A general contractor (GC) can be a business or an individual who is hired to manage a construction project from beginning to end. General contractors take care of providing all necessary materials and equipment, keeping records, tracking timelines and payments, ensuring quality and safety, and hiring subcontractors for specialized work.
General Contractors vs. Subcontractors
A general contractor (GC) can be a business or an individual who is hired to manage a construction project from beginning to end. General contractors take care of providing all necessary materials and equipment, keeping records, tracking timelines and payments, ensuring quality and safety, and hiring subcontractors for specialized work.
General contractors oversee the “big picture,” while subcontractors step into the process temporarily for smaller jobs. Different subcontractors are hired by the general contractor or are contracted by an individual or business to perform specific tasks. These tasks typically include things like plumbing, painting, HVAC, electrical work, or carpentry.
Here are some of the greatest advantages of hiring a general contractor.
1. Save Money
Some individuals choose to manage their own construction projects to save the money they would spend paying a general contractor to manage the project for them. However, hiring and managing subcontractors yourself will likely save you very little money, if any, and could cost you more time and stress.
A general contractor has experience managing subcontractors and construction projects and knows how to get things done effectively and efficiently. Not only can general contractors get lower bids than individual building owners, but they can also buy materials in bulk at discounted rates. GCs will also oversee the quality of your project, potentially increasing your property’s overall value.
2. One Point of Contact
If you bypass the general contractor and hire multiple subcontractors yourself, you’ll have to keep track of numerous contracts. When you work with a general contractor, you have a single contract to manage. Your GC can help you navigate your budget, timeline, and project scope while managing the details for you as your primary point of contact.
Your GC can also give you regular updates, and you can offer feedback to help guide the project. You’ll have a working relationship with your contractor and feel comfortable asking questions or addressing concerns throughout the process. Your GC can give you a heads up if any problems arise or if they see areas where you can cut extra costs.
3. Your Personal Advocate
When you partner with a general contractor, you have a personal advocate who can communicate your wants and needs to the rest of the team. General contractors have their own network of subcontractors and often their own team with established relationships. In fact, general contractors may spend millions of dollars annually to work with their select group of subcontractors to ensure their clients are satisfied with their work. On the flip side, if you’re directly hiring subcontractors that you’ve never worked with, the service you receive may be less satisfactory.
4. More Security
Your general contractor must be licensed in your state before starting a construction project. Partnering with a general contractor will give you a sense of security, since they must follow state rules and regulations. They must also carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance that protects both them and you if someone is injured on your property.
5. Experience & Expertise
Another opportunity you have by working with a general contractor is capitalizing on their knowledge and expertise. You won’t have to worry about your building failing to pass inspections or meet local building requirements. GCs can spot issues as they arise and fix them immediately. They know who to call, how long different projects will take, and the best materials to use.
6. Less Stress
Your general contractor will manage your entire project for you—from obtaining the right permits to overseeing the project to completion. At the end of the day, your general contractor is responsible for your happiness and satisfaction, so they will work hard to meet your specifications and hold their team to high standards.
7. Save Time
Your general contractor will manage the project timeline and scheduling with subcontractors to keep your project moving forward. If there’s an unexpected setback, your contractor will use their expertise to make wise decisions and solve problems quickly.
General contractors may also be “preferred sellers” for certain suppliers, meaning they can get materials upon request. Having an experienced contractor on your team, continually driving your project forward, can potentially save you weeks, if not months, of time.
To learn more about working with general contractors and subcontractors, the building process, and other insider tips, subscribe to the Pro-Line Building Blog!
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