What Is a General Contractor? How to Hire General Contractor

A general contractor is a construction project manager. Often hired by the architecture or engineering firm in charge of a project, general contractors hire subcontractors and oversee the day-to-day operations of the construction. Homeowners can also hire general contractors to oversee home builds and remodeling projects after consulting with the project’s engineer or architect.

General contractors typically work on-site and shepherd construction projects from the planning stages through completion. Throughout that process, some of a general contractor’s responsibilities include:

• Proposal: A proposal will often go hand-in-hand with the initial bidding process. A general contractor will look at the project’s specifics and come up with an estimate that factors the cost of building materials, permits and labor, fees, and the project’s timeline.
• Plans: After the bid has been accepted, the planning begins in earnest. General contractors assign project tasks to subcontractors, such as plumbers, carpenters, electricians, painters, HVAC installers, and other tradespeople. A general contractor hires these specific tradespeople and reconciles their own proposals with the overall budget. They are also responsible for obtaining all the necessary building permits.
• Progress: Once the project is in motion, the general contractor becomes a kind of day-to-day construction manager. They make sure that the project is on schedule, that people are honoring their commitments, and help solve any problems that arise. Oftentimes they will also be responsible for the cash flow, writing checks both to the laborers and for the materials that will have to be purchased throughout the project’s duration.
• Safety: Perhaps the most important job of the general contractor is to ensure safety at the worksite. Construction is a potentially dangerous process. It is the general contractor’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary safety precautions are being taken and that anyone at the job site—whether working or visiting—remains as safe as possible at all times.
• Coordination: A general contractor will generally be the primary communicator between the client and any other critical parties. This might include zoning boards, the project engineer, and vendors for heavy equipment or materials.

General contractors usually begin their careers as tradespersons of one kind or another, working in carpentry, roofing, electrical work, etc. This experience helps make them capable project managers and perform quality control across multiple trades.

A general contractor must obtain a license to work for the project’s location. For example, general contractors in California must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CCSLB). Usually, the process of obtaining a license involves an exam on construction practices and safety rules. Local, state, and federal governments might require general contractors to get a surety bond to ensure that all the necessary regulations and obligations, such as following all relevant building codes, are fulfilled.

Whether it’s a kitchen remodel or building a dream home, construction projects can be stressful and complex. Consider these tips when hiring a general contractor to ease the process:

1. 1. Get references. When working with a general contractor, it’s always good to get references. You’ll want someone with a long record of work, or, if they’re relatively new to their career, a reference who can vouch for their expertise and conscientiousness.
2. 2. Check their qualifications. In addition to references, have the candidate provide proof of their license. It’s also a good idea to check if the candidate has insurance coverage.
3. 3. Choose the right type of contractor for your project. General contractors will often specialize in a particular area—some may be better for simple home remodeling projects, and others might be a better fit for home building projects with large crews.
4. 4. Meet candidates in person. There’s no substitution for talking to someone in person to get a sense of who they are. Talking on the phone is a good first step, but speaking in person allows for a more comprehensive picture. Prepare specific questions that pertain to the project you have in mind. You should also pay attention to the questions they ask— a good contractor will ask plenty of detailed questions.

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