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General Contracting

General contracting is a key part of the construction industry, involving the oversight and management of building projects. A general contractor (GC) is responsible for ensuring that a construction project is completed on time, within budget, and according to the specified plans and quality standards. This role can apply to both residential and commercial projects and covers everything from renovations to new builds.

What Does a General Contractor Do?

  1. Project Management:

    • The GC is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the entire construction process. This includes managing the timeline, ensuring the project stays on schedule, and coordinating various teams of subcontractors.
    • They are the point of contact for the project owner (the client) and ensure that all the work is done according to the contract terms.

  2. Hiring Subcontractors:

    • General contractors are responsible for hiring and managing subcontractors who specialize in specific areas, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and more.
    • The GC ensures that subcontractors complete their work on time, meet quality standards, and follow safety regulations.

  3. Budgeting and Cost Management:

    • The GC helps prepare the budget for the project and works to ensure the project stays within financial constraints.
    • They handle cost estimation, ordering materials, and ensuring that all expenses are recorded properly.
    • They may also deal with unexpected costs and budget adjustments as the project progresses.

  4. Obtaining Permits and Approvals:

    • Before construction begins, the GC handles the necessary paperwork to obtain building permits and ensure the project complies with local zoning laws, building codes, and regulations.
    • This includes arranging inspections to meet code compliance at various stages of construction.

Scheduling and Timelines:

One of the GC’s main tasks is to create and manage a detailed schedule for the project.

They coordinate the timing of subcontractor work, materials delivery, and inspections to keep everything on track and avoid delays.

Quality Control and Safety:

The GC ensures that all work is done according to the contract and design specifications. They may perform inspections themselves or oversee inspections by other professionals.

They are also responsible for ensuring that proper safety protocols are followed on the construction site to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

Communication and Reporting:

The GC serves as the liaison between the client, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders, making sure that everyone is aligned and informed.

They may provide regular progress reports to the client, including updates on timelines, budget, and any challenges that arise.