What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor oversees the construction process from start to finish. They hire subcontractors, perform all required permits, and make sure the project is finished within budget and on time.
A GC’s responsibilities vary depending on the size and scope of the project. For small-scale projects, a GC may only be in charge of one or two aspects of the job, while larger projects require them to manage the entire construction process from start to finish.
They may work as part of a team with other professionals, such as architects and engineers. They also have an important role in communicating with clients about their preferences, visions, and goals for the project.
Their main responsibility is to keep the project on schedule, which means they must be able to plan ahead and assign tasks to workers. This planning allows them to avoid unforeseen costs and delays, which can cost the client money or cause a builder to be late in completing the project.
The GC also needs to ensure the project’s safety, including creating a comprehensive construction site safety program. This involves establishing safety measures for construction workers, providing training, and ensuring everyone is covered by insurance.
GCs also need to have a solid working relationship with subcontractors, which means ensuring they are properly screened and signed contracts that transfer risk in the general contractor’s favor. They should also verify the subcontractors’ insurance coverage to ensure they are insured and have adequate liability protection.
These professionals must also be well-trained in their field and able to handle large construction projects safely. They should also have a full range of tools and equipment on hand, such as power saws, forklifts, ladders, scaffolds, and cranes.
In most states, a general contractor must have a construction license. These credentials are usually given by the state’s building or construction inspector. In addition, most states have a set of specialty licenses for different types of construction, such as electrical, HVAC, roofing, and home improvement.
They may also need a general engineering license for work on water piping, water or sewage pipelines, and chemical plants. These licenses can be difficult to get, however, so it’s wise to research them before deciding on a GC for your project.
Their responsibilities also include providing a quote for the project, which often outlines the cost and scheduling of the project. These quotes are used by the owner and the general contractor to determine a fair price.
It’s important for a GC to be organized and have good communication with the owner, the architect, and the general contractor’s subcontractors. This will ensure that all parties are working together as a cohesive team and aren’t working against each other or inefficiently.
The GC must also be able to communicate effectively with their clients, especially those who aren’t local or aren’t familiar with the area. They should be able to answer questions about the project, provide updates, and help resolve any problems that arise.