What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor oversees larger construction projects and ensures everything is running smoothly. They’re responsible for a variety of administrative tasks, such as developing a timeline and managing safety standards on the jobsite.
GCs are often the managers of a large construction company or development firm, or they may be self-employed and travel from project to project.
They’re responsible for hiring subcontractors, sourcing materials, and finding suitable equipment and tools to complete a building or remodeling project on time and within budget. They’re also responsible for ensuring the safety of workers and anyone else involved in the construction process, including clients.
Many general contractors are experienced tradespeople, whether it’s carpentry or electrical or plumbing or roofing. They’re also great communicators, who can keep the client informed of progress and any issues that may arise.
Some general contractors have relationships with large industry suppliers, which can save them money on materials and other supplies. These suppliers typically have lower prices than other sellers, so general contractors are able to pass those savings on to their clients.
These savings can help them build a strong business. It can allow them to provide a better value for their clients and increase their reputation in the construction industry.
They usually submit a bid for a project and create detailed cost estimates. These costs can vary based on the project’s specifications and a number of factors, including labor and material prices.
For larger projects, they may need to hire a team of professionals to manage their supply chain management, which involves coordinating the movement of raw materials and labor to the construction site. This involves establishing relationships with vendors, obtaining pricing and capacity estimates, coordinating turnaround times, and invoicing for work done.
Depending on the type of construction and the size of the project, they might also be in charge of a project’s financial management. They oversee the accounting and bookkeeping to ensure all costs are accounted for and that the project remains on budget throughout the project.
They also make sure that there is a streamlined communication infrastructure between the project’s various units, including the subcontractors. This can include developing a project’s budget, scheduling meetings with stakeholders, and keeping everyone updated on the status of the work.
These tasks are crucial for the success of a construction project and a successful general contractor must have the skills to manage these processes. They’re also in charge of ensuring the project is completed on time and to a quality level.
General contractors also need to have a solid understanding of building codes and local permit requirements. This can help them to navigate the construction process in a timely manner and avoid any unnecessary delays or penalties.
Generally, they can start working for you after signing a contract and can begin construction once you’re ready to sign off on the plans. Some GCs also offer to manage all the paperwork, which can save you the time and hassle of dealing with it yourself.