A general contractor will need to have a strong background in several kinds of skills, because general contractors may take on an almost unlimited variety of projects. Your general contractor may help you with everything from minor projects to a brand new custom house. While they can handle building custom homes, general contractors also frequently take on smaller tasks, utilizing their skills in a wide variety of areas. Because they take on so many responsibilities, general contractors need to have strong skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electricity. If you need more than 2 specialties, you will almost always need a general contractor.