Most homeowners that want home improvements or home renovations seek a general contractor. Some didn’t know what to pursue or what type of contractor they needed. Some of them know they need general contractors but lack knowledge about them. So, what is a general contractor?
In this article, we will discuss everything about a general contractor, their responsibilities, and what would be our benefits in hiring them.
The article was created by SIMCORP Construction & Remodeling, an expert and experienced construction company.
Learn more about SIMCORP Construction, one of the best general contractors in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Table of Contents
Definition of a General Contractor
In the construction industry, a general contractor is a person that is responsible for managing the entire construction project, from getting materials from the vendor to finishing the agreed contract with the homeowners. They are the construction manager who is directly getting contracts with the clients to take the overall construction project. In addition, they manage daily operations, quality control, choosing of materials with the vendors, equipment needed, permitting with the local governments, and labor to provide the owner with the price of the project.
The general contractor also referred to as GC, are the prime contractors to hire their subcontractors that are different specialists. For example, they hire someone to do the plumbing, electricity, painting, roofing, heating and air conditioning, etc.
Responsibilities of a General Contractor
The primary responsibility of a general contractor is to manage the entire project from the planning stage through the completion. However, we have listed their typical duties in a construction project.
1. Contracting a homeowners
A general contractor is the one who will negotiate or make agreements with the clients. He must know the client’s concern for the project to see the scope to estimate the cost and the completion time.
2. Plans for the entire project
After having a contract with the homeowners, the next stage is the planning that the general contractor must establish. The following bullets are included for the planning stage.
3. Budgeting
Having known about the entire project and plans for it, the general contractor must estimate the budget needed to complete the whole project.
4. Contracting suppliers and vendors
It is a big advantage for a general contractor if they have already established a good reputation with the suppliers and vendors.
5. Hiring subcontractors and labors
Hiring and assigning a task to a subcontractor, such as plumbers, carpenters, electricians, painters, roofing contractors, HVAC installers, etc., is a general contractor’s responsibility. Moreover, he must oversee the quality of all the work done by his workers.
6. Providing materials and equipment
The general contractor must secure the materials needed and its quality and must be approved by the homeowners’ needs.
7. Scheduling for the construction project
A schedule must be created for the project. This is both for the workers’ knowledge and the agreement with the homeowners. The general contractor must ensure that his workers honor their commitments to ensure that the project is completed on time.
8. On-site managing
A general contractor must always attend to the construction project to ensure everything is according to plan. In addition, he needs to ensure the quality of work and the safety of everybody.
9. Necessary requirements or permits
This is also needs to secure by a general contractor for any unnecessary events that may occur. The municipality is requiring some papers needed before the project starts.
10. Prioritizing safety
As we all know, construction has a complex process. Thus, general construction must ensure the safety on the site by having safety precautions and personal protective equipment for the people on-site.
Qualifications of a General Contractor in Florida
The United States doesn’t require any federal license to work as a general contractor or like. It depends on the local government or states locally to require them a license. However, particular projects, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installation, need licenses to allow them to work. Most of these are the type of work that is hazardous or needs safety precautions.
In Florida, where we are based, is one of the states that require extensive requirements to be a general contractor of the state. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Florida requires their general contractor to have their license before having a project. The applicants need four years of training to acquire a general contractor license. This can be an experience or a combination of education and experience.
Advantages of a Licensed General Contractor
A licensed general contractor will assure you that they have the skills in construction and all the knowledge in the business, regulation requirements, safety, insurance, permits, and building structure. Of course, a licensed general contractor demonstrates professionalism and credibility to the homeowners.
Herewith are the involved parties in a construction project who benefit from being a licensed general contractor.
· General Contractor
Of course, they are also benefited from having themselves licensed. This is for their rights to be protected. For example, the correct requirements like permits, correct taxes, and the agreements between them and the homeowners.
· Homeowners
Most licensed general contractors are trustworthy and have their credibility established. They also possessed professionalism and knowledge of the business.
· Municipalities
The municipalities use licensing to regulate general contractors’ capabilities to take on projects. They ensure licensed general contractors follow guidelines on insurance, permits, taxes, and the safety of homeowners and their labors.
Benefits of Having a General Contractor for your Home Projects
Nowadays, most people hire a general contractor for home improvement projects. Whether a simple home remodeling or major renovation, homeowners choose to make their projects more manageable.
As mentioned above, the responsibilities of a general contractor are so extensive. Learning their responsibility makes you want to hire a general contractor.
Having a general contractor to do your home project:
- Ensures safety.
- Quality of the project.
- Knowledge of processing permits.
- Assurance to pass home inspections.
- Materials suit the design of the projects.
If you are planning on choosing the right construction company for your home project, SIMCORP Construction and Renovation would be happy to assist you!
Check out our Services for more services we offer, or visit our website SIMCORP Construction and Remodeling for more details.
By simcorp4u | 27 July 2022 | Blog
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