I’m often asked by clients with smaller residential projects why they need to hire a general contractor—and pay a GC’s markup—when I have a construction management background in addition to being an architect and interior designer. The assumption is that I could coordinate the subcontractors on behalf of the homeowner, since the architect/designer must be involved during construction regardless. Although I have a handful of subcontractors with which I have great working relationships, a GC has much more leverage than the architect or interior designer, especially in Santa Barbara.
The Santa Barbara Reality: Contractors Are Busy—and Selective
Santa Barbara has no shortage of construction work. Skilled labor is limited, demand is extremely high, and most reputable general contractors are booked months—or years—ahead. Large custom homes, estate remodels, and commercial projects dominate their schedules because they are more predictable, more profitable, and easier to staff consistently.
Smaller residential projects—generally anything under $1 million—often fall to the bottom of the priority list. Homeowners frequently discover that even getting a contractor to return a call, let alone follow through, can be challenging. This isn’t about quality or professionalism. It’s simply the economics of a tight, relationship-driven market.
Relationships Are the Currency of Construction in Santa Barbara
In this market, relationships—not project size—are what move projects forward. General contractors are far more likely to take on smaller projects when they come through trusted professional channels. Architects who regularly refer work to a GC represent an ongoing relationship, not a one-off job. That matters. An architect who consistently brings projects to a contractor: - Gets calls returned - Gets realistic schedules - Gets better coordination - Gets problems addressed rather than avoided A homeowner trying to hire a GC directly—no matter how organized or well-intentioned—rarely has the same leverage.
Why Architects Get Better Results When a GC Is Involved
When an architect or designer recommends and works alongside a general contractor, the entire dynamic changes. The GC understands:
- The architect’s standards and expectations
- The quality level required
- That the relationship extends beyond a single project
That creates accountability on both sides. The contractor is motivated to deliver a strong result because future work depends on it. For smaller projects especially, this alignment is what keeps schedules intact, costs controlled, and issues resolved quickly.
Why General Contractors Get Better Results from Subcontractors
The same relationship-based structure applies to subcontractors. General contractors who repeatedly work with the same trades—framers, electricians, plumbers, tile installers—get better performance because those subcontractors depend on them for ongoing work. They show up, coordinate properly, and fix issues when needed. When homeowners attempt to hire subcontractors directly, that leverage disappears. Trades fit the work in around larger commitments, communication becomes fragmented, and accountability is diluted. A GC serves as the single point of responsibility, managing sequencing, quality, and problem-solving across all trades.
Small Projects Still Require Professional Execution
Even modest residential projects involve permitting, inspections, scheduling, material coordination, and skilled labor. Kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and renovations are complex undertakings, not simplified versions of large projects. A general contractor brings:
- Schedule and site management
- Trade coordination
- Cost oversight
- Quality control
- Immediate problem-solving when conditions change
In our competitive market, attempting to manage this without a GC often leads to delays, increased costs, and unnecessary stress.
In Santa Barbara, successful residential construction is driven by professional relationships.
