Most construction projects require careful planning and execution, and while the structure’s design might be one aspect of the project, there are a whole host of other factors to be accounted for, too.
From getting the right materials and finding the best contractors, to sticking to the budget and finishing on time, building projects can be time consuming, stressful and costly at the best of times, but carrying one out without the help of a general contractor could see all of the aforementioned increase tenfold.
Whether you’re building something from the ground up or upgrading your home, having an experienced general contractor on board can make the whole process go a lot more smoothly for everyone involved. But what is a general contractor?
Roles and responsibilities of a general contractor
In short, a general contractor’s list of duties includes planning, overseeing, executing and inspecting building projects of any size. They’re responsible for all of these duties from the very outset, and are expected to continue being so right through to the project’s completion.
Still not sure whether your construction project needs a general contractor? Check out these top 5 advantages of working with a general contractor:
- They have access to many different contractors
If you’re planning even a small construction project, you’ll likely need to hire a good number of different contractors to be able to finish all of the work successfully, and to code. While searching for these can be stressful and time consuming, hiring a general contractor solves the issue from the get-go. With their extensive network of skilled and reliable subcontractors that they can access at any time, general contractors can find the right people for the right job, to get your project finished professionally and on schedule.
2. They can save you money
General contractors typically have a large network of suppliers as well as subcontractors, and many of these will be able to offer materials and goods at discounted rates. Having developed trust with many suppliers throughout the industry over the years, good general contractors become preferred sellers for suppliers, hence they are willing to give them lower rates.
3. They have proper insurance coverage
You should only ever hire a general contractor who’s licensed, and those that are will also be required to carry the correct insurance. When you hire a licensed and insured general contractor, you’re not just covering your own safety and that of your property, but the safety of all the workers involved in the project, too.
4. They’re efficient
Having a general contractor available throughout the duration of the project to answer any questions that you might have, and to oversee all proceedings can help make everything more efficient. Without having to wait around for answers or for subcontractors to decide to show up on site, you can get your project finished on time, and in good order.
5. They give you a hassle-free build
Because your general contractors duty is to manage, oversee, communicate and carry out quality control, should you choose to take a complete backseat while work is underway, you can do exactly that with confidence. Alternatively, should you like to keep yourself involved, you can rely on your general contractor to keep you informed at all times, and update you as often as you wish as to the project’s progress. This should give you peace of mind, and ultimately, a perfectly articulated construction project.
Hiring a general contractor can mean the difference between a construction project failing miserably, and a construction project going without a hitch, and in terms of value, they’re almost always worth the money.