Should You Hire a General Contractor or Manage Your Remodel Yourself?
We get this question a lot:
“Can I just hire the trades myself and manage the remodel on my own?”
Short answer: yes, you can.
But the real question is—should you?
At Axio, we’ve worked with dozens of homeowners who started down the self-manage path and eventually called us when things got messy. In this post, we’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and hidden trade-offs so you can make a smart, informed choice.
The Appeal of Self-Managing a Remodel
There are a few reasons people consider taking the reins:
Save money on contractor fees
Maintain total control over design and scheduling
Work directly with tradespeople
DIY some parts of the job
If you’re highly organized, comfortable making decisions on the fly, and have time to spare, it can seem like a no-brainer.
🛠️ Managing your own project can feel empowering… right up until it doesn’t.
What General Contractors Actually Do (That You Might Not See)
A good GC is more than just a middleman. We’re the planner, the translator, the air traffic controller, and sometimes the firefighter. Here's what you get when you hire a pro:
Schedule coordination – Making sure trades show up in the right order at the right time
Permits and inspections – Handling the red tape so you don’t get fined or delayed
Problem-solving – When surprises come up (they always do), we know how to respond
Trade relationships – We’ve already vetted and built trust with reliable subs
Quality control – Catching issues before they become expensive mistakes
Warranties – You get coverage that DIY management won’t offer
🔍 A GC’s job is to protect your timeline, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Hidden Costs of Self-Managing
Most homeowners focus on what they’ll save—but here’s what often gets overlooked:
Time – Managing a remodel is a full-time job. Do you have 10–20 hours/week to spare?
Mistakes – Misordered materials, out-of-sequence work, or poor subs can add thousands in rework
Delays – One no-show plumber can delay the entire project
Insurance & liability – Are your trades insured? Are you?
Stress – When things go sideways, you’re the one answering the phone
💸 You might save on markup—but end up paying more in lost time, rework, and frustration.
When Self-Managing Might Make Sense
We’ll be honest—it’s not always a bad idea.
You might consider self-managing if:
The project is small and doesn’t involve multiple trades
You’re extremely handy and know your limits
You’ve got time and flexibility during the workday
You’re okay taking full responsibility for the outcome
When to Call in a Pro
If your remodel involves:
Structural work
Plumbing or electrical changes
Permits or inspections
Multiple trades or phases
A strict timeline
High-end finishes
…then hiring a GC isn’t just a good idea—it’s the smart one.
🧠 The bigger the project, the bigger the risk—and the more value a general contractor brings.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can manage your own remodel.
But before you do, ask yourself this:
Do you want to learn the hard way—or do you want it done right the first time?
At Axio, we’re not just here to build stuff—we’re here to make the process easier, too.
If you’re weighing your options or just want to talk through a plan, we’re happy to help—no pressure, no pushy sales pitch.
👉 Click here to schedule a call or get a second opinion on your remodel plan.
