Some remodels need one trade. Others need five. In Nevada, that difference often decides which kind of licensed contractor you should hire: a general building contractor who coordinates the job, or a specialty contractor who does one type of work. This guide compares the two using the Nevada State Contractors Board’s classifications.
Key takeaways
- Specialty contractors hold a C classification for one trade, such as plumbing or roofing.
- General building contractors hold a B classification and can coordinate several trades.
- Check the classification and monetary limit for whoever you hire.
How Nevada classifies contractors
The Board licenses contractors in three main classifications: A for general engineering, B for general building and C for specialty work. Classification B includes B-2 Residential and Small Commercial and B-7 Residential Remodeling. Classification C covers 42 specialty subclassifications, including trades such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting and concrete.
Option A: a general building contractor
A general building contractor manages the whole job. They schedule the trades, order materials, coordinate inspections and are responsible to you under one contract. The Board says that if the work involves more than two types of work, you may hire a licensed general building contractor, who will coordinate the appropriate licensed specialty contractors as subcontractors.
Option B: a specialty contractor
A specialty contractor holds a license for one trade. The Board’s example is simple: if you want only roofing work done, you would hire a contractor licensed as a roofing contractor. For a water heater replacement, a new electrical circuit or a re-roof, going directly to the right specialty contractor is common.
Side-by-side comparison
| General building contractor | Specialty contractor | |
|---|---|---|
| License | B classification | C subclassification |
| Best for | Several trades, such as a kitchen or bath | One trade, such as roofing or electrical |
| Coordination | Contractor schedules the trades | You coordinate if several are needed |
| Subcontractors | Hires licensed specialty subcontractors | Usually does the work directly |
| Required disclosures | Subcontractor and supplier list, lien notice | Residential Recovery Fund disclosure on residential work |
Which one fits
A kitchen or bathroom remodel usually involves demolition, plumbing, electrical, drywall, tile and cabinets. That is well beyond two types of work, so a general building contractor is the usual choice. A single-trade job, such as replacing a water heater or adding a circuit, is often simpler with a specialty contractor. If you coordinate several specialty contractors yourself, you take on the scheduling and the risk of gaps between trades.
Disclosures from a general building contractor
Under NRS 624.600, a general building contractor working for the owner of a single-family home must give you in writing the name, license number, address and phone number of every subcontractor on the project, and of every person who supplies materials above a set value. They must also give you notice that those people may record a lien, and an informational form about contractors and liens. See Mechanic’s Liens and Lien Releases in Nevada.
Tip: Ask for the subcontractor list before work starts and check each subcontractor’s license too. Licensed plumbers and electricians are especially important: the City of Las Vegas notes that only licensed plumbers and electricians, along with owners working on their own homes, may legally do that work.
Questions to ask either type
- Which parts of the job will you do yourself, and which will you subcontract?
- Who will be on site each day, and who is my single point of contact?
- Which permits does the job need, and who will obtain them?
- How will you handle hidden conditions found after demolition?
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
Ask the same questions of every bidder and compare the written answers alongside the prices.
What about design?
Some general contractors offer design help, and some homeowners hire a designer, architect or engineer separately. The Board suggests having a licensed architect or engineer prepare or review plans and specifications for larger projects. Structural changes and additions usually need drawings for the permit anyway.
Monetary limits for both
Every license, general or specialty, carries a monetary limit. A small specialty contractor may be perfect for one bathroom but not licensed for a contract the size of a whole-house remodel. Check the limit for each contract. How-to in How to Check a Nevada Contractor License.
Common mistakes
A common mistake is hiring a single-trade contractor to run a multi-trade remodel. Another is hiring a general contractor and never asking who the subcontractors are. Finally, some homeowners try to coordinate five trades themselves to save money and underestimate the scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
Is B-7 the only license that can do remodels?
No. B-7 is Residential Remodeling, but other general building classifications, such as B-2, also cover residential work. Check the scope of the classification with the Board if unsure.
Can a general contractor do some trades themselves?
They may do work their license covers and subcontract the rest to licensed specialty contractors.
Who is responsible if a subcontractor makes a mistake?
Usually the general contractor you hired, under your contract. Read the contract to confirm.
For comparing bids from either type, read How to Compare Three Remodel Bids.