A general contractor plays a pivotal role in making construction projects a success. They are responsible for transforming the client’s vision into reality and managing large construction projects from inception to completion.
GCs also source raw materials and building components from various vendors. This evaluates vendor capabilities, capacity, quality work, turnaround times, invoicing, and timely payment.
The Role of a General Contractor
A general contractor like Hardwick General Contracting has many responsibilities regarding construction projects. They hire workers, establish supply chains, purchase liability insurance, acquire tools and equipment, and keep up with zoning regulations, permitting processes, and other compliance requirements. All of this is done before construction even starts.
General contractors are also responsible for resolving disputes amongst on-site workers and maintaining discipline throughout the project duration. They also ensure that all the materials on-site are of the highest quality, saving on maintenance costs after construction is complete.
In addition, GCs are responsible for providing utilities on-site, securing the premises, managing site waste, and handling engineering functions. They may also provide legal representation and help in resolving claims arising from work on-site.
Planning
A general contractor is responsible for planning and managing the construction site’s day-to-day operations, quality control, and deadlines. They also turn the visions and renderings of architects, engineers, and interior designers into reality.
Part of the planning process is determining how to complete tasks within the given timeline and ensuring the project stays on budget. They also help with ordering materials and work from subcontractors and contractors.
The GC is also the primary source of communication between the client and all other parties involved in the construction project. This means they need to be able to pass on essential information quickly and efficiently to ensure that all parties are updated on what’s happening on the job site daily.
They also lead in creating project cost estimates by conducting quantity and material takeoffs from the blueprints to develop detailed cost estimates. This can include the cost of equipment rentals, materials, labor, office space, insurance expenses, workers’ compensation, and more.
Execution
GCs oversee the day-to-day operations of construction on the project site. They are responsible for assigning different tasks to subcontractors and coordinating the schedule of all workers and materials. They also ensure that all work is executed according to the blueprint and design.
Moreover, they ensure that all inspections and permits are taken care of and that building codes are maintained. This is an essential part of their role, as serious legal ramifications may occur if this process is not handled correctly.
Furthermore, GCs are also responsible for procuring all required materials and equipment. They usually have a team of financial management professionals who handle the purchasing and supply chain. This ensures that all the necessary materials reach the construction site in time and are of the desired quality. This is an essential aspect of a construction project, and it helps keep the construction on track and within budget. It also helps avoid any cost overruns and delays in project completion.
Management
General contractors will often have a team of people that consists of supervisors/superintendents, project managers, general laborers, and skilled tradespeople. They work closely with construction managers to manage more project-related details and operations as they collaborate on a construction site.
GCs typically work with the project owner to ensure that the work on the construction site follows the design and blueprint. They oversee many tasks, like identifying which subcontractors will perform the work, obtaining bids from quality contractors, and managing the overall project budget.
Large construction projects have a lot of materials and building components that need to be moved around the site. The GC manages this process by deploying a team of experts in supply chain management. They are responsible for coordinating and tracking the movement of building materials. They also ensure that they are of the right quality for construction.
