“If You Use Subcontractors, What Am I Paying You For?”

June 27, 2025

Understanding the Value of a General Contractor in Your Remodel

It’s a fair question—and one we’ve heard more than once.

             “If you’re using subcontractors for the plumbing, electrical, and finish work… what exactly does The Building Company do?”


The short answer? A lot more than you might think.


Whether we’re remodeling a kitchen in Coeur d’Alene or managing a full home addition in Spokane, our role as your general contractor (GC) goes far beyond swinging hammers. We’re your project manager, code interpreter, quality control specialist, schedule enforcer, and problem solver—all wrapped into one.


Let’s break down the real value we bring to your remodel, even when subs are doing much of the physical work.

🧩 Subcontractors Are Specialists. We Orchestrate the Whole Picture.

You don’t want a plumber doing drywall. And you definitely don’t want a cabinet installer wiring your range.


We use vetted subcontractors because specialists do better work—and because state licensing laws often require it. But having the right people on the job is only half the battle. The other half is coordinating them correctly.



We make sure:

  • Trades show up at the right time (in the right order)
  • Materials are onsite and ready
  • Each sub knows exactly what’s expected
  • Their work aligns with the plans, codes, and your vision


Without someone managing the sequencing, your remodel becomes a game of telephone with $100,000 stakes.

🛠️ We’re the Ones Who Hold the Warranty—and the Bag

When you hire The Building Company, you’re not managing 8–10 separate subcontractors. You're hiring one accountable company with:

  • A single contract
  • A unified schedule
  • A clear point of contact
  • A written warranty


If something isn’t right, you don’t chase down the tile guy or electrician. You call us, and we make it right. Period.

🔍 Quality Control Is Ongoing—Not Just at the End

Good subs know their trade, but they may not know the bigger picture. That’s our job.

We catch things like:

  • Framing that's off by 1/4" (before it throws off the cabinet install)
  • Valve placements that interfere with tile lines
  • Electrical box depths that won’t flush out with finish materials


And if something’s wrong? We don’t “let it slide.” We fix it—before it becomes your problem.

📅 We Manage the Schedule So You Don’t Lose Weeks

A remodel isn’t just a bunch of tasks—it’s a critical path. If the drywall sub is three days late, it can delay paint, cabinets, tile, and final inspections.

We build and adjust your schedule daily so:

  • Delays are minimized
  • Resources are reallocated fast
  • You’re always in the loop


That’s how we keep remodels moving, even when unexpected things pop up (and they always do).

💬 Communication Is the Difference Between “Stressful” and “Successful”

Even when 90% of the labor is done by subs, 100% of the communication runs through us. That includes:

  • Coordinating deliveries
  • Managing permits and inspections
  • Handling questions and decisions
  • Keeping you informed every step of the way


Most homeowners don’t want to field 15 different calls a day from different trades. That’s our job.

So What Are You Paying Us For?

You’re paying for:

  • Project leadership
  • Accountability
  • Code compliance
  • Schedule management
  • Quality control
  • Vendor coordination
  • A single source of truth


You're not just hiring us to do the work—you’re hiring us to make sure it all gets done right.

Want to Know What It’s Like to Work with a GC Who Actually Adds Value?

Let’s talk about your remodel. We’ll walk you through our process and show you how we manage subs so you don’t have to.


📱 Call or text:509-625-6500

 📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com

 🔗 Schedule a consult

________________________________________


The Building Company  is a proud member of the NAHB and NARI, ensuring that we bring national standards of professionalism, education, and service to every job we manage.

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