What is a General Contractor?

All construction projects, from new builds, to renovations, to remodels, require the organization and management of a lot of moving parts. Equipped with specialized skills essential for the various stages of a project, general contractors are the thread that tie all parts of your project together to ensure all needs are met. The core job duties of a general contractor are: daily on-site project management, hiring and supervising labor, and client communications. Essentially, a general contractor becomes a partner from start to finish of a project. In addition to the construction itself, what services do general contractors offer?

• Pre-bid site surveys
• Estimating
• Project management
• Following building guidelines and regulations
• Client communication
• Providing materials and equipment
• Hiring specialized subcontractors for the build

General Contractors Help Control Costs A key advantage to using a general contractor is having someone on-site to oversee the day-to-day operations, to provide constant quality control, and keep a project on deadline. They coordinate with vendors to make sure that materials are on-hand when needed at the different stages of a project. Typically, the general contractor oversees staff or hires subcontractors and other labor, and acts as supervisor to ensure that all are doing their job correctly and in a timely manner. In the event of any construction delays, the general contractor adjusts the schedule, and communicates with all parties in order to keep things running in an efficient manner. What to Look for in a General Contractor for Commercial Builds A commercial contractor is a general contractor that specializes in commercial construction and works on projects such as builds and remodels of schools, corporate offices, restaurants, retail buildings and more. Commercial services encompasses a range of construction needs from interior build outs, to store rebranding, to ground up construction. For multi-location builds, it is recommended to find a commercial contractor who has the ability to work nationally. Hiring someone with the proper licensing needed for every state is an advantage to regional and national companies in order to maintain continuity across multiple sites, and to share efficiencies from one project to the next. Commercial contractors should carry the required licenses, bonding, and insurance that the state or local governing bodies call for. They should have a strong reputation with the best contractors across the nation. Whether building a new retail space, or a restaurant remodel, general contractors and specialists will keep a project on track and moving forward. They should be built on the philosophy that keeps clients’ needs at the core of everything. What is a general contractor? Someone who keeps your construction project on task and on time in the best direction from start to finish – for whatever you need built. Read about our BuildRite’s construction management services and how they can help you.