What is the Difference Between a Contractor and a Custom Home Builder?

When it comes to constructing a new home, a general contractor (GC) is essentially a builder, but a builder isn't always a general contractor. Generally speaking, a GC is someone who manages a team of subcontractors to help you carry out various types of construction projects in your home. On the other hand, a custom home builder specializes in building custom homes and can complete this specific type of project from start to finish on their own. A general contractor organizes and oversees the team of subcontractors.

In some cases, a builder may act as a GC; they'll use their own equipment to build the house and outsource the mechanical work. This is not an issue if you have experience. In rural areas, builders often have to be GCs to keep their business running. In other areas, GCs can focus on protecting and keeping builders focused on the task. A general contractor is someone who coordinates contracts with other people to complete a project, in this case a home.

They are not specialists in the construction or improvement of homes, but rather hire experts in different trades at different stages and complete the project. They charge a bit more for each outsourced job and that's where their profits come from. When it comes to building a custom log house or log cabin, the distinction between the general contractor and the builder can be confusing at first. The GC is responsible for aligning subcontractors and also has a construction team that will build the house. The main difference between a general contractor and custom home builder is that the former hires subcontractors to complete specific tasks while the latter has their own team of experts who can handle all aspects of the project from start to finish. A custom home builder will typically have more experience in building custom homes than a general contractor, as they specialize in this type of work.

When it comes to choosing between a general contractor and custom home builder for your project, it's important to consider your budget, timeline, and desired outcome. If you're looking for an experienced team that can handle all aspects of your project from start to finish, then hiring a custom home builder may be your best option. However, if you're looking for someone who can manage subcontractors and oversee the entire process, then hiring a general contractor may be more suitable.