If your home needs repairs or updates before you sell, you may be wondering whether the job calls for a handyman, a specialist, or one of the many general contractors in your area. The answer depends on the scope of the work, how quickly you hope to list, and whether the project is likely to pay off when you sell. This guide explains when hiring a general contractor makes sense, when another type of professional may be enough, and how to decide whether the work is worth taking on before putting your home on the market.
A general contractor oversees larger repair or renovation projects and serves as the homeowner’s main point of contact. They may hire subcontractors, schedule work, order materials, track the budget, and coordinate permits or inspections. On residential projects, a general contractor may also complete some work themselves while bringing in specialists for plumbing, electrical, or other trades. For sellers, this level of oversight is most useful when the work involves several professionals or a more involved renovation.What do general contractors do?
