodeling contractor.
In personally performing specific tasks, a remodeling contractor must possess a license for each specialty. If they don’t, they should be a subcontractor to a specialist in order to be trusted with a task. Also be aware that most tasks less than $500 or just a single task requiring one license also need a remodeling contractor with a general contractor license.
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When to Hire a General Contractor or Remodeler
A simple bathroom remodel may seem an easy task that requires just one remodeling contractor. Yet, if you think of it, a bathroom is made up of various parts that may need attention and repair, like flooring, insulation, HVAC, asbestos abatement, and many others. Does that already mean you need a general contractor?
Think of the following to check if it’s time to contact a general contractor near you.
– The price of the project will exceed $500.
– There is more than one task at hand.
– You want protection from injury and potential property damage during the whole process.
– You want to be stress-free while the project is ongoing and be removed from coordinating the project.
At the end of the day, these important and tough tasks should be handled by a licensed general contractor. They will give you peace of mind when thinking about how the project is going and if everyone involved is working at their best. Although it’s still good to be hands-on in projects like this, the choice is yours to make, especially if you already know who to call.
Expert Remodeling Contractor in South Shore
As an owner of a home or a building, you must be aware of such terms as general contractor and home improvement contractor. Renovations and remodeling tasks are all part of your duty to keep the good condition and curb appeal of your home and building. Yet, if you are living in the South Shore area, you only need one group of professional contractors to call for all your remodeling needs.
Hancock Renovation South Shore is a home improvement company licensed to perform all kinds of tasks related to home remodeling and renovations. We cater home improvement services to Quincy, MA, Milton, MA, and all of South Shore MA. We provide the best house remodeling experience to every homeowner in the area. Working for over a decade now, we continue to uphold our high standards of rebuilding the beauty of a house, keeping all families safely sheltered, rain or shine for many years to come.
If you suspect that your home lacks proper plumbing, has defective electrical connections, or needs any other home renovation projects completed, give us a call right away. Contact us at 781-512-6122 to get a free quote and consultation.
