What Kind of General Contractor Should You Hire? Understanding the 3 GC Models

When you’re planning a remodel, custom home build or ADU project in Whatcom County, it’s important to understand how your general contractor (GC) actually runs the job. Not all GCs work the same way, and the structure of their team can impact everything from schedule and budget to communication and accountability.

What Is a General Contractor?

When people picture a contractor, they often imagine someone swinging a hammer, laying tile, or installing cabinets. And while many general contractors come from a hands-on background, this image misses the mark when it comes to what a GC’s actual role is, especially on larger or more complex projects.

A general contractor is the licensed business responsible for managing and delivering a construction project from start to finish. They oversee the day-to-day operations on-site, coordinate labor and materials, manage subcontractors, ensure code compliance and safety, and serve as the main point of contact for the homeowner. A GC is ultimately accountable for turning your plans into a completed project — on time, on budget, and up to standard.

But not all general contractors build in the same way. There are three main GC models in residential construction — and understanding which kind of GC you’re hiring can help you make a more confident, informed decision:

1. The Self-Performing General Contractor

What it means:This GC is hands-on. They perform much of the physical labor themselves, especially in areas like framing, finish carpentry, or concrete. You’ll often see the owner of the company working on-site with tools in hand.

Pros:

• Strong personal investment in quality and craftsmanship

• You’re often speaking directly to the person doing the work

• Great for small to mid-sized projects or custom carpentry

Cons:

• Limited bandwidth — schedules may shift depending on how many jobs they’re personally managing and building

• Slower pace if they're juggling project management and labor

• Project management may take a back seat to hands-on labor.

Best fit for: Homeowners with smaller jobs who value craftsmanship, want a close relationship with the builder and prefer to see their GC performing the work — and who don’t mind longer timelines or potential delays.

2. The GC with an In-House Crew

What it means: This GC runs a team of employees who perform the construction work. The company typically manages both the project and some or all of the labor with their own trained staff, often carpenters. They often sub-out HVAC, electrical and plumbing.

Pros:

• More control over quality, schedule, and team culture

• Smoother coordination because the crew works together regularly

• Often faster execution compared to self-performing GCs

• Dedicated person for construction project management

Cons:

• You’re paying for overhead (benefits, payroll, insurance)

• May be limited by crew capacity

• Project can be impacted by turnover or hiring issues

Best fit for: Larger remodels or new builds where timeline, consistency, and team accountability are key. The company is often larger and your main point of contact is more likely to be an employee rather than the owner of the company.

3. The GC Who Subcontracts the Work

What it means:This GC focuses on management and coordination. They subcontract almost all labor to licensed trade professionals — framers, electricians, painters, etc. The GC handles scheduling, budgeting, inspections, and quality control.

Pros:

• Dedicated person for construction project management, often the owner

• Can scale up easily for bigger projects, and able to assemble teams as required by project

• Access to a wide network of specialists for each trade which are usually local, skilled experts with small businesses

• Often brings years of hands-on trade experience, which helps in supervising subs, anticipating issues, and ensuring the work is done right

Cons:

• Quality and pace depend heavily on subcontractor relationships

• Communication can get more complex — more people, more moving parts

• GC must be very present and attentive to ensure quality control

  
  

Best fit for: Custom homes or major remodels where many different trades are involved, and expert coordination is essential. Ideal for homeowners who want specialized tradespeople and a strong project lead with trade knowledge, professional oversight, and reliable systems, and who want to work directly with the owner of the company.

So… Which GC Model Is Right for You?

Each model has its strengths. What matters most is that your GC leads with experience, clarity and care, and takes responsibility for the outcome of your project. When interviewing general contractors, ask:

• Who does the labor? Is it you, your crew, or subcontractors?

• How do you manage quality control?

• Who will I be communicating with day-to-day?

The answers will give you insight not just into how they build — but how they work with you.

How We Work

At Walker Building Company, we have tried variations of all three models over the years. We currently operate under model number 3. We focus entirely on managing the process from start to finish and coordinating a trusted network of licensed specialty contractors while overseeing every detail of your project. That means our clients get expert tradespeople for every phase of construction, and a professional team making sure everything runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and aligns with their vision. We take on a limited number of projects per year in order to provide our clients with the attention their project requires, and clients work directly with the owner of our business, Kevan.

We work best with homeowners who value thoughtful project management, clear communication, and a high standard of care at every step. If that sounds like you, let’s start a conversation.

We will guide you through every step of the building process in Whatcom County.

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