Do You Need a General Contractor Before Selling Your House?

When do you need a general contractor before selling?

You may need a general contractor when your pre-sale work involves multiple trades, permits, inspections, or a tightly coordinated schedule.

That might include a major kitchen or bathroom renovation, structural work, significant water or fire damage, an unfinished remodel, or another project that requires several specialists to work in sequence.

A long repair list alone does not mean you need a general contractor. Consider how complex the work is, how many professionals it involves, and whether local rules require licensed contractors or permits.

General contractor vs. handyman

For smaller jobs, a handyman or specialized trade professional may be a better fit.

Licensing requirements vary by state and locality, and some places limit the type or dollar value of work a handyman can legally perform. Sellers should check local rules before hiring anyone for pre-sale repairs.

How much do general contractors cost?

There’s no single price for hiring a general contractor. They typically charge about 10% to 20% of the total project cost, with fees on some larger projects reaching closer to 25%. That would equal roughly $2,000 to $4,000 on a $20,000 project.

Your final price will depend on factors such as where you live, the size and complexity of the job, labor and material costs, and any required permits. Contractors may also use different pricing models, including fixed-price, lump-sum, or cost-plus contracts.

When comparing contractors, ask for detailed written bids rather than choosing based only on the lowest total. Compare what each estimate includes, along with the project scope, materials, permits, and timeline.

Is hiring a general contractor worth it before selling?

Before hiring a general contractor, consider whether the project is likely to help your sale enough to justify the cost and time.

Start with these questions:

• Will the project help my home sell? A major repair or renovation may attract more buyers, support your asking price, or prevent problems later in the transaction.
• How much will the work cost? Compare what you’ll spend upfront with the potential benefit when you sell.
• How long will the project take? Contractor schedules, permits, materials, and inspections could delay your listing.
• Will buyers expect the issue to be fixed? Depending on your market, buyers may accept the problem if the home is priced accordingly.
• Could leaving the issue unresolved affect the deal? Some property problems can create concerns during the inspection, appraisal, insurance, or financing process.

You don’t need to fix everything simply because a contractor can. Before taking on an expensive project, consider asking a local real estate agent which repairs buyers in your area are most likely to care about. HomeLight can connect you with top agents who know your local market.

How to hire a contractor for pre-sale work

If you decide the work is worth doing before you sell, compare several contractors rather than choosing the first available option.

1. Get referrals and compare candidates. Ask friends, neighbors, or your real estate agent for recommendations. Look for contractors with experience handling projects similar in size and scope to yours.
2. Verify licensing and insurance. Check with your state or local government to confirm any required contractor license, and ask for proof of insurance.
3. Ask about similar projects and timing. Find out how often the contractor handles this type of work and whether they can realistically finish before your target listing date. Ask who will perform the work and how they will communicate updates or delays.
4. Compare detailed written estimates. Look for a clear description of the work, materials, expected completion date, and price. Don’t choose based on the lowest number alone.
5. Review the contract carefully. Check the payment schedule and estimated start and completion dates. Depending on the project, the contract may also address permits, warranties, cleanup, and how changes to the original scope will be approved and priced.

Watch for red flags: Be cautious with vague estimates, missing licensing or insurance information, pressure to sign immediately, or demands for full payment upfront. Some states limit how much a contractor can request as a down payment, so check local rules before paying.

Skip Repairs With an All-Cash Offer

Use HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform to sell when you’re ready without the hassle of paying for repairs, prepping for listing, or dealing with showings. With Simple Sale, you can close in as few as 7 days.

Request a no-obligation cash offer

Should you hire a contractor or sell the house as-is?

If your home needs work before selling, you generally have three options:

• Complete the larger project: Hire a general contractor when the work involves multiple trades or a more complex renovation. This may make sense if the issue could limit buyer interest or if the expected benefit is likely to outweigh the cost and delay.
• Make only selected repairs: Hire a handyman, specialist, or contractor for the issues most likely to concern buyers, affect an inspection, or interfere with the sale. This lets you address higher-priority problems without taking on a full renovation.
• Sell without making repairs: List the home in its current condition and price it accordingly, or consider an as-is cash sale. This may mean accepting a lower price, but it can also reduce the time and upfront expense of hiring and managing contractors.

If avoiding repairs is your main priority, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with vetted cash buyers and help you compare an all-cash offer with what you might receive by listing with an agent.

The right choice depends on how much work the home needs, what buyers in your market expect, and whether the potential payoff justifies the time and money required.

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