Are you thinking about managing your construction project yourself? Acting as your own general contractor (GC) can save money and give you complete control, but it’s not without challenges. The responsibility and time commitment needed to be your own general contractor often lead to stress that can outweigh the benefits. Understanding and weighing the pros and cons can help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

What it means to be a general contractor

A general contractor is the person responsible for managing and overseeing construction projects. They coordinate every stage of the process, from hiring subcontractors to managing budgets, timelines, and materials. As a GC, you’re the point of contact for the entire project, ensuring each step moves forward on schedule while meeting building codes and quality standards.

The pros and cons of being your own general contractor

Advantages	Things to consider
– Cost savings – Flexibility to work at your own pace – Building a contact list – Hands-on control of decisions – Personal satisfaction	– Significant time commitment – Steep learning curve – Potential for cost overruns – Stress and responsibility – Limited access to professional networks – Legal and safety risks

Advantages

Cost savings

One of the biggest reasons people choose to act as their own general contractor is to save money. By cutting out the GC’s fees—usually 10% to 20% of the total project cost—you can allocate those funds elsewhere. For example, on a $100,000 project, this could mean saving $10,000 to $20,000. You also have the option to shop around for materials and labor to find the best deals instead of relying on a GC’s choices.

Flexibility to work at your own pace

You get to control the schedule when you’re in charge. Whether you want to tackle parts of the project on weekends or adjust deadlines as needed, you can work at a pace that suits you. You’re not waiting on someone else’s availability; if unexpected delays happen, you can pivot without consulting a middleman.

Building a contact list

Taking on the role of a general contractor allows you to build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and other professionals in the industry. This network can be helpful for future projects, repairs, or even advice. If you work with reliable subcontractors, you can save their contact information and establish trust for any work down the road.

Hands-on control of decisions

Being your own GC means you have complete control over every decision, from selecting materials to choosing subcontractors. If you’re detail-oriented or have a specific vision for your project, this level of involvement can ensure the work meets your expectations. You don’t have to rely on someone else to interpret your goals—you’re calling the shots.

Personal satisfaction

Managing a project yourself can be incredibly rewarding. Seeing the progress and knowing you played a direct role in bringing your vision to life gives a sense of accomplishment. For many homeowners, the process of learning, problem-solving, and seeing the finished product makes the time and effort worthwhile.

Disadvantages

Significant time commitment

Acting as your own general contractor requires a lot of time—often more than most people anticipate. From coordinating subcontractors to managing deliveries and inspections, you’re constantly juggling tasks. It can feel like a full-time job, especially if unexpected issues arise. Balancing this alongside your personal or professional responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming.

Steep learning curve

If you don’t have experience in construction, there’s a lot to learn. Building codes, permits, and project management techniques are complicated and can’t be picked up overnight. Without this knowledge, you risk making costly mistakes, hiring the wrong people, or causing delays. What a professional general contractor knows from years (or decades) of experience, you’ll have to figure out as you go.

Potential for cost overruns

Saving money is often the goal, but inexperience can lead to overspending. You might underestimate material costs, timelines, or labor expenses, causing unexpected overages. Mistakes or poor planning can eat into your savings, leaving you spending more than you would have with a professional contractor.

Stress and responsibility

Managing a construction project is no small task. When you’re the general contractor, you’re responsible for every detail—hiring subcontractors, handling unexpected problems, and keeping the project on track. If something goes wrong, like delays or a mistake in the work, you’re the one who has to fix it. The weight of that responsibility can be highly stressful and mentally exhausting.

Limited access to professional networks as a first-time GC

Professional contractors have years of experience and strong relationships with reliable subcontractors, suppliers, and inspectors. As a first-time general contractor, you may not have these connections, making finding skilled labor or quality materials more challenging. Without trusted contacts, you risk hiring subcontractors who might overcharge, underperform, or delay your project.

Legal and safety risks

Overseeing your project means you’re responsible for ensuring everything follows local building codes and safety regulations. This can be complicated, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the rules. Failing to meet requirements can lead to fines, failed inspections, or even unsafe work. If accidents happen on-site, you could be liable for injuries if proper safety precautions weren’t followed.

Bottom line

Being your own general contractor can be a rewarding way to save money and take control of your construction project. However, it’s not for everyone. While the advantages, like cost savings and flexibility, may be appealing, the time commitment, stress, and risks involved can outweigh the benefits if you’re unprepared.

If you’re willing to invest the time to learn, manage, and problem-solve, taking on this role can be a worthwhile experience. But if you value efficiency, industry connections, and peace of mind, hiring a professional general contractor might be the smarter choice.

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