General Contractor vs. Construction Manager: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
When planning a construction project, one of the first questions that comes up is:
“Should I hire a general contractor or a construction manager?”
While both roles sound similar, they serve very different purposes and making the right choice can impact your timeline, budget, and stress level.
At Construction Simplified, we operate as construction managers who think like owners. We're more than just project managers—we're strategic partners who advocate for your success from day one. Let’s explore what sets a GC apart from a CM, and why our approach makes all the difference.
What Does a General Contractor (GC) Do?
A General Contractor typically comes into the picture after the design is finalized. They’re hired to execute the construction work, bringing in subcontractors and managing the day-to-day activity on site.
- Work begins after drawings are complete
- Hired under a lump sum or bid contract
- Focused on building what’s already been designed
- Often has limited input on early decisions
This can work well for straightforward, already-designed projects where you want someone to execute the build.
What Does a Construction Manager (CM) Do?
A Construction Manager gets involved earlier—often before design even begins. As your CM, we guide the entire process from conception to closeout.
- Engaged during planning and design
- Advises on scope, budget, and schedule
- Leads architect and subcontractor coordination
- Provides real-time feedback and transparent cost control
At Construction Simplified, we approach CM work as an extension of your team and not just a vendor. You get a strategic partner who looks out for your goals, costs, and vision throughout the project.
We're Not Just Project Managers, We're Partners
This is where we truly stand apart. Our team doesn’t just “manage construction.” We lead with ownership mindset because we’ve been developers, investors, and builders ourselves.
We don’t jump straight to schedules and bid packages. We start with what matters:
- Why you're building
- How to best meet your goals
- What value looks like over time
From there, we align the design, team, and timeline to make it happen—with fewer surprises, cleaner costs, and better outcomes.
GC vs. CM: Which Is Right for You?
Here’s how a General Contractor (GC) and a Construction Manager (CM) differ across key areas:
When They’re Hired
- GC: After design is complete
- CM: From day one, often pre-design
Owner Involvement
- GC: Limited once plans are set
- CM: High involvement and collaboration from day one
Cost Transparency
- GC: Typically lump sum pricing, less visibility into line items
- CM: Open-book approach, more detailed cost control
Flexibility During the Project
- GC: Less flexibility to adapt once construction starts
- CM: More adaptable to changes, especially early on
Focus
- GC: Executes a fixed plan
- CM: Helps shape the plan to meet your goals and budget
If you want someone to build what’s already designed, a GC might fit. But if you want a partner who helps guide every step, a CM, especially one who thinks like an owner brings more value.
Let's Build Smarter, Together
Whether you're exploring your first project or planning your next expansion, we're here to lead with clarity and deliver with confidence. We'd love a chance to connect and help you take your next step.
