Planning a renovation often raises one fundamental question: What does a general contractor actually handle?
Understanding this early sets clear expectations, reduces stress, and helps your project move more smoothly from start to finish.
This guide outlines the services typically included when working with a general contractor, along with areas that are usually handled by other professionals.
What A General Contractor Does?
A general contractor oversees the renovation as a whole. They coordinate trades, manage schedules, track progress, and ensure the work is executed according to approved plans.
Rather than acting as your own project manager, you work with a single team responsible for organizing the moving parts and keeping the project aligned. A good contractor understands how each phase connects to the next and helps guide decisions as the work unfolds.
Below is what’s typically included.
Services Typically Included
1. Overall Project Management
At the core of the role is managing the day-to-day execution of the project.
This includes planning the sequence of work, supervising trades on site, monitoring progress, and keeping timelines, costs, and quality aligned. Consistent oversight helps prevent issues from compounding and keeps the project moving steadily.
2. Coordinating Skilled Trades
Most renovations require multiple specialists, each arriving at the right time and in the correct order.
A general contractor coordinates trades such as:
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Tile installers
- Millworkers
- Painters
This coordination keeps the workflow efficient and avoids unnecessary downtime or conflicts between trades.
3. Pre-Construction And Design Support
While not acting as interior designers, experienced contractors provide valuable input during planning.
They help identify what’s practical, flag potential challenges, and coordinate with architects or designers to create a smoother transition from design to construction. This early collaboration often prevents costly revisions later.
4. Executing Approved Plans And Specifications
Contractors review construction drawings and specifications in detail and ensure the work aligns with them.
They coordinate with the design team to clarify details, resolve transitions, and address areas that may need further definition before work begins. This process helps ensure the final result matches the intended look and function while remaining buildable and efficient.
5. Permits, Approvals, And Building Requirements
Many renovations require approvals from local authorities or building management.
A general contractor manages permit filings, inspections, and compliance with building rules. Their familiarity with these processes helps avoid delays and keeps the project aligned with regulatory requirements.
6. Site Preparation And Protection
Before construction begins, the space is prepared to protect the existing property.
This typically includes:
- Floor and wall protection
- Dust containment
- Safe work zones
- Organized debris removal
Proper preparation reduces disruption and keeps the site orderly throughout the project.
7. Ongoing Quality Control
Work is reviewed throughout the project—not just at the end.
Contractors monitor workmanship, address issues as they arise, and confirm each phase meets professional standards. This attention to detail helps ensure consistency and a well-finished result.
8. Final Walkthrough And Close-Out
At completion, the contractor conducts a walkthrough with the homeowner, addresses final items, and arranges a thorough clean-up.
Many provide close-out documentation, including material lists, warranty information, and relevant manuals—so the project is fully handed over and ready for use.
Services Not Typically Included
While general contractors play a central role, some responsibilities usually fall outside their scope.
1. Furnishings And Decorative Styling
Contractors install built-in elements, fixtures, and finishes—but furniture, artwork, and decor selection are typically handled by homeowners or designers.
2. Structural Engineering
Major structural changes require drawings and calculations from a licensed engineer.
The contractor executes this work but does not create engineering designs. In many cases, they can help coordinate or hire the engineer as part of the broader team.
3. Appliance Selection
Appliances are usually selected by the homeowner or designer.
Contractors handle installation and coordination. In higher-end projects, they may also manage purchasing to ensure correct specifications, delivery timing, and condition upon arrival.
4. Ongoing Maintenance After Completion
Routine home maintenance is not part of a renovation contract.
Once the project is complete and turned over, the contractor’s role typically concludes unless otherwise agreed upon.
Why This Clarity Matters?
Knowing what a general contractor does—and does not do—helps you plan more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
Clear roles lead to better coordination, fewer delays, and a more predictable renovation experience.
Bringing It All Together
A general contractor organizes the process, coordinates the right professionals, and keeps a renovation moving safely and efficiently from start to finish.
At West Village General Contracting, we approach every project with structure, clear communication, and respect for our clients’ time and investment. Our focus is on thoughtful planning, disciplined execution, and craftsmanship that reflects each homeowner’s goals.
If you’re considering a renovation and want a clear, well-run process, we’re happy to discuss how our team can support your project.
