The percentage that a GC adds should be equal to their "value added." A GC's value added is the sum total of their knowledge of which painter is best suited to the job in terms of quality, cost, and schedule, their paint product knowledge, the leverage they have over painting contractors due to the volume of work they contract for each year, and the opportunity cost of allowing you to focus on your day job instead of interviewing a host of painting contractors and then trying to get them back to remedy problems. Hiring the painter directly makes you the GC. What is your value added?

I don’t disagree. This is why I hired a GC to manage my kitchen remodel, window expansion and fireplace refacing. I have hired reputable painters before on my own. Since I don’t need the painting done until after all the other projects are completed and it’s not time sensitive, this seems like something I can handle directly. I was questioning whether the volume pricing they have with their subs offsets the percentage for their value added. We are spending 90k+ on this remodel so are trying our best to budget wisely. I’m not questioning the value a GC adds.

The content on houzz.com is ample evidence that most homeowners don't understand or minimize the value added by a GC and are dealing with the lesson. Ditto for many who buy services based on price. Glad you're not one of them.

I don't know if your GC gets any significant discounts from his/her painter based on volume. In our area, trade contractors generally charge more when working for homeowners due to the extra effort required to manage their expectations and the risk of not getting paid in full.

Remember that the painter you hire won't be painting an empty room. He/she will be painting a kitchen full of new cabinets, counters, and appliances. Choose wisely.

Thank you for your input.

Why don’t you paint before the cabinets, etc are installed. Easier, faster, less mess.

Unless you know a painter and his reputation, I would let the GC handle it. That’s why we hire a GC…to mange all aspects of the job.