Understanding the Different Types of General Contractors

When planning a residential construction or home remodeling project, one of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing who will manage it. That’s where a general contractor comes in. But not all contractors provide the same level of service or expertise. Understanding the different types of general contractors can help you find the right professional for your project and ensure your satisfaction with the outcome, whether it’s a bathroom remodel, a new patio, or a full custom home build.

What Is a General Contractor?

Before we dive into the different types of general contractors, let’s define what a general contractor is. A general contractor is the professional responsible for managing a construction project from start to finish. They coordinate every aspect of the job — hiring subcontractors, scheduling work, sourcing materials, ensuring compliance with building codes, and maintaining communication with the client.

In short, the general contractor serves as a project’s manager and quality overseer. 

General contractors work on many different types of projects, ranging from commercial to residential and smaller projects like installing a new walkway to larger projects like building a custom home.

No matter what type of project you are working on, the general contractor is responsible for overseeing the construction aspect of the project and can work closely with other professionals, like architects, engineers, and designers who developed and planned the project to ensure everything is built to the right specifications.

The Main Types of General Contractors

While all general contractors share the same goal — delivering a successful build — the way they operate can differ significantly. The two main types of general contractors are:

• Specialty general contractors, who focus on specific trades or phases of construction.

• Full-service general contractors, who oversee the entire project from design through completion.

Understanding this distinction can help you decide which type is best suited for your project.

Specialty General Contractors

A specialty general contractor concentrates on one specific area of construction. These professionals often work as subcontractors under a larger general contractor, or they may take on smaller projects directly with homeowners. Their focused expertise ensures precision and quality within their trade. 

Here are a few examples of specialty general contractors:

Siding Contractor

Siding contractors specialize in installing or replacing a home’s exterior cladding. They work with materials such as fiber cement, vinyl, and wood, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and proper weather protection.

Concrete Contractor

Concrete contractors handle foundational and structural work, including driveways, slabs, patios, and decorative concrete. Their skill ensures durability, safety, and a polished final appearance.

Finish Contractor

Finish contractors focus on the fine details that complete a home’s interior — trim carpentry, built-ins, cabinetry, and millwork. Their craftsmanship plays a major role in achieving the home’s final look and feel.

If you are working on a specific project, like installing a new paver patio or upgrading the cabinets in your kitchen, a specialty contractor is likely the right choice for your project. 

Full-Service General Contractors

A full-service general contractor manages every stage of a project — from concept and design to construction and final inspection. These professionals act as a single point of contact for clients, coordinating all trades and keeping the project organized and on schedule.

Design-Build Contractor

Design-build contractors combine design and construction services under one contract. This approach simplifies communication, streamlines decision-making, and helps keep the project within budget. A design-build contractor can help with things like home remodels, basement renovations, creating outdoor living spaces, and more. When you are looking for a single team to help from start to finish, a design-build contractor can be a great choice.

Remodel Contractor

Remodel contractors specialize in home renovations and remodels. They understand the challenges of working within existing structures, from integrating modern systems to maintaining the home’s original character. This expertise makes remodel contractors the perfect fit when you are looking for a general contractor to assist with a bathroom remodel, a primary suite upgrade, or modernizing your historic home in Bend.

If you are looking for a remodel contractor, learn more about how to choose a remodeling contractor for your project.

Custom Home Builder

A custom home builder specializes in building new custom homes and residential properties. Their role includes every aspect of the home building process, from initial design to final inspection. A custom home builder typically has a team of designers, architects, and subcontractors that work together with them to complete each home build. In some cases, these other professionals are in-house, and others are outside parties hired by the builder to work based on project needs and requirements.

If you know you want to build a custom home, learn how to choose the best custom home builder for your project.

At PGC Building + Design, we are a full service general contractor. This means we are equipped to assist with any large scale home projects, from a full home remodel to ADU construction and home additions to new luxury custom homes. View our previous projects.

Not sure if you should remodel or build new? Use our guide to determine if it’s better to remodel or build a custom home.

Choosing Between the Types of General Contractors

The type of general contractor you hire should match the scope and complexity of your project.

• For targeted projects like a new driveway, siding replacement, or custom cabinetry, a specialty general contractor is often the best choice.

• For larger or more complex builds, such as custom homes or kitchen remodels, a full-service general contractor or design-build firm can provide the coordination, expertise, and management needed to ensure success.

  
  

No matter which type of general contractor you choose, the right contractor will act as your trusted partner — keeping your project on time, on budget, and built to last.

General Contractor FAQ

Do all general contractors require a license?

Yes. In Oregon, all general contractors are legally required to be certified by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Before working with any general contractor in Bend or Central Oregon, always check to ensure they are licensed and insured. CBB licensure can be checked here.

What is the difference between a builder and a general contractor?

All builders are general contractors; however, not all general contractors are builders. The key difference is that home builders specialize in building new construction homes, while general contractors may specialize in other areas of construction, such as specialty general contractors, or focus on other types of construction, such as bathroom remodels or home additions. 

What are the benefits of hiring a full service general contractor?

When you work with a full service general contractor, you’ll save time by having a partner that is responsible for all coordination and scheduling rather than taking care of that yourself. You’ll also have a single contact for all matters related to your project, simplifying communication. In addition, you’re likely to save money because a full service general contractor can better ensure your project remains on time and, because they are coordinating all aspects, can also better ensure your project remains on budget.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different types of general contractors can help you make a more informed decision when starting your next home construction or remodeling project. Whether you need a specialist for a specific task or a full-service team to handle every detail, hiring the right contractor can make all the difference in the outcome of your build.

At PGC Building + Design, we work as a full service general contractor, handling everything from design to completion. For clients that have already worked with a third-party architect or designer, we collaborate with these partners to help clients build the homes they’ve worked hard to design with these other partners. 

Whether you need a general contractor for a remodel or to build your new custom home in Bend, our team is available to help through every stage of the process. 

If you are looking for a home builder or general contractor in Bend to build your dream home, or you want to talk about your initial concept, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your project.