Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels: Do You Need a General Contractor?

When planning a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, one of the biggest questions homeowners face is: Do I need a general contractor? While some home renovations are simple enough to tackle as a DIY project, kitchens and bathrooms often require extensive work—from plumbing and electrical updates to cabinetry installation and structural modifications.

So, how do you decide? Let’s dive into what a general contractor does, when hiring one makes sense, and whether you might be able to manage the project yourself.

What Does a General Contractor Do in a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel?

A general contractor (GC) is a licensed professional responsible for overseeing and managing a remodeling project from start to finish. Their job is to ensure that all the moving parts of a renovation—permits, subcontractors, materials, schedules—come together smoothly.

Key Responsibilities of a General Contractor:

Project Management – Organizing the timeline, hiring subcontractors, and ensuring the work progresses efficiently.

Permits & Inspections – Handling city permits and making sure everything is up to code.

Hiring & Coordinating Subcontractors – Managing specialists like plumbers, electricians, and tile installers.

Budgeting & Material Sourcing – Keeping costs under control and ordering materials efficiently.

Problem-Solving – Addressing unexpected issues like structural surprises, delays, or material shortages.

Example:

Imagine you’re remodeling your kitchen, and you decide to remove a wall to create an open-concept space. A general contractor will not only determine if the wall is load-bearing, but they’ll also hire the right structural engineer, coordinate demolition, and ensure any electrical or plumbing hidden inside the wall is rerouted properly. Without their expertise, you could risk costly mistakes—or even safety hazards.

When You Might Need a General Contractor for Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

Not every kitchen or bathroom remodel requires a general contractor, but there are several situations where hiring one is strongly recommended.

You should hire a general contractor if:

Your remodel involves structural changes – Moving walls, expanding rooms, or modifying floor plans requires expertise.

There are complex plumbing or electrical updates – Installing new plumbing lines, upgrading circuits, or moving gas lines must be done by licensed professionals.

Your project requires multiple trades – If your remodel involves carpentry, tiling, plumbing, electrical work, and painting, coordinating all of them can be overwhelming.

You need city permits and inspections – Many kitchen and bathroom renovations require permits, which a GC can handle for you.

You have a strict timeline – Contractors streamline the process and ensure your remodel stays on track.

You’re not comfortable managing the project yourself – If you lack the knowledge or time to oversee a remodel, a GC can take care of everything.

Example:

A homeowner in St. Louis wanted a full bathroom remodel—adding a larger shower, double vanity, and heated flooring. Without a GC, they would have needed to coordinate with a plumber, electrician, tile installer, and flooring expert. By hiring a general contractor, they had a single point of contact who managed every aspect, saving them time, stress, and potential errors.

When You Might Not Need a General Contractor

There are cases where hiring a general contractor may not be necessary. If you decide not to hire a general contractor, you’ll take on the role of project manager, which means you’ll be responsible for organizing every aspect of the remodel. This includes sourcing materials, scheduling subcontractors, and ensuring the project stays within budget and on time. Instead of relying on a GC to hire and manage specialists like plumbers, electricians, and tile installers, you’ll need to individually find and coordinate these professionals. 

You might be able to handle your remodel without a GC if:

The remodel is mostly cosmetic – Painting, swapping out fixtures, or installing new cabinet hardware might not require a full team. 

You’re doing a minor refresh – Updating countertops, refinishing cabinets, or replacing a vanity might not require a full team.

You’re hiring individual specialists – If you have a trusted plumber and electrician, you can coordinate their work yourself.

You have prior experience with home renovation – If you’ve successfully managed remodeling projects before, you may feel confident handling the work.

Example:

If you’re simply updating an outdated kitchen remodel by painting the cabinets, replacing the backsplash, and installing new lighting, you might not need a general contractor. Instead, you can hire a painter, a handyman, and an electrician separately, managing the project yourself. While this approach can save money, it requires a lot of organization and a willingness to be hands-on throughout the process.

Cost Considerations: Budgeting for a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

Cost is a major factor when deciding whether to hire a general contractor. While they charge for their services, they can also prevent costly mistakes, delays, and rework.

What Does a General Contractor Cost?

Flat fee: Some charge a set price for the entire project.

Percentage of project cost: Often 10-20% of the total remodel cost.

Hourly rate: Some GCs charge an hourly fee for project management.

A general contractor’s knowledge can save you money in the long run by avoiding expensive mistakes, securing better pricing on materials, and ensuring the remodel is done right the first time.

How to Choose the Right General Contractor for Your Remodel

If you decide hiring a GC is the right choice, finding the right one is crucial. When working with a designer, they can help you find a GC who aligns with your vision, values, and budget. If you decide to find your own contractor, there are some important things to keep in mind. 

Steps to Hiring a Reliable General Contractor:

Do your research – Look at online reviews, check their website, and ask for references.

Verify credentials – Ensure they are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Get multiple quotes – Compare pricing, but don’t automatically choose the cheapest.

Review the contract carefully – Ensure everything is in writing, including payment terms, scope of work, and warranty details.

The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

A kitchen or bathroom remodel is a major investment in your home. Whether or not you need a general contractor depends on the complexity of the project, your budget, and your comfort level managing the remodel yourself.

Key Takeaways:

If your remodel involves structural work, multiple trades, permits, or a tight timeline, it’s best to hire a general contractor. However, if the work is cosmetic, small-scale, or you have experience coordinating trades, you might opt for a DIY approach or self-manage the project. It’s also important to consider the cost versus value when making your decision. While hiring a general contractor may have a higher upfront cost, their expertise can help prevent costly mistakes in the long run.

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel and want expert guidance, Signature Kitchen & Bath is here to help! With over 40 years of experience and a team of trusted professionals, we make the remodeling process seamless and stress-free. If you don’t already have a contractor, we take care of that for you by connecting you with one of our trusted, preferred contractors that we work with regularly. While we handle the entire process from design to installation, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll match you with a reliable contractor, taking the pressure off you to find the right fit.

Ready to start your remodel? Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!