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Originally Posted On: https://ucgroupconstruction.com/what-do-general-contractors-do-a-helpful-guide/

 

If you’ve ever paid for a home renovation, new deck, or property inspection, chances are you’ve come into contact with a general contractor.

But you might still wonder what exactly a general contractor does and why they’re so heavily involved in personal and commercial construction projects.

If you’re confused about the duties of a general contractor—which is understandable as they’re responsible for a lot—read on to familiarize yourself with the roles and benefits of a general contractor.

In this blog, %COMPANY% will share insight into general contractors’ professional responsibilities and highlight ways they can support your next project. We hope to demystify their role as industry professionals and help you understand why they’re so important.

Let’s begin!

Understanding the Scope of General Contractors

While many people may have heard of general contractors, there’s still a surprising amount of mystery around their work and the value they add to construction projects. From inception to execution, GCs are central to the success of various building projects and have their fingers in multiple industries and trades.

Simply put, general contractors are the nucleus of the construction process. They oversee projects from start to finish, are a central point of contact for stakeholders, and are responsible for the success and safety of various building projects.

Here are some of the key responsibilities and duties of licensed general contractors:

Project Planning and Management

Before any construction project gets off the ground, general contractors heavily consult stakeholders, engineers, and architects to develop a safe, comprehensive building plan. They evaluate the project details, ensure that local building codes and zoning laws are followed, and establish budgets and timelines.

Project management is one of the critical responsibilities of general contractors and typically includes the following:

• Sub-contractor coordination
• Hiring workers and builders
• Resource allocation
• Building supplies ordering and procurement
• Efficient communication with stakeholders
• Scheduling of building phases
• …and more!

Hiring Subcontractors

Commercial and residential building projects have electrical, plumbing, and carpentry requirements best managed by specialized subcontractors. Although general contractors are professionally trained and typically have experience as builders, it’s uncommon for them to perform all the work themselves.

Another primary responsibility GCs have is hiring and supervising reliable subcontractors and trades specialists. General contractors are required to locate these specialists, oversee their work, and ensure they’re licensed and insured.

Quality subcontractors are integral to the success of any construction project, and coordinating their work is an essential duty of general contractors.

Securing Building Materials

Sourcing the appropriate building materials and supplies is a significant part of a general contractor’s role. If a client has a specific request or budgetary constraints, it’s up to the general contractor to locate high-quality materials at competitive prices. Successful construction projects and long-lasting work require state-of-the-art materials, and an experienced general contractor will be able to identify the best materials for any given project.

Ensuring Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations

Any builder or DIY enthusiast can tell you how important it is to complete construction projects in accordance with local, state, and federal building codes. Failing to do so can jeopardize your entire project, pose a safety risk, and lead to costly fines.

A seasoned general contractor will possess extensive knowledge about legal building requirements and ensure their project is code-compliant and approved by the relevant legislative bodies.

Quality Control and Safety Inspections

In addition to preparation and planning, the burden of quality assurance and safety falls to general contractors. They monitor and inspect the work at every stage to ensure it meets industry standards and take steps to resolve any issues as the work is completed. By assessing the quality of work at every stage of the project, general contractors help minimize delays and prevent expensive reworks in the future.

What Value Do General Contractors Add?

Now that you understand the roles and responsibilities of general contractors, we’re going to highlight some ways they add value to your construction project.

Efficient Project Completion

Any construction project, whether a home renovation or a new commercial building, encounters unpredictable circumstances and delays. These latencies can be exacerbated without a general contractor’s expertise and management skills.

The best general contractors help ensure your project gets completed on time and within budget. They should be able to identify and resolve potential issues efficiently and help keep your building schedule consistent. By maintaining a tight schedule, general contractors help you avoid costly delays and minimize your project’s overhead.

Trustworthy Industry Connections

When you hire a general contractor for your next project, you receive expert guidance, management, and access to their network of subcontractors and suppliers. Working with reputable professionals can guarantee the quality of your construction and minimize the risk of improper, sloppy work.

Risk Mitigation

Any general contractor worth working with will have years of industry experience that they can rely on to make your building project as smooth as possible. A skilled GC will develop contingencies to preventatively minimize risks and keep the project on track.

The risk of improper construction, delays, and accidents can be expensive to address. By taking concrete actions at the beginning of a project, general contractors can mitigate risk and help their building process go off without a hitch.

Conclusion

Hiring a general contractor can significantly improve the quality and reliability of any construction project. With industry expertise in project management, building regulations, and connections to trustworthy subcontractors, you can rest assured that your project will be completed on time and satisfy your expectations.

Whatever your construction needs, learning about the best general contractors in your area will increase your chances of success. We hope this blog post can help you make an informed decision the next time you need to hire a general contractor.

Looking for a General Contractor Near You?

If you’re looking for a general contractor with years of professional experience and an impressive portfolio of projects, the team at %COMPANY% has you covered. We take pride in our work and have invested the time and resources to become industry experts. When you hire our team for your next project, you’ll receive friendly, detail-oriented service you can depend on.

Contact us at %PHONE1% to learn more about our services and to book a consultation today.