Choosing a General Contractor
Choosing the right general contractor | Pr Design is an important step to ensure a construction project runs smoothly. A good GC will have experience, expertise and all the necessary licenses and permits.
GCs are responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the construction site and management of vendors and trades. They also play a key role in communicating information throughout the building process.
Project Management
General contractors are responsible for the project management aspects of a construction project, overseeing the day-to-day tasks that move the project forward. This includes working with architects to review plans as they’re built and arranging for permits and inspections. They’ll also handle the sourcing of materials and hiring subcontractors to complete specialized work on the project.
Licensed contractors often have insurance policies that cover their workers and the work they do. This helps ensure that everyone on a job gets paid and that the property owner is protected against unlicensed work.
In some cases, GCs participate in the design process and provide estimates for project costs during the planning phase of a build. This is an important step for ensuring that the final building will be delivered on time and within budget. This can reduce the risk of problems that might not be apparent until the building is open for use. They’ll also be able to offer valuable advice on the best materials and methods to achieve a specific look or performance level.
Scheduling
General contractors are responsible for managing the construction project’s schedule and budget. They also work with subcontractors to ensure the project is completed on time and according to specifications. They may also purchase materials and equipment on behalf of the client, such as engineering vehicles and tools.
Many general contractors have worked their way up through the construction industry, starting out as apprentices and learning the different aspects of the job. Some have bachelor’s degrees, but many rely on on-the-job experience to gain the skills they need.
The GC will often meet with the client before the start of construction to discuss the project’s goals, objectives, and scope. They will then get to work assessing the project’s feasibility. This will help the client understand whether the renovation will meet their expectations. This is a key step in the design process and helps prevent issues during the construction phase.
Budgeting
GCs must be equally skilled in construction and business to do their jobs well. They’re responsible for hiring subcontractors, purchasing materials, and arranging delivery schedules to meet deadlines. They also deal with building permits, building code regulations, and other legal matters.
Construction work can be dangerous, and a general contractor must keep everyone on site safe. They must also be able to handle unexpected problems that arise on the job site, such as a worker getting hurt or a supplier running out of materials.
In addition, a GC must negotiate with suppliers and buyers to get the best prices for labor, materials, and supplies. They must also manage the complexities of the payment process, such as securing lien waivers and fulfilling requirements to ensure that all contractors are paid for their work. Licensed contractors often have advantages in this area, as they can protect themselves against unpaid bills by working only with trusted vendors. They can also get better pricing for materials because of their established relationships with local wholesalers.
Communication
One of the biggest challenges that a general contractor faces is communicating with various project stakeholders. This includes the asset owner, architect, and subcontractors. A poor communication chain can result in costly delays. It can also lead to disputes between a project’s stakeholders and result in costly change orders.
A general contractor should be able to multitask and handle several tasks at once. They will often be responsible for overseeing multiple construction workers and will have to work with various wholesalers and supply stores to order materials related to the build. They will need to be able to problem-solve quickly when issues arise like an employee getting hurt or a delivery being delayed.
GCs also need to be able to communicate in a language that their counterparts will understand. Construction projects use a lot of acronyms and jargon that may be unfamiliar to those not involved in the field. This can cause confusion, especially in meetings and when documents are shared.