Hiring your own subs with a general contractor

[Britt Wilson]

Hi all,

I am in the very beginning stages of building a home. I don't have a large budget but have read many ways to reduce costs on home building. My husband is in the construction industry (electrician) and he has many friends who do construction work (foundation, painters, drywall, etc.). We want to hire a general contractor as we wouldn't be able to be on site each day but want to be able to cut back on costs with friends help. 

Can we hire a general contractor and then decide who does what work? 

Ex. We have a friend who does foundation work and he's an inspector. He would cut costs for us significantly and we'd rather him do the work than someone we don't know. Also my husband is an electrician and he'd rather do the electrical than hire someone (to save cost).

Thanks in advance, 

Britt