A general contractor runs your construction project from start to finish. They hire the trades, order materials, handle permits, keep the schedule and make sure the work passes inspection. Think of the general contractor as the person who turns plans into a finished building.
This guide explains what a general contractor does, how the role works in Nevada, and when you need one. We’re a licensed Las Vegas general contractor, so we also share what a good one should do for you.
Quick answer: A general contractor manages everything on the job site. You hire one person, and they coordinate the electricians, plumbers, framers, tile setters and everyone else. You get one contract, one schedule and one point of contact.
What a General Contractor Does Day to Day
- Plans the project. Reviews drawings, builds the budget and sets the schedule.
- Gets permits. Applies to the city or county and schedules inspections.
- Hires and manages trades. Electricians, plumbers, framers, drywall, painters and more.
- Orders materials. Tracks deliveries so work does not stall.
- Supervises the site. Checks quality, safety and clean-up every day.
- Handles changes. Prices change orders and keeps you informed.
- Closes out the job. Final walkthrough, punch list and warranty paperwork.
General Contractor vs Subcontractor
A subcontractor is a specialist who works under the general contractor. An electrician, a roofer or a tile installer is a subcontractor. The general contractor chooses them, schedules them and is responsible for their work on your job.
| Role | Who they are | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | The main builder you hire | Runs the whole project and the people on it |
| Subcontractor | A trade specialist | Does one type of work, such as electrical or plumbing |
| Architect or designer | The planner | Draws plans and design details |
| Project manager | A GC team member | Tracks schedule, budget and communication |
Nevada General Contractor Licenses
Nevada licenses contractors through the Nevada State Contractors Board. General building contractors fall under the B classification. A B-2 license covers residential and small commercial work. Specialty trades carry C licenses. Always check that a contractor’s license is active at nscb.nv.gov before you sign.
Also ask for proof of insurance and bonding. A real license plus insurance protects you if something goes wrong. We explain more in our guide to hiring a contractor in Las Vegas.
When Do You Need a General Contractor?
Hire one when your project involves more than one trade or needs permits. Here are common examples.
- A kitchen or bathroom remodel that touches plumbing, electrical and tile
- A home addition or ADU
- New construction
- A tenant improvement or office build-out
- A restaurant, medical or retail remodel
- Any job that needs a building permit
Very small jobs, such as swapping a faucet or painting a room, may not need a general contractor. A single trade can handle them.
Residential vs Commercial General Contracting
The role is the same, but the details differ. Commercial jobs often involve stricter code, accessibility rules, fire and life-safety review, and tight opening dates. Residential jobs are more personal, with homeowners living in or near the project. Our commercial general contractor team handles offices, restaurants, medical offices and retail spaces. Our residential remodeling team handles homes.
How General Contractors Charge
There are three common ways to price a job.
- Fixed price. One total for a clear scope. Best when plans are complete.
- Cost plus. You pay actual costs plus a set fee or percentage. Good when scope may change.
- Time and materials. You pay for labor hours and materials. Best for small or unclear jobs.
Whatever the method, ask for a written scope, a payment schedule tied to progress and a clear process for change orders.
What to Expect From a Good General Contractor
- A written estimate with line items
- Clear communication and regular updates
- A realistic schedule, with reasons for any delay
- A clean, safe job site
- Permits pulled and inspections passed
- A written warranty on the work
Ask about permits too. Our permit guide explains what most Las Vegas projects need.
General Contractor vs Design-Build vs Construction Manager
These terms confuse many homeowners. Here is the simple version.
| Model | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | You bring plans. The GC builds them. | Projects with finished plans |
| Design-build | One team designs and builds. | One contract and faster planning |
| Construction manager | Manages the project for a fee, often on larger jobs. | Large commercial projects |
Many Las Vegas projects start with a design step first. If you need plans, see our architect services or ask how we handle design and construction together.
How a General Contractor Works With Architects and Engineers
The architect draws the plan. The engineer checks structure, and sometimes mechanical or electrical systems. The general contractor reads those plans, prices them and builds them. A good contractor also points out cost or build problems early, so the plan can change before work starts instead of in the middle of the job.
Red Flags When Hiring a General Contractor
- No license number, or a license that does not check out online
- Asking for a large payment up front
- No written contract, or a very vague one
- Pressure to sign today
- Refusing to pull permits
- A bid far below every other quote
- No insurance or bonding proof
Careful hiring saves money and stress. If you spot more than one of these, step back. Our guide to hiring a contractor in Las Vegas has a full checklist.
How to Compare General Contractor Bids
Put the quotes side by side. Check that each one covers the same scope, the same materials and the same permits. Look for allowances, which are placeholder budgets for items you have not picked yet. A low bid with small allowances can grow later. Ask each contractor to explain what happens if costs change. The best bid is clear, complete and fair, not just the lowest number.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
A general contractor runs your project from start to finish. Because they hold the schedule, the budget and the trades together, the person you pick shapes your whole experience. Spend an hour on questions before you sign anything.
- Are you licensed in Nevada, and can I verify the license number?
- Can I see proof of general liability and workers compensation insurance?
- Who will be on site each day, and who is my main contact?
- Which parts do you self perform, and which do you sublet?
- How do you handle change orders and price updates?
- What is your payment schedule, and how is it tied to progress?
- Can I speak with two or three recent clients?
Clear answers show a contractor who has done this before. Vague answers are a warning sign. You can check any Nevada license on the state contractors board website.
How a General Contractor Keeps Your Project on Track
Good contractors protect your schedule in small ways. They order long lead items early, such as windows, cabinets and tile. They book inspections ahead of time. They sequence trades so one crew is not waiting on another.
They also keep you informed. A weekly update, a shared schedule and a clear list of open decisions keep surprises away. When something does change, a written change order explains the cost and the timing before work continues. Read our remodel timeline guide to see how these stages fit together.
FAQs About General Contractors
What is the difference between a general contractor and a builder?
The terms overlap. A general contractor manages a project and its trades, and a builder often builds homes from the ground up. Many companies do both.
Do I need a general contractor for a remodel?
If the job involves several trades or permits, yes. A general contractor coordinates the work and takes responsibility for the result. Small single-trade jobs may not need one.
How much does a general contractor charge?
Pricing varies. Some charge a fixed price for the job. Others charge cost plus a fee. Ask for a written estimate that shows labor, materials and the contractor’s fee.
Does a general contractor have to be licensed in Nevada?
Yes, for most projects above small dollar limits. Check the license on the Nevada State Contractors Board website at nscb.nv.gov.
What is a B-2 contractor license in Nevada?
B-2 is the Nevada classification for residential and small commercial general building contractors.
Work With a Licensed General Contractor in Las Vegas
Ready to start your project? Seven Wells Construction is a licensed and insured Nevada general contractor. We manage the whole job and give you a clear written estimate. Call (702) 420-2836 or visit our commercial general contractor page to get started.
