General contractors conducting work for government agencies are typically referred to as prime contractors. In many cases, prime contractors will delegate contractor in Reno portions of the contract exertion to subcontractors.

Contractors are defined in the law by each state and are usually considered those who contract, bid, negotiate a barter or offers to construct, supervise, oversee, schedule, direct, alter, repair, install, improve, move, demolish, furnish labor, etc. In addition, there are various types: home (residential and commercial); electrical; plumbing; mechanical; highway; and environmental (mold/lead remediation).