If you’re an owner in NYC and planning to remodel your house, it’s common to struggle to make a choice between a home improvement contractor vs general contractor.
Well, the home improvement contractor is your go-to to renovate your home on a smaller scale and budget. However, the general contractor takes charge of the big project that handles higher costs and legal terms.
Not sure which one is the right fit for your project? Don’t worry. Here, we’ll break down the differences between them and show which one would be better for you. Let’s find out!
Comparing the Home Improvement Contractor Vs General Contractor!
To pick between a home improvement contractor and a general contractor, you’ll need to know what makes them different and where they work. Here are some of the comparison points of them:
| Home Improvement Contractor | General Contractor |
| Work to renovate or make improvements to the home interior, exterior, and property. | Work to construct a building that is hired by a client and use the advice of the project’s architect or engineer. |
| Small to medium projects like kitchen or bathroom remodels. | Large projects like home builds or major renovations. |
| Focused on specific tasks or areas of the home. | Manages entire construction projects from start to finish. |
| Often works with a small team or independently. | Hires and coordinates several subcontractors. |
| Handles permits but lacks in following building codes. | Manages complex permits and follows strict building codes. |
| Works with smaller budgets to charge hourly or by project percentage. | Manages larger budgets to ensure the project stays within financial limits. |
1. Type of Work They Do
If talking about when you need them, both of them do well in diverse sectors. The home improvement contractors can do specific projects that improve parts of your home to add value.
They usually handle tasks like remodeling a kitchen, updating a bathroom, or doing outdoor work. These contractors also work well for small home jobs where specific skills are needed.
But then, the general contractors are in charge of managing big projects that need several types of work. This can also include making new homes, large renovations, or any job that requires many tradespeople.
2. Handling Permits and Following Rules
Both home improvement and general contractors handle permits and follow the rules of area diversity. Well, home improvement contractors can handle permits for smaller jobs like kitchen remodeling.
But, if talking about bigger projects that need more permits and follow stricter rules, they lack in that section.
In contrast, the general contractors are used to dealing with permits and making sure the project meets local building codes.
In a city like New York where rules can be strict, they know how to get all the crucial approvals. Plus, they make sure everything is up to code to avoid legal issues.
3. Size and Complexity of Projects
If talking about the size and complexity of projects done by contractors, it shows contradictory results. The home improvement contractors work best on smaller projects. They also don’t need a lot of coordination or different kinds of workers.
They focus on specific tasks like electrical work, plumbing, or cabinetry. Plus, this makes them a good choice if your project is targeted at one area of the home and doesn’t need long planning.
On the contrary, the general contractors handle big and tough projects. They are also great at managing several teams. And, they make sure each part of a project is done on time and in the right order.
Besides, they’re ideal for projects that involve a lot of different work areas like building a wall or addition to your home.
4. Managing Costs and Budget
The home improvement contractors and general contractors manage the costs and budget diversity. Well, you’ll find that home improvement contractors handle costs but on a smaller scale.
They might also charge by the hour, month, or percentage of the total project cost (around 5% to 15%). As their projects are smaller, it’s easier to guess costs and keep track of spending.
Conversely, the general contractors are skilled in managing budgets for bigger projects. They also work with suppliers, negotiate prices, and keep track of spending to make sure the task stays within the planned budget.
5. Skills and Expertise
In terms of skills and experience, it seems both have diverse aspects. The home improvement contractors are experts in specific works like plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry. This also makes them the right choice if you need work done in a precise area of your home.
Besides, they can offer advice and handle tasks that need particular knowledge. Then again, the general contractors have wider ideas across different types of construction work.
They also know enough about various tasks to organize and manage complex projects. Mostly, they do a great job to work on a big home renovation or new building.
| Note: If you are searching for a home remodeling contractor to do a task, you can try contacting us or visit AKT Construction NY. |
How to Pick the Right Contractor for My Projects?
It’s vital to choose the right contractor for your project. And, keeping these tips in mind will help you find the right contractor for your needs. Here are some simple tips:
Think about Your Project’s Size
- If it’s large tasks like bigger tasks to make buildings, a general contractor is a good choice.
- For smaller tasks like masonry tasks or remodeling a roof, you can find the best home improvement contractor to do this work.
Consider How Quickly You Want the Work Done.
- If you have big tasks, select a general contractor to complete them professionally.
- If you have small tasks, go with a home improvement contractor who can bring in others to finish the job faster.
Who Wins the Battle?
In the end, it seems both stand at some points if comparing a home improvement contractor vs general contractor. Well, the home improvement contractor with specific skills may be the best choice if your project is focused. And, it works for smaller tasks like a bathroom or kitchen remodel.
For larger projects that need planning, direction, and so on, a general contractor is better suited. No matter who you pick, make sure the contractor has the experience to work in NY. Hope this helps!