When planning a remodeling project, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Should I hire a project manager or a general contractor? The confusion is understandable—both roles are involved in managing construction projects, but their responsibilities, priorities, and relationships to the homeowner are very different.
At Paradise Association LLC, we often work with homeowners who want clarity, transparency, and control over their remodel without being locked into a traditional contractor-driven model. This guide breaks down the key differences between a remodeling project manager and a general contractor, helping you decide which approach best fits your needs.
What Is a General Contractor?
A General Contractor (GC) is a licensed professional responsible for executing construction work. They typically:
- Hire and manage subcontractors
- Purchase materials
- Schedule labor and inspections
- Perform or oversee physical construction
- Profit from the construction work itself
The general contractor is usually the central point of contact for both the homeowner and the subcontractors.
The GC’s Primary Focus
A general contractor’s main responsibility is to deliver the construction work. Their profit is tied to:
- Labor costs
- Material markups
- Change orders
- Efficiency of execution
This structure works well for many projects—but it also means the contractor’s financial interests may not always align perfectly with the homeowner’s priorities.
What Is a Remodeling Project Manager?
A Remodeling Project Manager does not perform construction work. Instead, they act as the homeowner’s representative, overseeing the project from planning through completion.
At Paradise Association LLC, our role includes:
- Pre-construction planning
- Contractor coordination
- Budget and schedule oversight
- Permit guidance
- Quality control
- Clear communication and documentation
Because we are not a general contractor, our guidance is independent and unbiased.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Project Manager vs General Contractor
Role and Responsibility
- General Contractor: Executes construction
- Project Manager: Oversees the process and protects the homeowner’s interests
Financial Incentives
- General Contractor: Profits from construction, materials, and labor
- Project Manager: Paid for management and oversight, not construction work
Decision-Making Influence
- General Contractor: Often controls decisions related to methods and sequencing
- Project Manager: Helps homeowners make informed decisions without financial bias
Flexibility
- General Contractor: Typically requires a bundled construction contract
- Project Manager: Allows homeowners to work with selected designers and contractors independently
Transparency and Accountability
One of the biggest differences lies in transparency.
General Contractor Model
- Estimates may bundle labor, materials, and profit
- Change orders can increase costs quickly
- Homeowners may not always see where money is going
Project Manager Model
- Budgets are reviewed line by line
- Costs are visible and trackable
- Homeowners retain financial clarity throughout the project
This transparency is a cornerstone of the Owner’s Representative approach used by Paradise Association LLC.
Learn more about our services here:
👉 https://paradiseassociationllc.com/services/
Who Do Contractors Work For?
This is an important distinction.
- General Contractor: Works for themselves and their company
- Project Manager: Works directly for the homeowner
At Paradise Association LLC, every decision we help facilitate is guided by one question:
“Is this in the homeowner’s best interest?”
Permit Handling: A Key Difference
Many homeowners assume only a general contractor can handle permits. That’s not entirely true.
General Contractor
- Often pulls permits directly
- Becomes responsible for compliance during construction
Project Manager
- Helps determine when permits are required
- Coordinates with licensed professionals responsible for pulling permits
- Ensures documentation and inspections stay on track
This allows homeowners to stay compliant without giving up control.
Cost Control and Change Management
Change orders are one of the most expensive aspects of remodeling.
A remodeling project manager:
- Helps reduce unnecessary changes
- Identifies potential issues early
- Clarifies scope before contracts are signed
- Documents decisions to avoid misunderstandings
While a general contractor may benefit from change orders, a project manager’s role is to prevent them whenever possible.
Communication and Stress Reduction
Remodeling can be overwhelming, especially when multiple trades are involved.
With a General Contractor
- Communication flows through the contractor
- Homeowners may feel out of the loop
- Technical details can be hard to interpret
With a Project Manager
- You have a dedicated advocate
- Information is translated into clear language
- Issues are addressed before they escalate
This reduces stress and improves overall project experience.
When a General Contractor Makes Sense
A general contractor may be the right choice if:
- The project is simple and clearly defined
- You want a single entity handling everything
- You’re comfortable with bundled pricing
There’s nothing inherently wrong with hiring a GC—it just isn’t the only option.
When a Remodeling Project Manager Is the Better Choice
A remodeling project manager is ideal when:
- You want unbiased oversight
- You value transparency
- You want flexibility in choosing contractors
- You prefer advocacy over execution
- You want control without daily management
This model is especially effective for complex or high-value remodeling projects.
You can see how we support homeowners throughout the process on our Projects page:
👉 https://paradiseassociationllc.com/projects/
Why Homeowners Choose Paradise Association LLC
Paradise Association LLC provides independent remodeling project management designed to protect homeowners—not push construction sales.
We don’t build.
We don’t subcontract.
We manage, coordinate, and advocate.
If you’re deciding between a project manager and a general contractor, we’re happy to help you evaluate the best path forward.
👉 Contact Paradise Association LLC today to discuss your remodel:
https://paradiseassociationllc.com/contact-us/