Picture this: you’ve finally decided to remodel your kitchen or update that tired old bathroom. You’re feeling inspired… until you start Googling contractors. Suddenly, you’re drowning in options: general contractors, remodeling contractors, subcontractors, trade contractors, design-build firms, painters, plumbers, carpenters… It leaves you confused and wondering, “What type of contractor do I need?”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Finding the right type of contractor for your home renovation project is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. And no, it’s not just about hiring someone who does great work or has the most five-star reviews. It’s about hiring the right kind of contractor for the specific project you’re planning.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things every homeowner should know:
- The difference between general and specialty contractors
- What makes a remodeling contractor different from a builder or a design-build firm
- How to know which type of contractor is best for your project
- A few tips to help you avoid common pitfalls
Let’s clear the confusion—and help you move forward with confidence.
Types of Residential Contractors: General Contractors vs. Specialty Contractors
First things first. Almost every residential contractor falls into one of two big buckets: general contractors or specialty contractors. Let’s start by breaking down the differences between them.
What Is a Specialty Contractor?
As the name implies, a specialty contractor focuses on a specific trade or type of work.
Some specialize in a trade like plumbing, painting, or tile setting—these are known as trade contractors. Others focus on a type of project, like decks, additions, or kitchens. These are often still general contractors, but with a very specific niche.
Here’s where it gets a little tangled:
When a trade contractor is hired by another contractor (instead of a homeowner), they become a subcontractor. But if you, as a homeowner, hire them directly, they’re just a contractor.
For example:
- Hire a plumber to install a new faucet? That’s a specialty contractor.
- Your general contractor hires the same plumber as part of a larger kitchen remodel? That plumber is now a subcontractor.
Same person. Different hat.
So, What Does a General Contractor Do?
Think of a general contractor like the conductor of an orchestra—or better yet, the producer of a Broadway show. They’re not just overseeing things from the sidelines; they’re coordinating a wide range of tasks to make sure every piece of the project comes together in harmony.
Unlike a specialist who focuses on just one trade—like plumbing or painting—a general contractor is a generalist. Their job is to handle or oversee many different aspects of a project. That could include demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, trim, and more.
Instead of hiring a separate specialist for each task, you can hire a general contractor to take the reins. They make sure the right work happens in the right order, by the right people.
Some general contractors perform certain tasks themselves, while others bring in trusted trade partners—but either way, they’re responsible for managing the entire scope of the job.
A good general contractor doesn’t just “do the work”—they bring structure to the chaos. They coordinate timelines, handle permitting, keep the budget in check, and communicate with you throughout the process. In other words: they make the remodel happen.
What Types of General Contractors Are There?
Not all general contractors work the same way—or specialize in the same kinds of projects. Some are built for quick remodels, some for brand-new builds, and some for homeowners who want help with every decision from start to finish.
Let’s look at the three most common types of general contractors—and how each one typically operates.
1. Remodeling Contractors
A remodeling contractor is a general contractor who specializes in updating and improving existing structures—think kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and interior renovations.
Many remodeling contractors started as hands-on tradespeople: skilled carpenters, tile setters, or all-around handymen who gradually grew into full-scale remodelers. They often still work alongside their crew, managing the project while also building it.
This hands-on approach can be reassuring—it’s nice to see the same familiar face every day. But it also has its challenges. Remodeling requires more than just craftsmanship. It demands detailed planning, scheduling, communication, budgeting, permitting, and the ability to coordinate multiple trades and moving parts.
When a contractor is deeply involved in the physical labor every day, it’s easy for the “office side” of the project to fall by the wayside. That’s when homeowners can find themselves picking up the slack—following up on missing materials, chasing subcontractors, or wondering how the budget crept upward.
That doesn’t mean all remodelers work this way—but it’s a good reason to ask the right questions. Do they have a project manager? A reliable schedule? A system for keeping you in the loop? When a remodeler has strong systems and support, the experience can be seamless—and even fun.
2. Builders
Builders are general contractors who focus on new construction: custom homes, garages, major additions, and large-scale structural projects. Because of the size and scope of these jobs, most builders don’t perform any of the hands-on labor themselves. Instead, they focus on managing the process from start to finish.
This model is sometimes referred to (a bit tongue-in-cheek) as a “paper GC.” It simply means that they coordinate all the trades, pull permits, order materials, and handle scheduling—but don’t swing the hammer themselves.
Done well, this model can be incredibly efficient. A builder with strong systems and communication can keep dozens of moving parts on track and deliver a beautiful result on time and on budget.
But, as with any model, the devil is in the details. If a builder is acting more like a middleman—collecting a fee without truly managing the process—you may feel like no one’s really steering the ship. That’s why it’s important to ask how they coordinate trades, handle timelines, and keep you informed throughout the process.
3. Design-Build Firms
Design-build firms combine both the planning and construction phases under one roof. Instead of hiring an architect or designer first, then finding a contractor to bid and build the plans, a design-build team walks with you from concept to completion.
These companies often include in-house designers, estimators, project managers, and tradesmen—or a carefully coordinated mix of employees and trusted trade partners. Either way, they take full ownership of the process.
This model works especially well for homeowners who:
- Want guidance on design and layout
- Prefer a single point of contact
- Don’t want to coordinate between multiple vendors and consultants
For mid-sized to large remodels (like kitchens, bathrooms, or additions), the design-build approach offers structure, clarity, and a smoother experience—from first sketch to final walkthrough.
Which Type of Contractor Do You Need for Your Project?
Let’s walk through a few examples to help you figure that out.
Simple Projects = Specialty Contractor
If you’ve got a straightforward job that requires just one trade, a specialty contractor is probably your best bet.
- Want to repaint your dining room? Call a painting contractor.
- Need to fix your furnace? That’s an HVAC specialist.
- Time to replace a leaking faucet? A plumber can handle it.
Since these jobs only require one skill set, there’s no need to bring in a general contractor. A single specialty pro can usually knock it out just fine.
Mid-Sized Remodeling Projects = Remodeling Contractor
Here’s where things get more complex—and where homeowners often get tripped up.
Let’s say you’re remodeling your bathroom. It might seem like a small project, but you’ll need:
- Demolition
- Framing
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Tile
- Trim
- Paint
Whew. That’s a lot of hats to juggle—especially if you’re the one trying to hire, coordinate, and manage them all!
A remodeling contractor can manage all of these tasks under one roof, saving you time, stress, and, often, money in the process.
Large-Scale Projects = Builder
Thinking about building a custom home? Planning a large addition or whole-home gut job?
You’ll likely want a builder—a type of general contractor who specializes in large-scale projects like these. These firms often manage dozens of subcontractors and are equipped to handle the scope of large-scale projects.
Projects That Need Design Help = Design-Build Firm
If you’re not starting with a detailed set of plans and specs, a design-build company might be the way to go.
They’ll guide you through layout changes, material selections, permitting, and all those decisions that make a remodel successful—before you swing a hammer. Then they’ll manage construction from start to finish.
So… What Kind of Contractor Is Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling?
At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath, we’re a design-build remodeling firm that focuses on interior renovations in single-family homes across the New Hampshire Seacoast and Southern Maine.
We help with design and material selections, create detailed plans before construction starts, provide a transparent project schedule, establish clear communication checkpoints, and manage every phase of your project from start to finish.
In short: We’re the kind of contractor you call when you want to stop guessing and start planning.
Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Pro for the Job
Let’s recap:
- Specialty contractors are perfect for single-trade, straightforward projects.
- General contractors are best for bigger jobs that require multiple trades and coordination.
- Remodeling contractors shine on small- to mid-sized home renovations.
- Builders are your go-to for large additions and new construction.
- Design-build companies are ideal when you need design guidance along with execution.
Your home is more than a construction site—it’s your daily life. When you choose the right type of contractor, the process feels smoother, more predictable, and far less stressful.
Thinking about a kitchen or bathroom remodel? We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up! Reach out to start the conversation—we’re ready when you are!