Is it cheaper to hire a tradesperson directly instead of through a general contractor?

Often yes, since a general contractor typically adds a markup for managing subcontractors. But hiring direct only saves money if the job is truly single-trade — if it touches multiple trades or requires coordination, the GC's markup is paying for that coordination.

Do I need a permit for electrical or plumbing work?

In most jurisdictions, yes, for anything beyond minor repairs — new circuits, panel upgrades, repiping, and moving fixtures typically require a permit and inspection. Rules vary by city and county; check with your local building department before work starts.

Can a general contractor do electrical or plumbing work themselves?

It depends on the state. Some states allow a licensed GC to perform certain trade work themselves; many require a separately licensed electrician or plumber regardless of the GC's own license. Verify with your state's licensing board rather than assuming either way.

Electrician, Plumber, or General Contractor? Who You Actually Need

Skilled Trades Directory

Not every home project needs a general contractor. Hiring a licensed tradesperson directly can be faster and cheaper — but only when the job is genuinely single-trade. Here's how to tell the difference before you start calling around.

When a direct hire makes sense

If the job is contained to one trade — a new circuit for an appliance, a water heater replacement, a furnace repair — hiring that licensed tradesperson directly usually means a shorter timeline and no general contractor markup on top of their rate. You're also talking directly to the person doing the work, which can mean fewer miscommunications.

When you actually need a general contractor

Once a project touches more than one trade — say, a bathroom remodel that needs plumbing, electrical, and tile work coordinated on a schedule — a general contractor's job is exactly that coordination. Skipping the GC on a multi-trade job usually means you become the project manager: scheduling each trade, sequencing the work so plumbing happens before drywall goes back up, and being the one who catches it if two trades' work conflicts.

Licensing is trade-specific, and it matters

A general contractor's license does not automatically cover electrical or plumbing work in most states — those are usually separately licensed trades, sometimes requiring their own permit and inspection regardless of who's managing the overall job. If you're hiring direct, confirm the specific trade license (not just "licensed contractor" as a general claim) and check it against your state's licensing board.

Permits aren't optional, even for small jobs

New circuits, panel upgrades, moving a gas line, repiping — these typically require a permit and an inspection in most jurisdictions, even when the job itself is small. A tradesperson who suggests skipping the permit to save time or money is a red flag, not a convenience — unpermitted work can complicate a home sale later and may not be covered by insurance if something goes wrong.

Quick rule of thumb: one trade, hire that trade directly. Multiple trades that need to be sequenced together, hire a general contractor to manage it. Either way, verify the specific license for the work being done — not just that "a contractor" is involved.

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