Quick Answer: In California, a general contractor (GC) holds a Class B — General Building Contractor license from CSLB (Contractors State License Board) and is responsible for managing the entire construction project, pulling the building permit in their name, coordinating all work, hiring and managing licensed subcontractors, and maintaining the schedule and budget. A subcontractor holds a specialty license (Class C) in a specific trade — plumbing (C-36), electrical (C-10), HVAC (C-20), roofing (C-39), etc. — and performs only their specialty trade, typically under contract with the GC rather than directly with the homeowner. When you hire a GC, you sign one contract with them and they are legally responsible for all work performed by all subcontractors. The GC, not the subs, is your legal point of accountability. California law requires that anyone performing construction work on a project valued over $500 must hold a valid CSLB license.
General Contractor vs. Subcontractor — California License and Role Comparison
| Factor | General Contractor (GC) | Subcontractor (Sub) |
|---|---|---|
| CSLB License Class | Class B — General Building | Class C — Specialty (C-10 Electrical, C-36 Plumbing, etc.) |
| Who pulls the permit | GC pulls permit in their name | Sub may pull own permit for their scope if hired directly |
| Who hires whom | Homeowner hires GC | GC hires subs; homeowner may also hire subs directly |
| Accountability | GC is responsible for all project work | Responsible only for their specific scope |
| Insurance requirement | General liability + workers comp required | Required for their trade; GC verifies coverage |
| Best choice for homeowner when | Multi-trade project (kitchen, bath, addition) | Single-trade project (just plumbing, just electrical) |
Quartz Construction holds CSLB Class B General Building Contractor license #1003436. We manage all specialty subcontractors on every project. Verify any contractor at cslb.ca.gov. Call (650) 749-7436.
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Licensed General Contractor • CSLB Lic#1003436 • Serving San Jose, Santa Clara & Bay Area
