Can I schedule trades myself instead of a contractor?

Yes, you can absolutely schedule trades yourself instead of hiring a general contractor, but this approach requires significant time, coordination skills, and construction knowledge to execute successfully.

Acting as your own general contractor (often called "owner-builder") can save you the 15-25% markup that GCs typically charge, but you'll be taking on substantial responsibilities. You'll need to coordinate scheduling between multiple trades, ensure proper sequencing of work, manage permits and inspections, handle material deliveries, and resolve any conflicts or delays that arise.

The coordination challenge is significant - especially in Toronto's competitive construction market where skilled trades are often booked weeks or months in advance. You'll need to understand that drywall can't go up until electrical and plumbing rough-ins are complete and inspected, that flooring installation must wait until painting is finished, and that HVAC ductwork needs to be coordinated with framing. A single delay can cascade through your entire schedule, and trades may charge extra for return visits if they show up and can't complete their work due to sequencing issues.

Toronto-specific considerations make this even more complex. You'll need to pull your own building permits through the City of Toronto (416-397-5330), schedule inspections at appropriate stages, and ensure all electrical work is done by ESA-licensed electricians and gas work by TSSA-certified technicians. The permit process alone can take 10-20 business days for simple projects, and you'll need to understand Ontario Building Code requirements to communicate effectively with inspectors.

When self-scheduling works well: Smaller projects like bathroom renovations, basement finishing, or kitchen updates where the scope is contained and the trade sequence is straightforward. Many homeowners successfully manage these by hiring a plumber for rough-in, electrician for wiring, then drywall, painting, and finishing trades in sequence.

When to hire a general contractor: Complex projects involving structural changes, additions, or whole-home renovations where multiple systems interact. The coordination becomes exponentially more difficult, and experienced GCs have established relationships with reliable subtrades who prioritize their work.

Your next steps should include getting quotes from both individual trades and general contractors to compare total costs. Factor in your time value - managing trades can easily become a full-time job during active construction phases. If you proceed with self-scheduling, start by finding your key trades (electrical, plumbing) first, as their availability often drives the entire timeline in Toronto's busy construction market.