Why Go With A General Contractor

December 22nd, 2025 | by Nick Kayser

Why You Should Hire a Licensed General Contractor for Your Remodel

By Nick Kayser | Mustache Approved Remodeling

A licensed general contractor doesn’t just “run the job.” They protect the homeowner at every stage of the remodel — from permits and inspections to trade coordination and code compliance.

On the surface, remodeling can look simple. Tile, cabinets, fixtures, paint. But once walls are opened, a remodel becomes about what’s behind the finishes — plumbing, electrical, structure, waterproofing, and safety.

This is where working with a licensed general contractor makes all the difference — especially in the Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and broader East Valley area.

What a Licensed General Contractor Actually Does

A general contractor is responsible for managing the entire remodel as a system — not a collection of individual tasks.

  • Coordinating licensed plumbing, electrical, and HVAC trades
  • Ensuring all work meets local and state building codes
  • Scheduling inspections and addressing corrections
  • Identifying hidden issues once walls are opened
  • Carrying proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance
  • Managing the project timeline from start to finish
  • Pulling and closing required permits

This coordination is what keeps a remodel safe, legal, and built to last.

The Hidden Risks of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors

Many problems homeowners face come from work that looks fine on the surface — but fails behind the walls.

  • Improper wiring or undersized circuits
  • Plumbing not vented or sloped correctly
  • Waterproofing skipped or rushed
  • Homeowners unknowingly assuming liability for injuries

These shortcuts often cost far more to fix later than doing it correctly the first time. For more information about our approach to code-compliant construction, visit our Remodeling Process FAQs.

Why This Matters in Arizona Homes

Arizona homes — particularly in Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale — present unique remodeling challenges that require experience and planning.

  • Older slab foundations with limited access
  • Aging copper or poly plumbing
  • Outdated electrical panels
  • Heat-related expansion and movement
  • Non-standard framing in older homes

Without a general contractor overseeing the entire process, these issues can be missed — or ignored.

How a General Contractor Protects Your Investment

At Mustache Approved Remodeling, we approach every remodel as a complete system, not just a visual upgrade.

  • Pre-demo inspections to identify hidden risks
  • Correcting plumbing and electrical issues before finishes are installed
  • Proper waterproofing using our S.W.A.N. Plan (Sleep Well At Night) system
  • Documentation, inspections, and long-term durability

Our goal is simple: build it once, build it right, and protect your home for years to come.

When You Absolutely Need a General Contractor

If you’re planning any of these projects in the East Valley, a licensed general contractor is essential:

If multiple trades are involved, coordination matters — and that’s where a general contractor earns their value. For project-specific questions, check out our FAQ pages:

When You Might Not Need One

In the interest of transparency, not every project requires a general contractor.

  • Cosmetic-only updates
  • Painting or fixture swaps
  • Like-for-like replacements with no trade changes

Knowing the difference builds trust and helps homeowners make informed decisions.

🎥 Watch: Why Go With a Licensed General Contractor

Serving the Phoenix East Valley

We proudly serve homeowners throughout the East Valley of Arizona, including:

If you’re planning a remodel and want it done correctly, safely, and to code, working with a licensed general contractor makes all the difference.

Want to Understand What Working with a Licensed General Contractor Really Looks Like?

Choosing a general contractor isn’t just about managing the job — it’s about protecting your home, your investment, and your timeline. To see how we plan, permit, coordinate trades, and manage remodels from start to finish, review our step-by-step process.

Ready to start your remodel?

Your home is one of your biggest investments. Make sure it’s protected by experience, systems, and accountability — so you can truly Sleep Well At Night.

Mustache Approved Remodeling
Licensed General Contractor | ROC# 309760 | Phoenix East Valley

Serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Scottsdale.


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