Hiring a Contractor vs Managing Subcontractors: What Homeowners Need to Know

Planning a kitchen remodel involves more than hiring one contractor—it often requires coordinating a team of skilled tradespeople.

Whether you hire a General Contractor or manage the project yourself, understanding the role of Subcontractors (trade partners) is essential to a successful renovation.

General Contractor vs Subcontractors: What’s the Difference?

A General Contractor (GC) oversees the entire project:

• Manages the schedule

• Hires and coordinates subcontractors

• Ensures work is completed correctly and in the right order

Subcontractors (trade partners) are the specialists who complete the actual work.

In a kitchen remodel, this often includes:

• Demolition crew

• Plumber

• Electrician

• HVAC technician

• Drywall installer

• Flooring contractor

• Cabinet installer

• Countertop fabricator

• Painter

• Tile installer

If you’re acting as your own GC, you’ll be responsible for hiring and managing all of these trades.

***Acting as a GC does NOT mean you do all the work yourself.***

How to Find Subcontractors

Finding reliable trades can feel overwhelming—but there are a few places to start:

• Ask friends, neighbors, or colleagues for referrals.

• Check local Facebook groups or community boards.

• Use platforms like Houzz, Thumbtack, or Google Reviews.

Keep in mind that businesses can pay for advertising on Yelp, Google, Facebook and Instagram. Businesses with larger ad budgets may appear more prominently giving the impression of credibility. Be sure to read the content of reviews, not just look at the star rating.

It's a good idea to look for reviews on all platforms with photos or videos. Sort by newest reviews and see if the feedback is consistent. Cross-check with Google reviews to ensure validity. Look for reviews that discuss communication, scheduling, change orders. cleanliness, and craftsmanship. These 'process' items are very important. You don't only want a professional end-result, but a good overall experience.

The goal isn’t just to find someone available—it’s to find someone reliable, communicative, and experienced in kitchen remodels.

How to Vet Subcontractors (This Matters More Than People Think)

Before hiring any trade partner, take time to ask the right questions:

• Can you provide at least 3 references from similar projects? People you can actually speak with.

• How long have you been licensed and insured in this state?

• Will you provide proof of license and insurance? Keep in mind that proof of insurance is required in the state of Oregon for a General Contractor's license. However, that doesn't mean insurance hasn't lapsed since the GC license was obtained.

• Who will actually perform the work—you or a crew? It's good to know who to expect in your home. Here's what SheBuilds has to say about that.

• Are you comfortable working with a homeowner acting as GC?

• What is your availability in the next 4–8 weeks? Keep in mind that many GC's are booked 6-months out.

• How do you prefer to communicate? Text? Phone calls? At SheBuilds we use JobTread. Learn more.

• Will you provide a written estimate and contract?

These questions help you avoid misunderstandings—and reveal potential issues early. Grab our free Contractor Vetting Guide.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every contractor or subcontractor operates professionally. Watch for:

• No license or insurance

• Refusal to sign a contract

• Vague timelines or no written estimate

• Poor communication or missed meetings

If something feels off, it probably is.

Building Strong Working Relationships

Once you’ve hired your trades, how you work with them matters just as much as who you hire.

A few simple practices go a long way:

• Pay invoices promptly. Nobody likes to wait to be paid or pursuing legal assistance.

• Provide clear expectations in writing. It's far easier to forget key details when confirmed verbally.

• Ensure the workspace is ready before they arrive. Spaces are clean and empty.

• Respect their time and schedule. Don't talk their ear off. It may be 'fun' but in this case time really is money.

• Leave reviews or referrals for great work. Small businesses in particular can benefit from your honest feedback with photos.

Strong relationships lead to better communication—and better results!

Scheduling Trades Without Chaos

One of the biggest challenges in a remodel is coordinating multiple trades. Grab our Project Management Spreadsheet with built-in Gantt Chart to make this process easier.

Some work can overlap—but much of it must happen in sequence.

To keep things running smoothly:

• Identify which tasks can happen at the same time vs. in order.

• Provide clear plans and scope to every trade.

• Assign one person (you or your GC) to manage the schedule.

• Coordinate material deliveries with installation timelines.

• Build in flexibility for delays or adjustments.

• Set expectations for job site cleanup between trades.

Without a clear schedule, even great subcontractors can end up working against each other. Consider our Kitchen Coach DIY Guide and review the section on lead times to ensure you have what you need at the right time.

The Reality of Managing It Yourself

Acting as your own general contractor can save money—but it comes with responsibility.

You are managing:

• Hiring

• Scheduling

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Accountability

For some homeowners, that level of involvement is worth it.

For others, it’s more than expected. Not quite sure? Take our free" Have what it takes to be your own Contractor Quiz."

Final Thoughts

A successful kitchen remodel isn’t just about design—it’s about coordination.

Whether you hire a General Contractor or manage Subcontractors yourself, the 3 keys are:

• Choosing the right people

• Setting clear expectations

• Maintaining strong communication

When each trade understands their role—and when the project is properly managed—the entire process runs smoother from start to finish.

If you're interested in exploring options with SheBuilds, get in touch:

Webform: Meet With A Designer-Contact | Kitchen Design, Build & Remodel Contractor

Phone: 971-350-6990

Email: LetsTalk@SheBuildsKitchens.com

Cheers to your GREAT reno project!