When planning a construction or renovation project in Washington, one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll face is whether to hire a general contractor or manage multiple subcontractors yourself. Homeowners and business owners in places like Everett, WA, and across Snohomish County often wonder which option leads to better savings without sacrificing quality or efficiency. The answer depends on your project’s size, complexity, and how much time you can dedicate to managing the work. Let’s explore what makes sense for different scenarios and what you should consider before making your choice.
The Role of a General Contractor
A general contractor acts as the central coordinator of your construction project. They handle everything from securing permits and hiring subcontractors to scheduling inspections and ensuring the work meets local building codes. Essentially, when you hire a general contractor, you’re paying for convenience, expertise, and accountability.
In the Seattle area, the cost of hiring a contractor varies depending on the project type and scale. For example, a full home remodel might cost more upfront when hiring a general contractor compared to managing subcontractors individually. However, general contractors often have long-standing relationships with trusted tradespeople—electricians, plumbers, framers, and roofers—allowing them to negotiate better rates and maintain high-quality standards.
If you’re wondering, “Should I hire a general contractor for my project?” in Snohomish County, the answer often comes down to time and project management skills. General contractors streamline communication, reducing the chances of miscommunication between trades. They also take responsibility for scheduling, ordering materials, and resolving unexpected issues. Without one, those tasks become yours, which can be overwhelming for homeowners without prior experience in construction management.
Managing Multiple Subcontractors on Your Own
On the other hand, hiring multiple subcontractors directly can seem like a cost-saving approach. By removing the general contractor’s markup, which usually ranges between 10% and 25%, you might save a significant amount on paper. For smaller projects like replacing flooring, updating plumbing fixtures, or installing new siding, homeowners in Everett or surrounding areas might feel confident managing individual trades.
However, this approach comes with challenges. Coordinating multiple subcontractors requires precise scheduling. If the plumber is delayed, the drywall installer and painter can’t start on time, which leads to costly delays. You’ll also be responsible for ensuring that all subcontractors are licensed, insured, and compliant with Washington state labor laws. If something goes wrong—a leak, a wiring issue, or a failed inspection—you’ll have to handle the problem directly.
Additionally, not all subcontractors are willing to work directly with homeowners. Many prefer working under a general contractor because it guarantees organized communication and steady payment schedules. If you’re not familiar with construction contracts or local building regulations, this can make it harder to find reliable professionals willing to work independently.
Managing subcontractors might save money in the short term, but it often costs more time and stress. And in many cases, mistakes made from poor coordination can lead to rework, which quickly erodes any initial savings.
Comparing Costs: General Contractor vs. Subcontractors in the Seattle Area
To make an informed decision, you’ll want to look closely at the cost structure of each option. The cost of hiring a contractor in the Seattle area typically includes their management fee or markup on labor and materials. This markup covers their coordination efforts, overhead, insurance, and warranty. While that extra percentage might seem steep, it buys you organization, liability coverage, and peace of mind.
When you manage subcontractors directly, you eliminate that markup. However, you take on all the risk and responsibility. If a subcontractor does poor-quality work, you’ll have to find someone else to fix it—and pay for the repairs yourself. A general contractor, on the other hand, is responsible for ensuring that all work meets expectations and building codes.
For example, suppose you’re remodeling a kitchen in Everett, WA, with a total budget of $60,000. Hiring a general contractor might cost you $66,000–$72,000 after their markup. If you act as your own project manager, you might spend $55,000–$60,000 on the same work—if everything goes smoothly. But if you run into delays, inspection failures, or poor-quality craftsmanship that requires redo work, those savings can vanish quickly.
In Snohomish County, the average cost difference between hiring a general contractor and managing subcontractors can vary by 10%–20%, depending on the project type. However, homeowners often find that the added protection, warranty, and efficiency offered by a general contractor justify the cost difference. The risk of delays and costly mistakes is much lower when one professional oversees every aspect of the project.
Legal, Permitting, and Insurance Considerations in Washington
Another major factor to consider is Washington’s strict permitting and licensing requirements. Whether you live in Everett, the Seattle area, or rural parts of Snohomish County, most construction work requires proper permits and inspections. A general contractor understands these requirements and handles them as part of their service.
If you choose to manage subcontractors yourself, you’ll need to apply for permits directly with your local building department and ensure every subcontractor carries the necessary licenses and insurance. If a worker is injured on your property and doesn’t have proper coverage, you could be held liable for their medical costs. General contractors carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage, which shields you from these risks.
There’s also the issue of warranties. General contractors typically offer a workmanship warranty, meaning if something fails due to poor installation, they’ll fix it at no extra cost. When managing subcontractors individually, you may receive separate warranties from each trade, which can make future claims complicated. If your roofing subcontractor blames the framer or the plumber for damage, you could end up stuck in a dispute without a clear resolution.
Because construction laws and inspection processes vary across cities in Washington, hiring a professional familiar with Everett or the wider Seattle area can save time and prevent costly legal headaches. Experienced contractors understand local codes, energy requirements, and environmental rules that affect materials and disposal.
What Makes the Most Sense for Homeowners in Snohomish County?
For homeowners and small business owners in Snohomish County, the decision between a general contractor and multiple subcontractors often depends on project size and experience level. If you’re completing a small, straightforward project like installing cabinets, refinishing flooring, or adding insulation, managing a single or a few subcontractors might be manageable. But for larger projects—like building a home addition, remodeling a bathroom, or upgrading an entire kitchen—hiring a general contractor is typically the smarter investment.
A general contractor’s established relationships with local suppliers and subcontractors in Everett and surrounding cities can also translate into better pricing and faster turnaround times. Contractors often receive discounts on bulk materials and can schedule trades more efficiently to minimize downtime between stages of construction.
Time is another major cost factor. Homeowners who try to juggle multiple subcontractors often underestimate how long coordination takes. You’ll need to schedule deliveries, inspections, and progress checks, and be available to troubleshoot when issues arise. In contrast, a general contractor manages these details for you, allowing you to focus on your daily life or business operations without interruption.
Ultimately, while hiring subcontractors directly might save some money on paper, the potential for delays, quality issues, and mismanagement often outweighs the savings. Many homeowners in the Seattle area find that paying for a skilled general contractor results in smoother execution, better workmanship, and fewer financial surprises.
Conclusion
When comparing the general contractor vs subcontractors approach in Washington, the decision isn’t only about upfront costs—it’s about total value, risk management, and peace of mind. For homeowners in Everett, WA and across Snohomish County, hiring a general contractor generally offers better overall protection and efficiency, especially for large or complex projects. The cost of hiring a contractor in the Seattle area may be higher initially, but the investment often saves money and stress in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring compliance with local building codes.
If you have the time, organizational skills, and construction knowledge to coordinate multiple trades, managing subcontractors directly can work for smaller projects. But for most property owners, a general contractor provides a streamlined, reliable path to a successful remodel or build.
Before making your decision, evaluate your comfort level with project management and your willingness to assume legal and financial responsibility for every part of the job. In most cases, hiring a qualified general contractor in Washington is the smartest, safest, and ultimately most cost-effective choice for achieving lasting results.
Contact Us Today!
If you’re looking for custom affordable home renovation ideas in Everett, WA, Joe Myers Construction Inc. is here to help. Simply contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can transform your home within your budget. We look forward to working with you and turning your renovation dreams into reality.