PR Design Michigan – What Does a General Contractor Do?
A GC will have experience, expertise, and the necessary licenses and permits. This is important because working without a proper license can result in serious legal ramifications.
The general contractor | PR Design Michigan is in charge of day-to-day operations, deadlines, and quality control at the construction site. In this role, they turn the plans and renderings of architects, engineers, and interior designers into reality.
Organization & Scheduling
A general contractor oversees every detail of a construction project. This includes coordinating with suppliers to get the materials needed and setting a timeline for each task. This helps keep the project on schedule and avoids delays that could impact the budget.
GCs also act as a point of contact between the building owner and subcontractors (like plumbers, masons, electricians, and roofers). This helps ensure that work is completed to specification and that payments are issued in a timely manner.
While some GCs may take on this role themselves, others choose to hire a lead carpenter or foreman to handle day-to-day project management tasks. GCs usually write checks to laborers and for materials, so they need to have good cash flow management skills. They also need to be familiar with local regulations regarding licensing, insurance, taxes, and safety requirements. These skills can be acquired through an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field.
Budgeting & Financial Management
A general contractor has a lot of moving parts. They often oversee multiple jobs at once and must have a solid grasp of project costs to stay within budget. They also have to be able to multitask, as they’ll likely be the point of contact for any clients or vendors for supplies like building materials or heavy equipment.
Before a construction project begins, general contractors typically respond to requests for proposals (RFPs) with what’s called a bid. This involves assessing the scope of work, estimating how long the job will take, and the cost for laborers and materials.
Once a contract is awarded, the GC becomes more of a day-to-day construction manager, keeping things on schedule and helping solve problems that may arise. They are also responsible for ensuring that all necessary permits are in place and coding requirements are met, otherwise, serious legal consequences could result. They’ll also be in charge of scheduling and coordinating inspections with the city.
Contract Negotiation
A general contractor is the person who oversees all the technical and legal details of a project. They are the ones who ensure that everything goes according to plan, and if there is a problem they will resolve it quickly.
In the course of their operations, general contractors must negotiate many contracts with suppliers and subcontractors. Negotiation is a key part of this work, and a good general contractor knows that getting a deal done is all about finding a win-win solution for all parties involved.
During the negotiation process, it is best to shop around for cost estimates. It’s also helpful to compare costs at different times of the year, as prices can vary depending on seasonal demand. This way you can get the best deal on any materials needed for your construction or renovation project. Having pre-established relationships with supply companies can also help to cut costs, as they will be able to buy materials in bulk and at lower prices.
Permits & Inspections
A general contractor will help you obtain any necessary permits for your construction project. They will also ensure that all aspects of the project meet specific quality standards and follow any legal regulations.
They are also responsible for the daily supervision of the construction site and coordinating all vendors, contractors, and subcontractors. In addition, they are the primary communicator between you and the other critical parties involved in your home improvement project, such as zoning boards and vendor representatives.
Many general contractors work independently, while others are part of larger construction companies. Either way, it’s important to find a licensed, experienced general contractor who will be able to complete your home renovation or construction project on time and within budget. To help you choose a contractor, you should ask for references and make sure they are insured. It’s also a good idea to check whether they have a valid contractor license bond. This is required in most states.
