What Does a General Contractor Do?
General Contractor Lexington KY is the person in charge of turning the renderings and plans of architects into reality on the construction site. Typically, he or she should have many years of experience and carry contractors’ liability insurance.
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A general contractor is responsible for the planning of a project from start to finish. They manage all aspects of the construction process and oversee a team of superintendents, specialty contractors, and subcontractors. They are also knowledgeable about the labor force employed in the construction industry, which may be unionized or non-unionized. They can be instrumental in ensuring that all of the subcontractors and tradespeople are properly trained and supervised. They are also in touch with wholesalers to ensure that materials are delivered on time and according to schedule.
They are also responsible for negotiating contracts with the various suppliers and vendors, as well as securing necessary permits. A good general contractor will be able to provide a full scope of work, including an estimate for the entire project. They should be licensed, insured, and bonded. They should also have a clean background check and experience with the type of project that they are bidding on.
One of the most important duties that a general contractor has is to make sure that the project stays on budget and within the deadlines set by the client. A good general contractor will be able to give accurate estimates and will work with the designers, architects, and engineers to keep costs down and the project on track. They should also be able to communicate effectively with the client and make sure that everyone understands what needs to be done.
Another part of their job is to coordinate the construction with the design and preconstruction project managers. This includes identifying and coordinating any issues, such as conflicting bids or design issues. The GC will also help in the selection of architectural and engineering firms as well as subcontractors. They will help the preconstruction project manager select qualified firms based on their experience and knowledge of the project. They will then review the proposals, ensuring that they are clear and concise.
Finally, a GC is also responsible for managing the project’s budget and ensuring that all the tradespeople are paid for their work. This can be a challenge, especially in the construction industry, where delays in payments can cause problems. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up the process of getting payments and ensure that everyone gets their money. Streamlining paperwork, keeping open lines of communication, and increasing visibility will all go a long way toward reducing payment delays.
Scheduling
Upon waking up in the morning, a general contractor or licensed home builder will head to their job site, where they are assigned to oversee construction projects. They will inspect the work being performed, ensuring that all building codes are being followed and that the quality of workmanship is consistent with their company’s established standards. In addition, they will meet with engineers and architects to review the project plans and specifications. These meetings are critical for a general contractor to gather the necessary information that will be used to formulate a project bid for their company.
Following these meetings, the general contractor or licensed home builder will begin formulating their bids for new commercial real estate development and building projects. This is a very important process that requires great attention to detail. Ultimately, a successful bid must be created that is competitive with the market, meets the client’s expectations, and includes all necessary building costs. Then, the general contractor or licensed home builder must negotiate the project terms and pricing with the client.
Once the bidding is completed, the general contractor or licensed home builder can then visit the construction sites where their team has been working to inspect the progress and quality of the project. This is a very important step in ensuring that the work is being performed properly, meeting all necessary building code requirements, and adhering to safety regulations.
After the inspections are complete, the general contractor or licensed home builder may attend a mid-morning pre-bid meeting. During these meetings, engineers and architects will outline the project’s plans and specifications. The general contractor or licensed home builder will listen attentively and carefully note all of the details so that they can apply them to their bids.
As the day continues, the general contractor or licensed home builder spends time negotiating with the client regarding project specifications and pricing. Once they have come to an agreement, the project can then proceed. Throughout the day, the general contractor will also make phone calls, order supplies, interview subcontractors for upcoming projects, approve invoices, and do other administrative tasks.
Budgeting
One of the most important tasks a general contractor must perform is to make sure that the project stays within budget. This is done by performing quantity takeoffs, reviewing the plans, and decomposing the components into detailed items for contractor quotations. A general contractor also ensures that subcontractors are delivering on their promises of quality and cost. A general contractor often negotiates with vendors and subcontractors to get the best prices for materials and labor. They also make sure that they have a sizeable reserve fund for unexpected expenses.
A typical workday for a licensed home builder or general contractor begins with a trip to the job site. During this visit, they meet with the construction team and review each section’s progress. They will inspect each area to make sure it meets building code and safety regulations and adheres to the company’s established standards of quality workmanship.
Once back at the office, they will prepare estimates for future projects. This is a time-consuming task, but one that is necessary for any reputable licensed contractor. The estimating process involves gathering and reviewing plans, creating quantity takeoffs, and analyzing historical data on comparable projects. The resulting estimate will give the owner an idea of how much the project should cost.
Most licensed contractors are required to carry a certain amount of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This is because they are responsible for making sure that the construction team is covered in case of accidents and injuries. This is especially important if the jobsite is located in an unsafe environment. Depending on the location of the job, a general contractor may also need to carry flood insurance.
As the sun starts to set, many licensed builders or general contractors will head home to do paperwork and administrative tasks. They will write proposals and craft lists of supplies that need to be ordered and work that needs to be completed on future projects. Since the job site cannot be worked on after dark, these tasks must usually be completed at night.
When choosing a licensed contractor, it is crucial to find one with a high level of experience and a proven track record. They should be fully licensed and insured and have a good business reputation. It is a good idea to ask them for references from previous clients and check their online reviews. If you see a lot of negative online reviews, it is likely that they are not the right fit for your project.
Oversight
The general contractor oversees all aspects of the construction process. He or she must be familiar with the operations of specialty contractors, material and equipment suppliers, and other subcontractors. Having worked with a superintendent, specialty contractor, or subcontractor on previous projects, the general contractor is able to build loyalty and inspire cooperation. In some projects, craftsmen may be unionized; an experienced general contractor knows how to deal with this in a way that works best for all parties.