GCs can handle nearly every aspect of a home building or remodeling project, from bidding and planning to construction. They can also help homeowners navigate the permitting process if needed.
If your job needs to be completed within a short period of time, requires permits or involves several different subcontractors, a general contractor can save you money and headaches. They will manage all of the contractors, coordinate their schedules, and ensure that your project is getting done as smoothly as possible.
They will often provide a proposal outlining the scheduling, cost and labor details of your project. This usually involves a significant amount of effort, as they must consider and account for a variety of factors such as materials, equipment rental, labor, office space, insurance expenses, worker’s compensation and time.
The GC’s job is to ensure that everyone involved in the project stays on track and stays within budget. This includes sourcing materials, hiring subcontractors, inspecting the work performed, ensuring that all of the appropriate permits are in place, and ensuring that all workers have the proper licenses and insurance to perform their duties.
Typically, a GC will use an array of specialty subcontractors to complete a majority of the work. These can include excavation, electrical, plumbing, roofing and foundation crews, and tilers.
These specialty subcontractors will work under the supervision of the GC to complete the job. They will have the necessary certifications and expertise to get the job done correctly.
It is important to choose a general contractor who has the right experience and is passionate about your project. Passionate contractors are more likely to meet your expectations, and make adjustments as needed to keep the project moving forward.
They should be licensed, have insurance and be knowledgeable about construction safety and inspections. They should be able to provide references for past projects and have a good relationship with local inspectors.
A general contractor is generally responsible for implementing a design that was created by another party, such as an architect or engineer. This may involve incorporating changes to the original plan in order to achieve an improved result.
Depending on the size of the project, a general contractor can be a small one-person company or a larger, more corporate operation with many employees. Larger companies are more capable of handling larger scale construction jobs and can be more efficient at managing the complexities of larger-scale projects.
The GC will manage and oversee the construction of the building, and he will hire, supervise and pay all of the contractors involved in the job. He will also be the point person for communication between the client and all of the contractors and subcontractors.
Some general contractors specialize in a particular type of construction or remodeling project, such as remodeling bathrooms or kitchens. Some GCs are more involved in the design process, which can be beneficial for homeowners who want to ensure that their new or renovated rooms match their vision.