Posted on:
Mar 18, 2025

Do I Need a General Contractor, a Project Manager, or both?

Find out who does what during a custom home project and how a full-service builder like Turnkey Construction can simplify the process.

When you're planning to build a custom home, it can be hard to know exactly who you need on your team.

One of the most common questions we hear is: "Do I need to hire a general contractor? Or a project manager? Or both?"

If you’re working with Turnkey Construction, the answer is simple: you don’t need to hire either separately. We handle both roles as part of your build. The terminology can be confusing, so here’s what each role involves and how we make sure it’s all covered.

What Does a General Contractor Do?

A general contractor is responsible for managing the physical construction of your home. Think of them as the person who brings your plans to life, step by step.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Hiring and coordinating subcontractors like framers, electricians, and plumbers
  • Scheduling each stage of the construction process
  • Ordering materials and managing deliveries
  • Ensuring your home is built according to code and permit conditions
  • Overseeing health and safety on site
  • Coordinating inspections and managing any required changes

With Turnkey Construction: All of this is included in our service. We act as your general contractor by managing trades, timelines, materials, and site safety. You don’t need to find or coordinate with trades yourself. We handle it for you.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

A project manager focuses more on coordination and communication. Their job is to make sure everything stays on track and that the build runs smoothly from start to finish.

Typical tasks include:

  • Managing the budget and tracking expenses
  • Creating and updating construction timelines
  • Communicating with clients, designers, trades, and inspectors
  • Helping clients make timely selections to avoid delays
  • Providing guidance and updates at every stage

At Turnkey Construction: We include full project management as part of our builds. You’ll work directly with our team throughout the project. There’s no extra layer of communication, no confusion, and no third party between you and your home.

Do You Need to Hire Anyone Else?

Our service includes both general contracting and project management, all under one roof.

This means:

  • One team handling every part of your project
  • Direct communication with the people actually building your home
  • No duplicate fees or overlapping roles
  • A smoother, more efficient construction process

You’ll always know who to talk to, what’s happening, and what comes next.

If you're looking for help with things like interior design, landscaping, or pool installation, we have a strong network of trusted suppliers we can recommend.