There are two main categories of contractors: the general contractor and the specialized contractor.
Distinctions Between A General Contractor And A Specialized Contractor
The specialized contractors have certain skills certified and they only have the right to intervene at this level. For example, a specialized contractor licensed under categories 16.0 and 15.10 is entitled to perform work related to electricity and refrigeration. Legally, he cannot do plumbing work because it is not part of his license and is not covered in case of problems. The specialized contractor can only work on the tasks that are allowed to him.
As for the general contractor, the latter has the authorization to organize and oversee a renovation project that involves several categories of work, even those that are not part of his own skills. The general contractor team then completes the tasks they are able to complete and if part of the project requires other work they cannot offer, they deal with subcontractors.
The difference is also in the level of the guarantee offered by the RBQ, in case of problems. If you hire a licensed contractor, if problems occur during the renovations, you may be able to take advantage of a guarantee related to the bond that is part of the license. For specialized contractors, the amount of the deposit is $ 20,000, while the general contractor is $ 40,000.
The Benefits Of Working With A Contractor
If you have a major renovation project and you do not want to spend days or even months organizing everything and going back and forth in major renovation centers, do not hesitate to entrust the project to a general contractor. The latter has the power of conductor and he will carry out the project by avoiding you having to monitor the site throughout the work.
Initially, you will discuss the project and review the details together. Afterward, the contractor and his team will take over, ensuring that everything goes according to plans, deadlines and the budget you have agreed. For you, the customer, this is an ideal position because you will not have to worry about the many decisions and challenges that frequently arise during renovation projects.
In addition, the general contractor has knowledge that covers the field of the renovation as a whole. Even the tasks that he is not able to accomplish, he will find reliable subcontractors and will know if they do a good job. Being responsible for the project as a whole, he will be held responsible if ever a problem arises, even when the source of the problem comes from another company with which he has done business.
Of course, you have to pay to take advantage of such a service. In general, contracts with general contractors cost about 15% more than those completed by a set of specialized contractors.
It is up to the client to decide if he prefers to pay less while having more responsibility for the work, or if he agrees to pay a larger sum to entrust the work of foreman to someone else and to have more guarantees regarding the smooth running of the renovation project.
