What Does a General Contractor Do?
Generally speaking, a general contractor is responsible for the day to day operations of a construction site. He or she manages trades, vendors, and subcontractors. A general contractor is also responsible for the communication of information to all parties. Some general contractors are self-employed, while others work for a specific commercial entity.
The most common use for a general contractor is to manage construction projects for a variety of clients. In this role, he or she serves as the main point of contact between the client and the Construction Workers. General Contractors also provide a level of quality control during the construction process. He or she may also act as the building designer or foreman. This role is most often entrusted to an experienced general contractor, who is familiar with a number of projects in the construction industry.
General contractors are often called the “Jack of all trades,” as they are well versed in multiple aspects of the construction industry. Their responsibilities may include hiring subcontractors, securing necessary permits, and coordinating deliveries with vendors. It’s also common for a general contractor to use a number of specialty subcontractors for various construction tasks. Often, a general contractor will create schedules for each subcontractor. A general contractor will also collect proposals from subcontractors and present them to the client.
One of the most important jobs of a general contractor is identifying and managing delays. A general contractor may be responsible for covering the costs of these delays. This includes ensuring that the project is built within the allotted timeframe. It’s also important for a general contractor to be able to handle unexpected delays in the course of the project. These delays can result in financial issues and unfortunate weather timing.
As for the general contractor’s other responsibilities, you might be surprised to know that many of them are more of a management than a construction job. A general contractor may be responsible for ordering supplies, reordering, and monitoring progress. He or she may also need to have a first aid kit on hand at all times. Likewise, a general contractor should be able to highlight the positives and deliver the bad news to a disgruntled client.
As you might have guessed, a general contractor has plenty of responsibilities, but a good general contractor should be able to get the job done. It’s important to find a general contractor that has the credentials, a well-developed portfolio, and a positive reputation among past clients. In addition, it’s important to hire a general contractor who is a true team player. A team player knows that problems need to be solved, and he or she should be able to juggle multiple tasks at the same time.
The best general contractors are often those with the best organizational skills. They are also the best at problem solving, especially when it comes to managing construction projects. A good general contractor will be able to manage the construction process while performing the actual work.