When you take on any home improvement project, there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire multiple contractors. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you might need a countertop guy, a plumber, and a painter, for instance. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was someone who could manage all of these moving parts and keep everything on schedule and under budget? That’s what a general contractor GC does, and they can be extremely valuable for any home construction or renovation project.
If you’re looking to hire a GC, you might be surprised to find that there are many different types of GCs. The one who’s right for your needs depends on the type of project, your budget, and any specific requirements you may have.
Here are some of the major tasks that a GC is responsible for:
Project planning and scheduling
GCs often plan and schedule various building components, including foundation work, electrical and plumbing systems, and finishing elements like flooring and painting. They may also have to coordinate with city inspections. Ultimately, they ensure that all building components are delivered on time and in line with the approved design plans.
Project budgeting
During construction, a GC will typically meet with clients to develop a project timeline and estimate the total cost of the build. Taking into account labor, materials, tools and equipment, permits, inspections, taxes, and other expenses, a GC will create an accurate budget to help clients better anticipate the fiscal requirements of their project.
Vendor management
Large-scale construction projects require an extensive supply of raw materials and building components from a variety of vendors. It’s the GC’s job to make sure this process remains streamlined by managing the intricacies of vendor sourcing, estimates, capacities, quality work, turnaround times, and invoicing.
Human resource management
Large construction projects involve a lot of different people, from excavation contractors to electricians and plumbers to plasterers and dry-wallers. It’s the GC’s responsibility to make sure that all of these workers are properly trained and equipped for their respective jobs. Additionally, it’s up to the GC to resolve any disputes that might occur among construction crews and keep everyone productive and safe.
Licensing and certifications
A GC should be licensed and certified by the state in which they operate, and they must demonstrate their expertise and experience in the industry. This helps to ensure that they’re able to provide high-quality services, adhere to the law, and follow industry standards.
If you’re in the process of hiring a general contractor for your next home construction or renovation project, ask your project manager for their recommendation. They’ll have a deep understanding of the contractor’s proposal, capabilities, and approach to the project, which can help you select the best fit for your team. Trusting their expertise will help you to select the right GC to get the job done on schedule, within budget, and according to your vision.