Quick Answer: A general contractor (GC) manages the entire construction project — hiring subcontractors, scheduling inspections, obtaining permits, and maintaining the construction timeline and budget. Subcontractors are licensed specialists hired by the GC for specific trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, tile, framing, etc. In California, a GC holds a Class B license; subcontractors hold specialty C licenses. As a homeowner, you contract with the GC who is responsible for all subcontractor work quality and safety compliance. You never need to manage individual trades or know the subcontractors’ identities — that’s the GC’s job.
GC vs. Subcontractor — Role Comparison
| Responsibility | General Contractor | Subcontractor |
|---|---|---|
| Contract with homeowner | Yes | No (contracts with GC) |
| Obtains building permits | Yes | No (GC pulls sub-permits) |
| Manages project schedule | Yes | No (reports to GC) |
| Hires specialty trades | Yes | N/A |
| Responsible for lien waivers | Yes (from all subs) | Provides to GC |
| Carries liability insurance | Yes ($1M+) | Yes (their own policy) |
| CSLB license required | Yes (Class B) | Yes (specialty C license) |
Question: Should I hire subcontractors directly to save money in the Bay Area? Hiring subcontractors directly (called “owner-builder”) can theoretically save 15–25% on GC markup, but carries significant risks: (1) You are legally responsible as the employer for all worker injuries on your property (workers’ comp coverage falls on you); (2) You must manage all permit applications, inspections, and scheduling yourself; (3) If a sub does poor work, you have no GC warranty backing it; (4) California law limits owner-builders from selling a home within 1 year without disclosure as an owner-builder. For most Bay Area homeowners, the GC’s coordination, warranty, and liability coverage are worth the markup.
Watch: San Jose Remodeling Projects by Quartz Construction
Watch: Bay Area Remodeling Insights
Expert tips and real project walkthroughs to help you plan your Bay Area home improvement.
What Our Bay Area Clients Say
4.9 ★ average rating across Google, Yelp, and Houzz from 150+ Bay Area homeowners.
"Quartz Construction did an amazing job on our kitchen remodel. The team was professional, on time, and the results exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend to any Bay Area homeowner!"
— Michael T. |
"We hired them for a bathroom remodel in our San Jose home. From permitting to final walkthrough, everything was handled perfectly. The tile work is stunning. 5 stars without hesitation."
— Sarah L. |
"Just finished our ADU garage conversion. The project came in on budget and on schedule — rare in the Bay Area! The rental income already started. Could not be happier with Quartz Construction."
— David R. |
Follow Us
See our latest projects, client photos, and Bay Area remodeling tips:
Get a Free Estimate
Licensed Bay Area contractor — CSLB #1003436 — serving San Jose, Fremont, Oakland, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and all Bay Area communities.
Call: (650) 749-7436
Get a Free Estimate from Quartz Construction
Licensed General Contractor • CSLB Lic#1003436 • Serving San Jose, Santa Clara & Bay Area
Recent Projects — Quartz Construction & Remodeling
Google Reviews — What Our Clients Say
Get Your Free Estimate
Quartz Construction & Remodeling | CSLB #1003436 | Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Phone: (650) 749-7436
Address: 1777 Hamilton Ave #1080, San Jose, CA 95125
Hours: Mon–Sat 7am–7pm | Free Estimates
Service Area: San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Gatos & Bay Area
