Hiring a General Contractor

A general contractor, principal contractor or subcontractor is ultimately responsible for the entirety of a construction project, from day-to-day supervision of trades and vendors, to the dissemination of details to all participants throughout the process of a project. In the past, these tasks were typically overseen by architects or engineers with technical experience and training in the construction field. However, due to the significant increase in the number of construction projects in recent years, the need for quick, accurate and trustworthy estimates and communications has increased. This has led to an increased demand for general contractors. An example of this is the demand for contractors to ensure construction estimates are communicated clearly and quickly.

There are a variety of reasons why hiring general contractors can benefit a company. Most importantly, these individuals are qualified and experienced in performing a number of tasks that are crucial to completing a new construction project. They have an extensive amount of knowledge regarding contracts, laws and regulations affecting building projects, including permitting, and can take full advantage of their extensive network of subcontractors and vendors. Additionally, general contractors can offer quick, efficient services that meet the needs and expectations of their clients. For example, a company may need several weeks to build a new office building, but a general contractor with experience in constructing office buildings can complete the task in far less time, which can help boost profitability.

However, despite the advantages of hiring a general contractor to complete a construction project, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. Perhaps one of the most common issues with hiring a general contractor comes during the bid and proposal process. Often, when a client requests bids on various phases of a project, they are shocked by the high cost of materials, labor and overhead. To ensure that these individuals receive only the highest quality bids, many companies choose to hire an experienced legal service to review and provide bids. Although many legal professionals can offer their services to individual clients for a small cost, it is often beneficial to hire an entire team who can offer bids from several reputable firms.

Additionally, a project manager or construction manager should not be confused with a planner, architect or engineer. A construction manager is solely responsible for any and all decisions pertaining to the success of the construction project and is ultimately in charge of whether or not the job is successful. In this capacity, the construction manager is the ultimate authority when it comes to negotiating a contract, approving a bidding price, setting up and maintaining a schedule, managing material and labor, and tracking progress on the construction site. As the construction manager, you will be heavily involved in every decision the company makes, so it is important to hire a person who has both the technical know-how and business acumen to effectively run the project.

Whether or not you decide to hire a general contractor to manage your construction projects, it is important to remember that hiring contractors comes with its own set of responsibilities. Whenever possible, try to work with experienced contractors who have worked on similar projects in the past. This helps ensure that you are getting a good, timely solution to your construction projects. It also ensures that you are working with an established company that has years of experience in providing top-notch service.

The right general contractor will lead by example, so be sure to see examples of their work prior to making a final decision. If you are unable to view them at the office, head down to the general contractor’s office and look around. You will want to see everything from their equipment to their staff to the completed project itself. Remember, quality construction begins with great planning and execution and by hiring a well-experienced general contractor you will be ensuring that your construction project is finished on time and on budget.

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