BUILDING WITH HONOR #3: Construction Manager vs. General Contractor: What’s the Difference?

In commercial construction, there are a lot of moving parts—and a lot of people helping move them. If you're starting a new project, you’ve probably heard the terms Construction Manager (CM) and General Contractor (GC) tossed around. And while both roles are focused on getting your project built, the way they get there can look very different.

At Honor Construction, we work often as either a CM or a GC, depending on what’s best for the project. Here’s a quick breakdown

of the difference—and how to know which one

might be the right fit for your build.

What is a General Contractor (GC)?

A General Contractor is typically brought on after the design is complete. They’re responsible for executing the plans, hiring and managing subcontractors, maintaining the schedule, and making sure the work meets safety and quality standards.

Most GCs work under a lump-sum or fixed-price contract, meaning they’ve submitted a single number to complete the job based on the construction documents. In short: A GC builds what’s already been designed and executes on a fully designed project.

What is a Construction Manager (CM)?

A Construction Manager often joins the team much earlier—sometimes when the project is still a rough idea. The CM works alongside the architect and the owner to guide the project from concept through construction.

The key difference between GC and CM is collaboration. A CM helps set budgets, build timelines, identify risks, and give early input on how design decisions affect cost and constructability. Ultimately, saving time and unnecessary project costs.

With a CM, you’re not just hiring a builder—you’re bringing on a strategic partner.

How Honor Approaches It:

At Honor Construction, we believe that the best buildings start with strong partnerships. That’s why our work is rooted in the Construction Management (CM) approach—because it allows us to be there from the beginning, helping guide your project with insight, transparency, and strategic thinking.

As CM, we’re more than just builders, we're collaborators. From preconstruction planning to project delivery, we’re focused on keeping things efficient, cost-conscious, and aligned with your goals. We don’t just execute a plan, we help shape it, troubleshoot it, and make sure it works in the real world.

While we're fully equipped to take on different roles depending on project needs, CM is where we bring the most value—and where we can make the biggest impact for our clients.

So, Which Is Right for You?

The best choice really depends on your project’s needs, timeline, and how involved you want your construction partner to be from day one. At Honor Construction, we typically recommend the Construction Manager (CM) route when possible—because it allows us to collaborate early, provide strategic insight, and help you avoid costly surprises down the line.

That said, General Contracting (GC) still makes sense in many cases, especially if your plans are fully developed and you’re ready to hit the ground running. The key is choosing a team you trust to deliver, no matter the delivery method.

At the end of the day, we’re here to support your goals, not fit your project into a box. Whether it’s CM, GC, or a hybrid approach, we’ll help you weigh your options and make the best decision for your vision, budget, and timeline.