The Pros and Cons of Being Your Own General Contractor

If you have the skills, time and determination, acting as your own general contractor when building or remodeling your home can potentially save money. However, it may come with added stress and responsibility.

At Compeer Home, we recognize that every homeowner’s situation is different. While many lenders don’t allow borrowers to serve as their own general contractor, we offer qualified clients the option to take on that role when it makes sense for their goals and experience level. 

Before making this decision, it’s important to understand the key benefits and potential drawbacks.

Cost Savings

Managing your own home build or renovation means you can save the cost of hiring a general contractor. You may also be able to do some of the work yourself, which further reduces expenses. However, if you lack experience, missteps can lead to costly delays, rework or safety issues that offset any savings.

Construction Experience

Professional contractors bring years of building experience and problem-solving know-how. Their expertise helps keep projects on track, reduces mistakes and can ultimately save you time and money. Without this background, you could find yourself navigating steep learning curves.

Project Timeline

General contractors understand the order and timing of subcontractor work, like when to schedule electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers and others, so the job moves forward efficiently. Homeowners who manage their own timelines often experience delays due to miscommunication or poor scheduling.

Subcontractor Relationships

Established contractors often have trusted relationships with reliable subcontractors. These subs are more likely to prioritize jobs from professional general contractors who provide consistent work. As a homeowner acting as your own general contractor, you may find it harder to secure timely, high-quality subcontractor support, especially during busy seasons.

Level of Involvement

One advantage of managing your own project is having complete control over decisions and daily oversight. You can personally manage materials, schedules and even contribute labor with the help of family or friends. This hands-on role can be rewarding but demands significant time, coordination and accountability.

Bottom Line

Serving as your own general contractor can offer cost benefits and greater involvement, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. 

At Compeer Home, we support qualified clients who want to take this path. If you're considering managing your own home build or renovation, explore our construction loan options to get started with the right financing in place.