When you take on a home project, from a full roof replacement to a bathroom remodel, one person keeps everything moving in the right direction: the general contractor. A general contractor (often called a GC) is the professional who manages a construction or remodeling project from start to finish. They coordinate the schedule, hire and oversee subcontractors, order materials, handle permits, and make sure the finished work meets code and your expectations.
Think of a general contractor as the conductor of an orchestra. Each subcontractor—whether a roofer, electrician, or carpenter—plays their part. The GC makes sure everyone plays in harmony, on time, and on budget. Without that leadership, even the best tradespeople can fall out of sync.
Below, we’ll walk through what general contractors do, how they earn their licenses, what to expect during the bidding and payment process, and how to get the most out of the partnership. We’ll also share how our team at Perrault Construction has served Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin homeowners for over 50 years.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
At its core, a general contractor’s job is to turn your project plans into reality. They act as the single point of contact for the entire job, so you don’t have to juggle a dozen different tradespeople yourself. The GC translates your vision into a clear plan, then executes that plan step by step.
A good contractor handles the details you’d rather not think about, like pulling permits, scheduling inspections, and sourcing quality materials at fair prices. They keep the project on track and step in quickly when surprises pop up, which they often do on any construction site.
1. Responsibilities of a General Contractor
A general contractor wears many hats throughout a project. Their main responsibilities include:
- Planning and scheduling: Mapping out each phase of the work and keeping the timeline realistic.
- Hiring subcontractors: Bringing in licensed, skilled trades like roofers, electricians, and plumbers.
- Managing the budget: Tracking costs and keeping spending in line with the estimate.
- Ordering materials: Sourcing the right products and making sure they arrive when needed.
- Securing permits: Handling the paperwork and coordinating required inspections.
- Ensuring safety and quality: Following building codes and holding all work to a high standard.
- Communicating with you: Providing updates and answering questions along the way.
In short, the GC owns the outcome. When the job is done well, that’s on them, and so is fixing anything that isn’t right.
2. General Contractor Example
Picture a homeowner in Duluth whose roof took a beating during a spring hailstorm. They call a general contractor to handle the repair. Here’s how the GC steps in:
First, they inspect the damage and document it for the insurance claim. Next, they prepare a detailed estimate covering new shingles, underlayment, and any damaged decking. Once the homeowner approves, the GC schedules the roofing crew, orders materials, and pulls the necessary permit.
During the tear-off, the crew finds water damage around a chimney. The GC coordinates a quick repair before the new roof goes on, keeps the homeowner informed, and adjusts the timeline as needed. When the work wraps up, the GC arranges the final inspection and walks the homeowner through the finished project. One point of contact handled everything, start to finish.
3. Types of General Contractors
Not every general contractor does the same kind of work. Most fall into a few broad categories:
- Residential contractors: They focus on homes, including remodels, additions, roofing, siding, and repairs. This is where a company like ours lives.
- Commercial contractors: They handle office buildings, retail spaces, and other business properties, often on a larger scale.
- Industrial contractors: They work on factories, plants, and other heavy-duty facilities with specialized requirements.
- Specialty contractors: They concentrate on one area, such as roofing, exterior remodeling, or storm restoration.
Many contractors combine these roles. For example, an exterior remodeling company may serve both homeowners and commercial property managers while specializing in roofing and siding. Choosing a contractor whose focus matches your project is one of the smartest moves you can make.
General Contractor vs. Construction Manager
These two roles sound similar, but they work differently. Understanding the difference helps you know who to hire.
A general contractor is directly responsible for completing the physical work. They sign a contract to deliver the project, hire the subcontractors, buy the materials, and carry the risk if costs run over. You pay the GC, and the GC pays everyone else.
A construction manager acts more like an advisor and coordinator. They oversee the project on your behalf, often getting involved early during the planning and design stages. Instead of taking on the work directly, they guide decisions, manage timelines, and keep the various parties aligned. Construction managers are more common on large, complex builds.
For most home projects, a general contractor is the right fit. You get one accountable partner who both plans the work and gets it done.
How to Become a General Contractor
Becoming a general contractor takes a mix of hands-on experience, business knowledge, and proper licensing. While the exact path varies by state, most contractors follow these steps:
- Gain field experience: Many start as laborers or apprentices, learning the trades from the ground up.
- Build business skills: Running a contracting company means understanding estimating, scheduling, and customer service.
- Meet education or training requirements: Some states require coursework or proof of experience.
- Pass a licensing exam: This usually covers building codes, safety, and business law.
- Get insured and bonded: Liability insurance and a surety bond protect both the contractor and the customer.
- Apply for a license: Once the requirements are met, the contractor registers with the state.
The best contractors never stop learning. Building codes, materials, and technology keep evolving, and staying current is part of the job.
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General Contractor Salary
Earnings for general contractors vary widely based on location, experience, and the size of the projects they handle. In the United States, many general contractors earn somewhere in the range of $60,000 to $100,000 per year, though established contractors running successful companies can earn well beyond that.
Several factors influence income, including the volume of work, the region’s cost of living, and the contractor’s reputation. Contractors who consistently deliver quality work and build strong customer relationships tend to enjoy steady demand, which supports higher, more reliable earnings over time.
Licensing Requirements for General Contractors
Licensing exists to protect you. A licensed contractor has proven they meet certain standards for skill, safety, and financial responsibility. Requirements differ from state to state, but the goal is always the same: making sure the person working on your home knows what they’re doing and stands behind it.
1. GC Licensing Requirements by Project Value (e.g., $40,000+ Threshold)
Many states tie licensing rules to the value of a project. In Minnesota, for example, contractors who build or remodel residential properties generally need a state license once the work crosses a certain dollar threshold.
This kind of threshold means that larger projects, like a full roof replacement, siding installation, or major remodel, must be handled by a properly licensed contractor. Smaller, minor repairs may fall below the line. The takeaway for homeowners is simple: for any significant project, always confirm that your contractor holds the correct license for the work and the amount involved.
2. Licensing Qualifications
To earn and keep a license, contractors typically need to:
- Show proof of relevant work experience
- Pass an exam covering codes, safety, and business practices
- Carry liability insurance
- Maintain a surety bond
- Meet any continuing education requirements
These qualifications aren’t just red tape. They give you confidence that your contractor is financially stable, knowledgeable, and accountable if something goes wrong.
3. Knowing When You Need a Licensed Contractor
For anything beyond a very small fix, hiring a licensed contractor is the safe choice. You should always work with a licensed pro when your project involves:
- Structural work, such as additions or major framing changes
- Roofing and siding replacement, especially after storm damage
- Window and door installation that affects the building envelope
- Permitted work that requires inspections
- Insurance claims, where documentation and code compliance matter
Hiring unlicensed help to save a few dollars can backfire fast. Unpermitted or substandard work can create safety hazards, void warranties, and cause headaches when you sell your home.
The Bidding Process for General Contractors
Before any work begins, most projects start with a bid. This is where a contractor reviews your project, calculates the cost, and presents a proposal. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
First, the contractor visits your property to assess the scope of work. For a roofing job, that means measuring the roof, checking its condition, and noting any damage. Next, they prepare a detailed estimate covering labor, materials, permits, and a timeline.
You’ll want to compare bids carefully. The lowest number isn’t always the best value. Look at what each bid includes, the quality of materials specified, the warranty offered, and the contractor’s reputation. A clear, itemized bid from a trusted contractor tells you exactly what you’re paying for, with no surprises later.
A General Contractor’s Role in the Payment Process
A general contractor also manages the money side of a project so you don’t have to pay each subcontractor and supplier separately. You pay the GC, and they handle payments to everyone involved.
Most projects follow a payment schedule tied to milestones. You might pay a deposit up front, a portion once major work is complete, and the balance after the final walkthrough. This structure protects both sides: the contractor has funds to cover materials and labor, and you only pay for work as it’s finished.
A reputable contractor keeps this process transparent. You’ll always know what you’re paying for and when. Be cautious of any contractor who demands full payment before starting—that’s a common red flag.
Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor
Taking on a project yourself might seem cheaper at first, but a skilled general contractor delivers real value. Here’s what you gain:
- One point of contact: No juggling multiple tradespeople or chasing down updates.
- Time savings: The GC handles scheduling, permits, and coordination for you.
- Cost control: Established supplier relationships often mean better pricing on quality materials.
- Quality work: Licensed professionals follow codes and hold every phase to a high standard.
- Reduced stress: You get to enjoy the results without managing the chaos.
- Warranty protection: A trusted contractor stands behind their work long after the job is done.
For homeowners in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where weather can be tough on a home, that expertise and accountability are especially valuable.
How to Work Well With Your General Contractor
A successful project is a partnership. The better you communicate with your contractor, the smoother the experience. A few simple habits make a big difference:
- Be clear about your goals: Share your vision, budget, and must-haves up front.
- Ask questions: A good contractor welcomes them and gives honest answers.
- Agree on communication: Decide how and how often you’ll get updates.
- Trust their expertise: You hired a pro for a reason—lean on their advice.
- Put it in writing: Keep the scope, timeline, and costs documented in your contract.
- Stay flexible: Surprises happen on nearly every project, and a little patience goes a long way.
When both sides communicate openly and respect each other’s roles, the result is a project that stays on track and a home you’ll love.
About Perrault Construction
For more than 50 years, Perrault Construction has helped homeowners across Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin protect and improve their homes. We’re an exterior remodeling company built on quality craftsmanship, honest service, and a deep understanding of the challenges our harsh regional weather brings.
From roofing and siding to windows, doors, decks, bathroom remodels, insulation, and storm damage repair, we handle it all as your trusted general contractor. When you work with us, you get a single, accountable partner committed to getting the job done right.
1. Our Experience and Commitment to Quality
Five decades in this business have taught us what works and what lasts. We’ve seen how brutal winters, heavy snow loads, and sudden storms test a home, and we build every project to stand up to them.
Our commitment to quality shows in every detail, from the materials we choose to the crews we send to your home. We treat each project with the care we’d give our own homes, because your satisfaction is what has kept us going strong for over 50 years.
2. Materials We Use and Their Benefits
We believe great results start with great materials. That’s why we install high-performance, climate-appropriate products designed to handle everything the Northern Midwest throws at them. Here’s a closer look at what we use and why it matters:
- Roofing Materials (Asphalt Shingles, Metal Roofing): Your roof is your home’s first line of defense, so we don’t cut corners. We install durable asphalt shingles that offer excellent protection, a wide range of colors, and strong value, backed by trusted manufacturers like Owens Corning. For homeowners who want maximum longevity, metal roofing is an outstanding choice. It sheds snow easily, resists harsh weather, and can last for decades with minimal upkeep.
- Siding Materials (Vinyl, Steel, Engineered Wood): The right siding keeps your home protected and energy-efficient while boosting curb appeal. We offer vinyl for its low maintenance and affordability, steel for its exceptional durability against wind and impact, and engineered wood for the classic look of real wood with added strength. All three options resist our tough climate and help insulate your home, which can mean lower energy bills.
- High-Efficiency Windows: Drafty windows drive up heating costs and make winters uncomfortable. Our high-efficiency windows, including options from Marvin Windows, are built to reduce drafts and hold consistent indoor temperatures. That means a cozier home in January, a cooler one in July, and real savings on your energy bills all year long.
3. Customizing Your Project to Fit Your Style
Your home should reflect you. We offer extensive customization across all our services, so every project fits your style and your needs. Want a specific roofing color to complement your exterior? A particular siding texture? A one-of-a-kind deck layout for entertaining, or personalized finishes for your bathroom remodel? We’ll make it happen.
We build with Trex decking for beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that last. From the first design conversation to the final touches, we tailor every detail to bring your vision to life.
4. Storm Damage Repair and Insurance Claims Assistance
When a storm hits, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our team specializes in storm damage repair and knows how to navigate the insurance claims process. We work directly with you and your insurance company to assess the damage, document it thoroughly, and provide comprehensive estimates.
Our goal is to restore your property quickly and completely, often adding improvements that make your home more resilient against future storms. We take the stress out of the claims process so you can focus on getting back to normal.
5. Our Warranties (10-Year Labor Warranty and Manufacturer Warranties)
We stand firmly behind our work. Every project we complete comes with our 10-Year Labor Warranty on our workmanship, giving you lasting confidence in the quality of our craft.
On top of that, we install products from trusted manufacturers, including Owens Corning, Trex, and Marvin Windows, that carry their own robust product warranties. Together, these warranties give you comprehensive peace of mind, knowing both the work and the materials are protected for years to come.
6. Areas We Serve
Perrault Construction is proud to serve homeowners and property managers throughout Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our service areas include:
- Duluth, MN
- Superior, WI
- Harbor, MN
- Grand Rapids, MN
- Solon Springs, WI
- Hibbing, MN
- Moose Lake, MN
Based in Duluth at 3009 W Superior St, we’re a local company that understands local needs. If you’re in or near any of these communities, we’d love to help with your next project.
Get a Free Estimate From Perrault Construction
Ready to protect and improve your home with a contractor you can trust? Whether you need a new roof, fresh siding, energy-efficient windows, a custom deck, or storm damage repair, Perrault Construction is here to help.
With over 50 years of experience, quality materials, and warranties that back every project, we make it easy to move forward with confidence. Contact us today to request a quote and get a free estimate. Let’s build something that lasts.