GENERAL CONTRACTORS – WHO THEY ARE & WHAT THEY DO
General contractor is an individual, partnership, corporation, or other business entity with an overall responsibility for the satisfactory construction, improvement, or renovation of a structure under contract.
By definition, general contractor is the ‘big picture’ contractor, working with you through the entire project, from the idea phase to the finished building, as opposed to the ‘come and go’ subcontractors. While the general contractor is called up for all-inclusive building, repair or remodeling task, the subcontractors are given contracts of painting, roofing, plumbing and other such short termed projects.
When in contract, the general contractor is in charge of assembling the resources, materials, and equipment needed to perform all construction tasks and also supervises the work. He decides the depth and quality of your building, instilling your requirements, choice, and style into the construction. So, for any fault or defect in the construction, he is held responsible.
Remember, a contractor is there to make life easier for you and should be more than qualified to handle your new or renovation construction projects from start to finish.
Below is a list of some of the things that a general contractor should be able to do and/or take responsibility for:
Liaise with architects/designers. Typically a general contractor will meet with the project owner and the architect or designer way in advance of the project start, to review the project and all that will have to be done. It’s a blessing to have a contractor who can suggest unusual and interesting ways to go about things, especially if they are innovative or economical.
Coordinate sub-contractors. The general contractor provides all the labor needed to start and complete every part of the building project, hence, should have a trusted coven of subcontractors in all areas – plastering, roofing, plumbing etc., to ensure a smooth-running of work and that there is never a need to postpone.
Get the bids going. Along with having enough people on hand for every part of your project, the general contractor must be able to provide you with the best bids.
Be knowledgeable with all types of building work. Your contractor must know the order with which tasks should proceed, bringing in the subcontractors smoothly, and progressively, without delay.
Provide alternative ways of doing things. Ultimately, the general contractor must be proactive in identifying and preventing potential problems. But when things go wrong, he must be reactive and be able to implement a quick fix to get the construction going, and on the right track.
Building or remodeling your dream home is not much of a ‘do it yourself’ task and can end up a nightmare if you hire the wrong person. Contracting with the right general contractor will guarantee your project a success, and save you both time and money.
