Be Your Own GC

Run Your
Own Crew.
Own Your
Project.

You do not need a general contractor to manage your project. With a professional plan from DIY Lion, you can hire your own licensed subs, sequence the trades, pull your own permits, and save 25–40% on any home improvement project.

Start as My Own GC → See How It Works ↓ ↓
25–40%
GC markup eliminated
$15K+
Avg savings per project
100%
You stay in control
📈 Bathroom Remodel — Savings Example
With a traditional GC
$18,000
Licensed plumber (your hire)
$800
Tile setter (your hire)
$1,200
Painter (your hire)
$400
Materials
$3,200
DIY Lion GC Plan
$499
Your total
$6,099
YOU SAVE $11,901
vs hiring a general contractor
✓ Professional GC-Grade Plans
✓ Trade Sequencing Included
✓ Permit Checklists for TX
✓ Sub Contractor Bid Sheets
✓ You Stay in Control
Two Ways to Use DIY Lion

Pick Your Path

Whether you want to swing the hammer yourself or manage a crew of licensed subs — DIY Lion has a track built for you.

DIY Track
Do It Yourself
You do the work. A licensed pro gives you the exact plan, materials list, and step-by-step guidance to execute the project with your own hands.
✓Step-by-step instructions for your exact project
✓Complete materials and tool list
✓Safety guidance for each step
✓Local code and permit notes
✓Best for smaller single-trade projects
60–80%
Savings vs hiring a contractor
Start DIY Track
⭐ Be Your Own GC
Run Your Crew
You manage the project. A licensed professional gives you a GC-grade plan — trade breakdown, sub bid sheets, timeline, and permits — so you can hire and manage your own licensed subs.
✓Full project scope broken down by trade
✓Sub contractor bid sheet templates
✓Trade sequencing and timeline guide
✓Permit checklist per trade in Texas
✓Best for larger multi-trade projects
25–40%
GC markup eliminated — keep that money
Start GC Track →
The GC Track Process

How You Become
Your Own GC

Six steps from "I have a project" to "My crew finished it on budget" — with a licensed professional guiding every decision.

01
📋
Submit Your Project
Describe the project, upload photos, share your budget. Select "Be Your Own GC" as your track. Takes under 5 minutes.
Free to post
02
🔧
Get Matched to a Pro
We match you with a licensed GC or experienced trade professional who builds your complete project plan and scope breakdown.
License-verified pro
03
📄
Receive Your GC Plan
Your plan arrives with full trade breakdown, sub bid sheets, sequencing timeline, permit checklist, and budget tracker. Everything a real GC uses.
Delivered in 24–72 hrs
04
👨‍🔧
Hire Your Licensed Subs
Use the bid sheet templates to get quotes from licensed subs for each trade. Compare bids, verify licenses, and hire who you choose.
You control who you hire
05
📅
Manage the Timeline
Follow the sequencing guide — plumbing before drywall, electrical before insulation. Your plan tells you exactly when each trade needs to be on site.
No guesswork
06
🎉
Complete & Save
Project complete. You managed it. You kept the GC markup. You know every inch of your home. That is the power of being your own GC.
Thousands saved
Your GC Plan Includes

Everything a Real GC Uses

Your DIY Lion GC plan is built by a licensed professional and contains every document you need to manage your project like a pro.

📏
Project Scope Document
Full written scope of work broken down by trade — exactly what each sub is responsible for, what materials they need, and what inspections are required.
✓ Included in every GC plan
📋
Sub Contractor Bid Sheets
Ready-to-use bid request templates for each trade. Send to multiple subs, collect comparable quotes, and choose based on price and license verification.
✓ Included in every GC plan
📅
Trade Sequencing Timeline
Week-by-week timeline showing exactly when each trade needs to be on site. Prevents costly mistakes like drywalling before electrical rough-in is inspected.
✓ Included in every GC plan
📘
Permit Checklist — Texas
Complete permit requirements for your project type in Harris County, Brazoria County, and Pearland. What to pull, when to pull it, and what inspections are required.
✓ Included in every GC plan
💰
Budget Tracker Template
Spreadsheet template pre-filled with your project's line items. Track bids vs actuals, materials costs, permit fees, and contingency budget in one place.
✓ Included in every GC plan
✅
Inspection Checklist
What inspectors look for at each stage of your project. Pass your inspections the first time — no costly re-inspections or failed permits.
✓ Included in every GC plan
📌
Materials List by Trade
Complete materials list organized by trade with quantities, specifications, and direct purchase links. Know exactly what to order before each sub arrives.
✓ Included in every GC plan
🤖
AI Project Assistant
After delivery, ask your AI assistant anything about your plan — trade sequencing questions, code questions, material substitutions, and more. Available 24/7.
✓ Included — AI-powered
Real Numbers

What You Actually Save

General contractors typically mark up labor and materials by 15–25% and charge a management fee on top. Here is what that looks like on common Houston-area projects.

Project With GC Be Your Own GC You Save
Full Bathroom Remodel $15,000–$25,000 $5,000–$9,000 $10,000–$16,000
Kitchen Renovation $25,000–$50,000 $12,000–$22,000 $13,000–$28,000
Deck Build (400 sq ft) $18,000–$28,000 $8,000–$12,000 $10,000–$16,000
Basement Finish $30,000–$55,000 $14,000–$24,000 $16,000–$31,000
Home Addition (500 sq ft) $80,000–$150,000 $50,000–$90,000 $30,000–$60,000
DIY Lion GC Plan Cost — $299–$999 Pays for itself 100x
Common Questions

FAQ — Be Your Own GC

Do I need a contractor's license to be my own GC? ⌄
In Texas, homeowners can act as their own general contractor for their primary residence without a license. You can legally hire licensed subs, pull permits in your name, and manage the project yourself. Texas law specifically allows this for owner-occupied homes. Your DIY Lion plan includes the specific legal framework for your county.
How do I verify a sub contractor's license? ⌄
In Texas, verify electricians at tdlr.texas.gov, plumbers at tsbpe.texas.gov, and HVAC techs at tdlr.texas.gov. Your GC plan includes direct links to each verification site and a checklist for what to confirm before hiring any sub.
What if a sub does bad work — am I liable? ⌄
As the owner-GC you are responsible for the project. This is why verifying licenses and insurance is critical before hiring any sub. Your plan includes a sub contractor agreement template that protects you legally. Always require proof of liability insurance and workers' comp from every sub before they start.
What projects are best for the Own GC track? ⌄
Any project involving multiple trades is ideal — bathroom remodels, kitchen renovations, additions, basement finishes, and deck builds. Single-trade projects like interior painting or flooring are usually better on the DIY track. Your intake form helps you choose the right track based on your specific project.
How do I pull permits as the homeowner GC? ⌄
In most Texas counties homeowners can pull permits directly at their local building department or online. Your GC plan includes a county-specific permit guide for Harris County, Brazoria County, and Pearland with exact permit types, fees, and submission requirements for your project type.
Is DIY Lion responsible for my subs' work? ⌄
No. DIY Lion provides the professional plan and guidance. All agreements, payments, and work arrangements with sub contractors are directly between you and the subs you hire. DIY Lion is not a contractor referral service and assumes no liability for work performed by subs you independently hire. See our full disclaimer for details.

Ready to Run
Your Own Project?

Get a professional GC-grade plan from a licensed trade expert — delivered in 24–72 hours. You stay in control. You keep the savings.

Get My GC Plan → DIY Track Instead

Free to post. No commitment until you accept a proposal. Platform fee on completed agreements only.