The Roles of a General Contractor
A general contractor, also known as the prime or main contractor, is responsible for overseeing a construction site on a daily basis. Their duties include managing the trades and vendors on the construction site and communicating information to all parties involved in the project. Read on to learn more about the different roles of a general contractor.
General contractors often hire subcontractors to complete projects. Some have specialized training in specific fields. Regardless, they must coordinate deliveries with vendors to make sure that everything is available on time. When something is delayed, the project can be halted, which could cost the client money and time. A general contractor must also stay in contact with wholesalers and supply stores to ensure that all materials are delivered in a timely manner. A general contractor should also be certified in the area they are working on, and if necessary, have additional certifications.
A general contractor has many responsibilities as the main contact between the Construction Workers and the client. They must be a good leader and give direction to the team. They should also be good at problem-solving. Unexpected problems are inevitable in construction projects, and problem-solving skills are crucial to being a great general contractor.
The job of a general contractor is complex and involves many different aspects of a construction project. He or she oversees the project from start to finish, including scheduling, quality control, and deadlines. In addition to overseeing the project, the general contractor is also responsible for cash flow, writing checks to suppliers and laborers.
In addition to being licensed, a general contractor must be insured against liability and damage. In addition, a general contractor must obtain a surety bond to perform certain jobs. A surety bond covers the contractor against financial liability, and it is also required for certain government contracts. Many general contractors may also be required to have workers compensation insurance.
When choosing a general contractor, always check references and qualifications. Request to see past work and references from previous clients. Be sure to check their insurance coverage and licensing before hiring. Some general contractors specialize in specific fields, while others specialize in general construction projects. Some may be better suited for small home renovation projects while others are best suited for complex home building projects requiring many subcontractors.
A general contractor will charge a percentage of the total cost of a project. Typically, the fee will be about 20% of the total construction cost. Payments to a general contractor may be spread out over several payments depending on how long the work is expected to take. A general contractor will also bill for overhead, insurance, and worker’s compensation. In addition, many GCs will charge hourly or by the project. The final payment is usually made once the project is completed.
A general contractor will provide guidance and advice during construction. They will also inspect the quality of work being performed and provide feedback. A general contractor is also different from a construction manager, as they spend most of their time on-site, overseeing the construction site.