The construction industry is growing rapidly, and contractors are having trouble finding employees. It may surprise you to learn that 90% of general contractors are worried about labor shortages.
While this is an issue, you may be wondering, “What is a general contractor, and why do I need to hire one?”.
When it comes to home maintenance and construction projects, having a general contractor will prove to be invaluable. No matter what size your project is, having a go-to professional to oversee the construction project is a game changer.
We are going to explore more about general contractors, what they do, and the benefits of hiring an expert. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before you start your home maintenance.
What Is a General Contractor?
A general contractor, often referred to as a GC, will take on the responsibility of overseeing your project. They’ll help ensure that the project goes smoothly, stays on budget, and everyone runs as effectively as possible.
A good general contractor will have connections in the industry and will hire the best subcontractors as well.
Before
There is a lot of work to be done before a construction project starts. You’ll want to hire a general contractor as soon as possible, as they’ll help create the budget, hire other professionals, and collaborate with the design team and architect.
During
During the renovation assignment, they will do a lot of work. They’ll ensure the project is on schedule and continue coordinating with specialty contractors.
They will make payments to those contractors and vendors. They’ll also inspect the quality of the construction and schedule inspections.
After
Once the project is complete, the GC will ensure everyone has received their payments. They will take on the responsibility of tracking lien waivers and resolving any remaining issues.
GC Licensing Requirements
There are generally state laws that require contractors to be licensed and insured. Licensing exists to ensure that those undertaking significant responsibilities possess the expertise and the skills to do the job at hand.
Licensing also ensures that general contractors provide the highest quality results for your project. It can also offer a layer of protection for you in case something goes wrong.
General contractor licensing requirements can vary from location to location. However, there are several elements that are typically involved.
There is a minimum level of education and experience that is required. This often includes completing a specific number of hours or years of apprenticeship or relevant coursework.
Some even require a written examination to assess the contractor’s knowledge of safety regulations and project management. Applicants also undergo a background check to ensure they have no disqualifying criminal history. This can give you peace of mind as you’ll know that the contractor you’re hiring is reliable.
Licensed contractors typically have to participate in ongoing education and training. This helps them stay up to date with industry changes and best practices. Contractors are expected to adhere to a code of ethics as well.
Roles and Responsibilities
Knowing “what is a general contractor and what does a general contractor do” is vital. Having this information from the beginning will ensure your expectations are met.
Every general contractor may have slightly different ways of doing things, but their overall roles and responsibilities are the same. If you want a specific aspect of the project taken care of, be sure to let your GC know ahead of time.
Project Planning
Creating a vision for a project can be very challenging. A general contractor will work with you closely to ensure they know what you’re looking for and your requirements.
They’ll likely ask about your budget and then create a detailed project plan. This will include resource allocation and scheduling.
During this process, you’ll want to communicate efficiently with your contractor. If you have specific needs or requirements, be sure to let them know before the project starts.
Subcontractor Management
Depending on the size of your project, you’ll need subcontractors. This will include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and even painters.
Coordinating their schedules is very time-consuming. However, when you hire a general contractor, they will take over that responsibility. They will ensure the workflow is seamless and everyone knows when and where they are supposed to be.
Budget Management
One of the primary responsibilities of a general contractor is to manage the budget. They will provide you with a cost estimate, track expenses, and make necessary adjustments to keep the project on track.
Risk Management
There is a certain level of risk when it comes to construction projects. Your general contractor will know what to look for and develop a strategy to migrate the risks. They will deal with any unforeseen issues that may arise, which will take a lot of stress off of you.
Timeline Management
Time management is huge when it comes to a construction project. Your general contractor will adjust the timeline as necessary and communicate changes with you. They will do their best to meet the project deadlines.
Benefits
The benefits of hiring an experienced general contractor are endless. Their expertise will give you confidence that the project is going to turn out perfect. It can also save you a lot of time.
They’ll take a lot of the pressure off you, and you’ll be able to focus on other aspects of the project or other renovations that you have in progress.
A GC will also act as your single point of contact. If you have any issues or concerns, you’ll know exactly where to get answers. You won’t have to call a bunch of people to get a solution.
Hiring a general contractor will also save you some money.
A GC will be able to negotiate better prices for materials and labor. This could help save you a lot of money in the long run.
They will also be well-versed in local building codes and regulations. This will help ensure your project complies with all the water requirements so you don’t get fined by the city or state.
Hiring a General Contractor
Hiring a general contractor is key to your success, but it can be hard to know who is the best. There are several qualities that you need to be on the lookout for before you put a contract together.
Experience
You’ll want to find a contractor that has experience handling projects that are similar to yours. Experience can often indicate competence and the ability to manage a project.
Before hiring a GC, ask about previous construction projects that they’ve done. You can always ask to see examples of their work for reference.
Insurance
We previously mentioned the type of licensing requirements, but you’ll need to do your due diligence and ask about their insurance coverage as well. This includes liability and worker’s compensation.
This is vital information as the right insurance will protect you and the contractor if an unexpected event happens.
Communication Skills
If you want your project to be successful and the process to be as efficient as possible, you’ll want to hire a GC who has great communication skills.
A good contractor will listen to your needs and vision for the renovation project. They’ll keep you updated on the progress and give you clear and realistic expectations.
Transparent Pricing
A reputable contractor will provide a written price breakdown that is detailed. The cost of labor, fees, and materials should all be included.
You’ll want to be wary of any contractors that give vague estimates or pricing.
How To Hire the Best General Contractor
Planning a construction project, no matter how big or small, is both daunting and exciting. The right contractor can make the process smooth and successful and eliminate delays and frustration.
However, finding the best general contractor can take some time. If you’ve never hired a GC before, you may not know where to start. We outline exactly what you need to do and the steps to take to hire a reputable contractor.
Before you start your search, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your project, scope, budget, and renovation timeline. Sit down and outline your goals, specific requirements, and expectations.
This will serve as a foundation for discussing your project with potential contractors. This information will also help you obtain an accurate estimate.
If you’re having trouble finding a general contractor in your area, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Online reviews and business directories can help expand your list of potential candidates.
Doing your due diligence ensures you find a contractor who has the best workmanship, reliability, and professionalism.
Crafting Your Vision: The General Contractor’s Grand Finale
A general contractor is a valuable asset for any construction project. They can bring organization to your renovation assignment and keep everyone on the same page.
Now that you know the answer to “What is a general contractor?”, you can start planning and preparing for your next project.
Our experts at Dallas Pro Contractors are available to help you with all your construction needs, support you, and answer all your questions. Contact us here, and a member of our staff will get back to you.
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