In the construction industry, a general contractor is the person or company in charge of managing a construction project. Property owners usually hire general contractors to make sure the job is done safely, on time, and as planned. General contractors, often called GCs, are important for both big commercial buildings and simple home projects. Specific tasks, like replacing a roof or installing new floors, might be done by different subcontractors. However, a GC is usually needed for any project that involves managing multiple steps or several specialized workers to finish the job.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor is in charge of overseeing a construction project from start to finish. They act as a link between the property owner, and everyone involved in the project, such as materials suppliers, vendors, and workers. The GC's duties depend on how the project is organized. For example, in design-build projects, either the architect or the GC handles the whole project from beginning to end. This means the GC might be responsible for both designing and building the project.
In a design-bid-build project, the design team and the GC both work for the owner but under separate contracts. The design team creates the contract documents, which include drawings, specifications, and other details. Once these are done, GCs bid on the project and the selected GC manages the construction until it's finished. The general contractors have important duties before, during, and after construction to ensure the project is completed successfully.
Before Construction
During the preconstruction phase, a GC might be responsible for:
- Creating a construction budget
- Hiring subcontractors for specialized tasks
- Working with the architect to ensure the design is followed
Even though these tasks start before construction begins, the GC will keep managing the budget, coordinating with the architect, and working with other contractors throughout the entire project.
During Construction
While construction is happening, the general contractor usually takes care of:
- Overseeing the work to ensure it meets contract specifications
- Keeping the project on schedule
- Coordinating the timing of specialty contractors
- Inspecting the quality of construction or arranging inspections
- Making payments to specialty contractors and vendors
- Collecting and tracking lien waivers
Overall, the GC's job during construction is to ensure everyone works well together and to address any issues that might impact the schedule or budget.
After Construction
Once construction is finished, a GC still has important tasks, such as:
- Collecting and tracking any lien waivers
- Making sure specialty contractors are paid for their work
- Handling any payment issues that arise
As the main point of contact between subcontractors and the building owner, the GC ensures the work meets the specifications and then arranges for payments to be made. In short, a general contractor oversees all the different parts of a construction project from start to finish. The GC usually manages the project while subcontractors do most of the labor. For smaller projects, the GC might do some of the work themselves and only hire subcontractors for specialized tasks. GCs are one type of contractor, but they play a key role in making sure the project is completed, and everyone involved gets paid.
What Is a General Contractor License?
Each state has its own rules for getting a general contractor license. These rules are made by the Department of Consumer Affairs and its Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Typically, you need four years of construction experience and be at least 18 years old. Having a college degree can reduce the required experience time.
Hiring a licensed general contractor is important for protecting your property and project. It demonstrates the contractor's experience, and in many states, they must pass a test showing their knowledge of various construction skills. A general contractor license typically includes liability insurance, the ability to place lines if needed, and a verified business address.
FAQs
What are the main responsibilities of a general contractor before construction starts?
Before construction begins, a GC is responsible for creating a construction budget, hiring subcontractors for specialized tasks, and working with architects to ensure the design is correctly followed.
Can a general contractor help with budget management?
Yes, a GC can help create and manage a construction budget, ensuring that the project stays within financial limits and adjusting for any unexpected costs that arise.
