Single Trade
A single trade contractor performs one specific type of construction work.
Focused scope
Specialized labor and expertise
Usually hired as a subcontractor
Does not coordinate other trades
Examples:
Electrical contractor
Plumbing contractor
Roofing contractor
Drywall installer
Concrete contractor
👉 A single trade handles only their portion of the project.
General Building (GB)
A General Building contractor (General Contractor / GC) oversees and manages multiple trades to complete an entire structure or major renovation.
Manages subcontractors
Coordinates scheduling
Responsible for overall project delivery
Handles permits, inspections, and compliance
Integrates structural + architectural + MEP systems
👉 A General Building project typically includes several trades working together.
🤔 What Trades Are Typically Included in a General Building Project?
Yes — MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) is a core component, but it’s only part of the picture.
Below are the most common trades involved in general building projects:
Structural & Core Trades
Site work / Excavation
Concrete & foundations
Structural steel
Framing (wood or metal)
Masonry
Building Envelope
Roofing
Waterproofing
Windows & glazing
Exterior cladding / siding
MEP Trades (Very Common)
Mechanical (HVAC)
Electrical
Plumbing
Fire protection (sprinklers)
MEP is often the largest portion of commercial projects.
Interior & Finishes
Drywall
Insulation
Painting
Flooring
Ceiling systems
Millwork / carpentry
🤔 When Does a “Single Trade” Become a General Building Project?
A project becomes General Building when:
It requires multiple trades
It alters structural elements
It involves coordination across systems (e.g., electrical + plumbing + framing)
It affects life-safety systems
Example Comparison
Scenario | Classification |
|---|---|
Replace lighting fixtures | Single trade (Electrical) |
Install new rooftop HVAC unit | Single trade (Mechanical) |
Tenant improvement build-out (walls, HVAC, electrical, plumbing) | General Building |
New ground-up office building | General Building |
🤔 Is MEP Considered General Building?
MEP alone is NOT General Building.
MEP = specialized trades.
However:
A full MEP retrofit combined with structural modifications may fall under General Building.
Large MEP-heavy projects (like hospitals or data centers) still require a GC.
💡 Quick Rule of Thumb
One scope → Single trade
Multiple coordinated scopes → General Building