What Does a General Contractor Do?

It takes time, experience, and knowledge to provide your customer with an accurate cost estimate. The best way to do this is by using a pricing guide from your previous projects.

If you’re planning a major construction project or renovation, you may want to consider getting a general contractor’s help. They’ll handle all the details, including obtaining building permits.

They are in charge of the project

General contractors are a part of every stage of a construction project. They work with the client to conceptualize and put together a design for the renovation or build, then they create a budget and timeline that meets those goals. They are also responsible for bidding to contractors, negotiating with them, and reconciling their proposals with the overall budget. They may also be responsible for obtaining building permits and inspections.

They communicate with laborers, architects, and engineers, managing everyone and keeping projects on schedule. They make sure that all parties understand what is required for the next step and handle a variety of administrative tasks, such as ordering materials and disposing of waste.

In some cases, GCs will participate in the design process in a role that is similar to that of a construction manager, but they are usually hired at the close of the design phase. They have a great deal of responsibility for the project, but they do not do any manual labor.

They are responsible for the budget

In addition to their construction skills, general contractors are responsible for determining how much a project should cost. They negotiate prices with subcontractors and supply houses and ensure that they are up to date on local pricing for materials. They also handle the process of obtaining building permits. They are often able to get better pricing for materials because of their ability to buy in bulk.

They are also responsible for the quality of the work done on a construction site. A good general contractor will have a network of reliable tradespeople, such as plumbers, masons, and electricians. They will be able to find and hire the best people for your job, which can save you time and money.

General contractors typically charge a flat fee or a percentage of the total cost of the project. They should be able to provide a clear breakdown of all costs and deliver a project that meets or exceeds your expectations.

They are responsible for the schedule

General contractors are responsible for the construction schedule, which includes determining when each phase should be completed and communicating with other important parties such as zoning boards and vendors for materials. They also oversee all work performed by subcontractors, ensuring that it is of the highest quality and follows proper safety protocols.

A GC’s ability to create and maintain an accurate project schedule is an essential skill that separates them from other contractors. They must be able to anticipate and adjust the schedule when necessary, such as when delays occur due to weather or other issues.

GCs also need to be familiar with their locality’s construction codes and permitting process/bureaucracy, which is why it’s worth hiring an experienced pro. This is especially true for residential projects and renovations. However, some projects such as fixing a leaky roof or painting a room may not require a GC’s high-level management skills. In these cases, it’s often more cost-effective to hire a skilled tradesperson directly.

They are responsible for the safety

During construction, general contractors have an important responsibility for the safety of the project. They must ensure that all work is up to code and that any workers are following proper safety procedures. They also handle liability issues that could arise on the job site.

GCs and CMs often delegate responsibility for safety to subcontractors, but this is not without risk. One recent court case addressed the issue of how a contractor can be held responsible for the actions of its subcontractors on a multi-employer worksite.

General contractors should focus on a few key strategies to promote adherence to safety rules. These range from training to leveraging technology to improve monitoring. These strategies help to create an environment where safety comes first and reduce risks on construction sites. Additionally, implementing these strategies helps to increase productivity and improve the quality of work on construction projects. Ultimately, this will help to improve the overall safety of construction projects and lower costs.