The Difference Between a General Contractor and a Subcontractor

In the construction world, there are many moving parts—and just as many people managing them. Two of the most essential roles on any job site are the general contractor and the subcontractor. While these titles often get mentioned together, they serve very different purposes in the life of a construction project. Understanding the difference between the two isn’t just helpful—it’s critical to ensuring that your project stays on time, on budget, and up to code.

At Friga Construction Co., we work with both general contractors and subcontractors to deliver successful commercial, industrial, and government builds throughout the Midwest. Here's a closer look at how each role contributes to the construction process and what sets them apart.

What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor (GC) is the primary party responsible for overseeing the entire construction project. Think of the GC as the conductor of an orchestra—coordinating all the moving parts, timelines, and professionals to ensure a smooth performance.

Key Responsibilities of a General Contractor:

• Project Management: From pre-construction planning to project closeout, the GC manages the day-to-day operations, timelines, and logistics.
• Hiring Subcontractors: The GC selects qualified subcontractors for specialized tasks such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.
• Permits and Inspections: General contractors are usually responsible for securing building permits, scheduling inspections, and ensuring compliance with local codes and regulations.
• Communication: The GC acts as the main point of contact for the client, architects, engineers, and all subcontractors.
• Scheduling and Coordination: They create a project schedule, manage job site deliveries, and ensure that each trade performs their work in the correct sequence.
• Budget Oversight: The general contractor tracks project costs and may also be responsible for providing cost estimates and value-engineering suggestions.

What is a Subcontractor?

A subcontractor is a specialist hired by the general contractor to complete a specific aspect of the project. Subcontractors focus on their trade, whether that’s framing, drywall, electrical, plumbing, roofing, or another highly skilled component of the build.

Key Responsibilities of a Subcontractor:

• Specialized Labor: Subcontractors are experts in their field and are responsible for executing that work to the required specifications.
• Following GC Direction: While subcontractors work independently on their tasks, they report to the GC and follow the overall project schedule laid out for them.
• Licensing and Certification: Many subcontractors are licensed in specific trades and bring deep technical knowledge to the job.
• Workforce Management: Subcontractors are responsible for managing their own crews and ensuring safety compliance and quality control within their area of work.

The Relationship Between a General Contractor and a Subcontractor

A successful construction project depends on clear communication and a strong working relationship between the GC and each subcontractor. The general contractor doesn’t just hire subcontractors—they manage their performance, ensure their work aligns with the project timeline, and resolve any issues that arise on site.

Subcontractors, in turn, rely on the GC for coordination, payment schedules, and clarity on project scope. When both roles are aligned, projects run smoothly. When they’re not, delays, miscommunication, and added costs can quickly snowball.

At Friga Construction Co., we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with reliable subcontractors. We believe in treating every trade with professionalism and respect, because that collaboration is what leads to quality construction.

Why the Distinction Matters for Clients

If you're a business owner, developer, or facilities manager, knowing the difference between a GC and a subcontractor can help you make smarter decisions when hiring a construction company.

For example, if you hire Friga Construction Co. as your general contractor, you’re getting a partner who will:

• Manage the entire scope of the project
• Coordinate subcontractors and suppliers
• Keep your project on track
• Handle the headaches so you don’t have to

If you attempt to act as your own GC and hire subcontractors directly, you're taking on the responsibility of coordinating trades, resolving conflicts, ensuring code compliance, and managing the budget and timeline. While this approach can work for very small jobs, it can quickly become overwhelming on commercial or complex projects.

Licensing, Insurance, and Legal Responsibility

Another key difference lies in liability and insurance. General contractors typically carry broader insurance policies (such as general liability and builder’s risk insurance) to cover the entire project. They may also be held responsible if subcontractors fail to meet safety or quality standards.

Subcontractors, while insured and licensed in their specific trades, don’t carry the same comprehensive responsibilities. That’s why hiring a trusted GC like Friga Construction Co. provides added protection—you’re covered by someone with both oversight and accountability.

Final Thoughts

Both general contractors and subcontractors play critical roles in the success of a construction project. The GC orchestrates the big picture, while subcontractors bring the technical precision and craftsmanship needed to bring that vision to life.

At Friga Construction Co., we’ve spent years perfecting the balance between high-level project management and trusted trade partnerships. Whether we’re building a new commercial space, renovating a government facility, or expanding an industrial site, our role as a general contractor ensures every detail is handled—so our clients can focus on the future of their business.

Let us bring your next project to life with seamless execution and expert coordination. Contact Friga Construction Co. today to get started.