A general contractor is the easiest route to your remodel, because it’s the only kind of contractor who acts as an expert in all fields, or at least, knows which sub-contractors to hire for specific elements. If you’re hiring a mix of pros rather than relegating the task to a single contractor—a process often called acting as your own general contractor—get ready to be wowed by the number of sub-specialists in this field. A framing contractor deals with changes to walls, ceilings, and all things structural, and provides the framework for other pros to install windows and skylights. Electricians deal with wiring, and plumbers with water and waste lines. Some plumbers also deal with gas lines. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors deal with things like forced air ductwork, radiant heating in a floor, or venting a new range hood. Flooring contractors tackle floors, and drywall contractors deal with ceilings and walls, once all the unseen mechanical work is complete. Finish carpenters install trim, baseboards, casing, and crown moldings. Painters… well, you can guess. Often, a general contractor, or even a skilled handy-person, can tackle installing cabinets, backsplashes, or sinks, though a plumber sometimes makes the actual final plumbing connections. As daunting as it can be to find each of those pros, managing their timing and making sure they communicate is even harder. One missed instruction on your end can mean that a floor gets installed before radiant heating has gone in, or a tile backsplash is set before you’ve wired for outlets behind your counters. It’s important to consider all of this when deciding whether to act as your own general contractor.