When you’re considering a home improvement project that involves knocking down walls to create a more spacious master suite, for example, a general contractor will be responsible for getting the proper permits, selecting experienced specialists and overseeing their work to adhere to quality standards.
Understanding the role of a GC can be tricky because their responsibilities vary by construction type and delivery method. Read on for an overview of their main functions.
Project Management
A GC’s project management skills are instrumental to the success of a construction project. They help manage timelines, budgets, and labor and equipment requirements. They also ensure that project specifications are followed and communicated to all parties involved, including subcontractors and suppliers. Additionally, they ensure that the quality of work meets required standards and minimizes any time or cost overruns.
In design-build projects, a GC works alongside an architect to create and finalize designs. They then manage the entire physical construction process, which includes hiring subcontractors, sourcing materials, and obtaining building permits and licenses. They are the primary point of contact with clients, providing progress updates and answering questions.
On projects that require a traditional bidding process, a general contractor submits a bid or proposal to win the contract. This requires substantial effort, requiring quantity and material takeoffs from the architectural design and developing detailed estimates of schedule, cost, and labor details. They must also address project risks and challenges, such as weather conditions or unexpected site conditions that can impact the scope of work.
Throughout the construction process, a general contractor oversees the construction site and monitors the work being performed by the subcontractors. This involves inspections and reviews to assess whether the work is being done correctly and ensuring that all safety procedures are being followed. If any issues arise, the GC can make timely decisions to resolve them.
As the steward of the project’s budget, a GC is responsible for monitoring expenses and maximizing value in terms of quality, scope, and timeliness. They negotiate with suppliers for the best prices on materials and supplies, as well as manage the overall project budget to prevent unforeseen costs.
Because of their extensive experience, GCs are able to anticipate and resolve potential problems before they become costly delays. They can navigate challenges like design changes, labor shortages, construction material price volatility, and disputes with subcontractors by cultivating collaborative relationships, being proactive on the jobsite, and adopting the right technology tools. In addition, a GC has the unique ability to make a client’s vision come to life. For reliable, high-quality work, Dade Construction has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, from the initial design phase to project completion.
Contract Negotiation
During the planning stages of a construction project, a general contractor collaborates with the design team to create and approve a design. They will then develop a budget, plan work schedules and purchase materials and equipment. Moreover, they will oversee land clearing and grading to prepare the construction site. A GC will also secure necessary building permits and arrange city inspections to ensure that construction is up to code.
Once construction begins, a GC manages subcontractors by assigning work tasks and monitoring progress. GCs ensure that all work is completed on time and within budget, using precise cost estimation tools. They also monitor the construction site and make sure that it follows contract specifications. This includes ensuring that the construction site is safe, using efficient construction methods and securing a constant supply of materials. Lastly, they communicate with clients about the construction process and update them on progress.
Most construction projects involve a large number of people. It would be impossible to keep track of everyone and everything on your own. That’s why a GC is indispensable: they are in charge of managing all the workers and coordinating their efforts to achieve your desired results.
A GC is also responsible for paying contractors and suppliers. In this role, they ensure that payments are made in a timely manner and communicate with vendors regarding delivery dates and times. GCs also ensure that all parties involved in a construction project are insured, which is vital for legal protection.
Throughout the construction process, a GC is responsible for making sure that all construction workers follow safety protocols and adhere to local regulations. This is particularly important in new constructions, where the risks are much higher. GCs also uphold high quality standards, which can lead to durable and aesthetically pleasing constructions.
In many states, it’s mandatory for construction general contractors to be licensed. Licensing is a crucial step in ensuring that a contractor is legitimate and has proper insurance coverage. Moreover, it allows property owners to verify a contractor’s financial stability and background. This is especially useful during the current pandemic, when it’s vital to work with reputable and certified contractors.
Subcontractor Management
Managing multiple subcontractors, contractors, and consultants on the job site can be complex. With the influx of different workers with specialized skills, schedules, and timelines, it’s important that the general contractor maintains clear communication channels and coordination between all parties.
General contractors also act as the project’s central communication hub by promoting collaboration between architects, engineers, and owners and addressing concerns in a timely manner. This helps keep projects on track and reflects the overall level of professionalism that GCs bring to construction.
In addition to coordinating the work of subcontractors, general contractors oversee quality control and ensure that all building materials are safe and meet industry standards. They also monitor progress, manage payment, and handle contractual agreements to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with project goals.
Another essential role of a general contractor is meeting and exceeding client expectations. This requires strong problem-solving and negotiation skills to manage client changes, unforeseen challenges, and delays. For example, a client may request an extension of a contract due to supply delays or they might decide to change the design of their home midway through construction. In these situations, a GC must work with everyone involved to find a solution that’s mutually beneficial and still meets the original project objectives.
A general contractor is responsible for establishing a detailed project plan that includes milestones and deadlines, construction equipment requirements, and material specifications. They also identify any risks that might affect the project and create mitigation strategies. This includes developing budgets, identifying the cost of different building components, and predicting possible delays. Having a thorough project plan can help GCs spot wasteful expenses and keep the project on track.
A general contractor must be licensed to work on construction sites and adhere to guidelines set by states and municipalities for insurance, taxes, and safety. This process gives clients peace of mind that they’re working with contractors who have met industry-standard requirements and will provide prompt and accurate service. Additionally, licensing enables GCs to get paid more quickly by streamlining paperwork and facilitating lien waivers.
Estimating
Creating accurate cost estimates for project materials is one of the main duties of a general contractor. They use a variety of tools and methods to estimate the amount of labor and materials required for any given task or building project. These estimations are then used to create a construction project budget. Typically, a general contractor will also be responsible for ensuring that all of the necessary building materials reach the project site on time and are of the highest quality.
Another aspect of a general contractor’s role is serving as the go-between for any clients, subcontractors, and suppliers involved in the construction process. This helps to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met in a timely manner and that the construction schedule is not impacted by any delays.
It is not uncommon for a building project to require many different types of specialized professionals in order to get completed on time. This is where a general contractor’s expertise becomes invaluable. They are able to find the best subcontractors and tradesmen for your project that will offer you the most competitive price in exchange for their services. In addition, they will ensure that any contracts are fair and well-balanced.
A general contractor will also be responsible for obtaining any necessary permits and scheduling all city inspections that are needed during the building process. This is an important factor in minimizing liability risks and ensuring that your construction is up to code when it is completed.
Since they spend the majority of their careers focused on managing construction sites, a general contractor will have extensive knowledge and experience about what to expect from any given construction project. They will know how to anticipate any problems that may arise during the building process and what the most effective solutions might be.
When you are taking on a large construction project for the first time, it can be easy to over-commit or underestimate what is actually needed in terms of labor and materials. This can lead to unexpected expenses or delays that could potentially derail the entire project. A general contractor will be able to prevent this from happening by providing you with realistic expectations about what can be accomplished on any given timeline.
