Construction manager vs. general contractor: What’s the difference?
Over time, the construction industry has used many names for the entity responsible for delivering a project: builder, contractor, general contractor, prime contractor – and, more recently, construction manager.
While the core goals remain the same – manage trades, control quality, stay on budget – the way these roles operate can vary. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right partner for your project.
Construction managers: Strategy-focused oversight
Construction management firms are often brought on early in the design phase to guide pre-construction planning, budgeting, scheduling, and trade coordination. Their role is heavily focused on administration and oversight. Most do not maintain their own labor force or employ on-site superintendents. Instead, they serve as project advisors, facilitating communication among the architect, owner, and subcontractors.
This can be a highly effective approach on complex or phased projects, particularly in public sector work where construction managers help manage procurement and compliance. However, because they don’t typically self-perform work, construction managers rely on subcontractors for execution. This can limit their control over jobsite performance, timelines, and workmanship.
General contractors: strategy plus execution
General contractors (GCs), on the other hand, combine project oversight with boots-on-the-ground execution. In addition to managing the schedule, budget, and subcontractor coordination, GCs often self-perform key trades, deploy skilled labor, and staff job sites with experienced superintendents. That means greater control over field operations, safety, and quality standards.
The GC model can offer significant advantages, particularly when it comes to maintaining momentum on site or addressing issues in real time. General contractors are also more likely to hold direct responsibility for construction outcomes, assuming risk and accountability throughout the life of the project.
Zellner Construction: The best of both
At Zellner Construction, we offer the best of both approaches. We have the team, structure, and strategic mindset to serve as a construction manager – but also the in-house capabilities, labor force, and field leadership to operate as a full-service general contractor.
That flexibility gives owners an advantage, particularly when schedule, budget, and build quality demand more than oversight – they demand execution. We’re not just managing the process from a distance; we’re actively delivering results on the ground, solving problems before they delay progress, and holding ourselves to a higher standard of accountability.
Why this matters for your project
Every general contractor provides construction management services, but not every construction manager can build. When the unexpected happens, as it often does, having a partner who can roll up their sleeves and keep your project moving makes all the difference.
With Zellner, you don’t have to choose between strategy and delivery – you get both. From day one to closeout, we’re on your team, bringing structure, foresight, and hands-on experience to every phase of construction.
Whether you’re tackling a complex civic project, building a new educational facility, or redeveloping space in a dense urban setting, we provide the integrated leadership and boots-on-the-ground capability to get the job done right.
Why investing in local construction firms strengthens our community
When it comes to large-scale construction projects, such as building new schools, redeveloping aging infrastructure, or revitalizing commercial spaces, the question of who gets the job carries more weight than just the bottom line. Choosing to invest in local construction firms keeps dollars circulating in our regional economy and directly strengthens the communities where we live, work, and raise our families.
Here's a closer look at why hiring local construction partners is a strategic and community-focused choice.
1. Local firms mean local jobs
One of the most direct impacts of choosing a local construction company is job creation. Local firms hire local workers – from skilled laborers and equipment operators to project managers and administrative staff. These are our neighbors, family members, and friends. Supporting these companies sustains a strong local workforce and offers meaningful employment opportunities that contribute to household stability and economic mobility.
In March 2025, there were 248,000 construction job openings in the United States, and when those opportunities are provided by companies rooted in the area, they tend to result in longer-term employment and deeper community investment.
2. They understand local needs and context
Local construction firms bring to the table a deep understanding of the community’s history, environment, and evolving needs. Whether it’s complying with municipal permitting processes or navigating neighborhood traffic patterns, companies that work in the region daily have the knowledge to adapt quickly and avoid costly delays.
They also understand the community’s values, like preserving historic elements in a renovation project or minimizing disruption to nearby residents. That level of insight is difficult to replicate with out-of-town firms, no matter how experienced they may be.
3. Community relationships foster accountability
Local firms don’t just complete projects and leave – they live with the results. Their owners and employees often have children that go to local schools, attend neighborhood events, and shop in the same stores as their clients. That proximity encourages a higher standard of accountability and pride in the work they do.
When your name is tied to your town, cutting corners isn’t an option. Local construction teams are highly motivated to deliver quality projects that stand the test of time because their reputations are closely linked to community trust.
4. Investing locally circulates dollars
Locally-owned businesses tend to recirculate a greater share of every dollar they earn back into the local economy. This concept, known as the “local multiplier effect,” means that when you hire a local contractor, they’re more likely to buy supplies from regional vendors, work with nearby subcontractors, and reinvest profits into the community – through taxes, donations, or direct spending.
This ripple effect boosts surrounding businesses and helps create a more resilient local economy, especially in industries like construction where supply chains and labor forces are tightly interconnected.
5. They give back in more ways than one
Many local construction firms serve their communities. From sponsoring youth sports teams and food drives to participating in neighborhood cleanups and mentorship programs, these acts of giving reflect a genuine commitment to making their hometowns better. When you invest in a local firm, you’re supporting a business that’s likely to reinvest financially, personally, and civically.
The bottom line: Building with purpose
At the end of the day, when we choose to work with companies that are rooted in our own communities, we ensure that the benefits of every build go far beyond the job site.
Investing in local construction firms is an investment in our workforce, our economy, our neighborhoods, and our shared future. It’s a tangible way to build stronger communities.
Because when our region thrives, we all do.
Navigating public and private construction projects
Whether you’re building a municipal facility or breaking ground on a private development, understanding the distinction between public and private construction projects is essential to a successful outcome. While both types require skilled project management and quality craftsmanship, they differ in key areas such as regulations, funding, bidding, and timelines.
At Zellner Construction, we’ve built a reputation for delivering excellence in both public and private sectors throughout Memphis and the Mid-South. Here’s a breakdown of what sets each project type apart – and what clients can expect during the process.
Regulatory requirements and oversight
Public projects, including schools, government buildings, and infrastructure, are funded by taxpayer dollars and held to stringent regulatory standards. These projects are subject to public procurement laws, prevailing wage requirements, and often must meet federal or state compliance standards such as the Davis-Bacon Act.
In contrast, private projects, such as office buildings, retail centers, or residential developments, are typically funded by individuals or companies. While private builds must still adhere to local codes and permitting processes, they are often more flexible in terms of procurement and labor standards.
Bidding and contractor selection
One of the biggest differences lies in how contractors are selected. For public construction projects, a formal bidding process is usually required. General contractors (like Zellner) must submit a detailed proposal, often competing against several others. These bids are evaluated based on qualifications, pricing, and compliance with public policy.
In private construction, the selection process can be more personalized. Developers or owners may choose a contractor based on reputation, past performance, and value engineering – not just the lowest bid.
Project timelines and flexibility
Because public projects are tied to public funding cycles and government schedules, they often come with firm deadlines and less flexibility. Delays can affect multiple stakeholders and public services, making time management crucial.
Private construction projects can sometimes allow for more agile decision-making. Changes to scope, materials, or design can often be made more quickly without navigating complex approval channels.
Stakeholder involvement
Public projects tend to involve a wide range of stakeholders, like city officials, school boards, federal agencies, and the public itself. Transparency is key, and public meetings or updates may be required throughout the process.
Private projects are generally managed with fewer layers of oversight. Communication can be more direct, with the developer or property owner playing a primary role in decisions and approvals.
Why it matters to your project
Understanding these distinctions early in your planning phase can help streamline decision-making, manage risk, and ensure that your project stays on time and within budget.
Whether you’re overseeing a high-visibility civic project or developing a custom commercial space, partnering with an experienced general contractor like Zellner Construction ensures that the process is professional, efficient, and tailored to your goals.