Introduction
According to Mark Roemer Oakland, general contractors are your primary point of contact who is responsible for overseeing the various technicalities of a commercial or residential construction project. Thus, they are the professionals who ensure that the job progresses on schedule, is done safely, and done on time following the requirements of the clients.
The Details
Here is all you need to know about the title of general contractor:
- The responsibilities of a general contractor – Typically, general contractors act as the mediator between the owners of the property and all the people who are responsible for constructing the building including the tradespeople, vendors, and materials suppliers. Their role and responsibilities can be distinctly divided into three phases as listed below:
- Before construction – During this stage, the general contractor is usually responsible for hiring subcontractors for specialized tasks, creating and managing the construction budget, and collaborating with an architect to develop a suitable design.
- During construction – During this stage, the general contractor is responsible for managing the construction work so that it conforms to the construction specifications. They also have to ensure that the projects remain on schedule but also respond to scheduled and unscheduled delays and other setbacks.
- After construction – Once the construction work is complete, the general contractor has to collect and track lien waivers, manage issues with payments down the payment chain, and ensure that the subcontractors are paid for the work they conducted.
- Licensing requirements of general contractors – According to the state laws, any type of contractor including general contractors must have a license to work professionally. In order to get a license, they have to meet the various requirements set by the state and it offers many important benefits to all the parties involved.
For instance, having a license is proof of their credibility and trustworthiness. It also ensures that the general contractors are following the safety protocols set by the state, filing their taxes, and following the guidelines for insurance. Lastly, having licenses allows them to protect their lien rights.
- How to find and hire general contractors – One of the best ways to ensure that your construction project becomes a success is to search for and hire a reputed general contractor. Thus, it is important to conduct a prequalification process before hiring any general contractors. You can do that by taking a look at their credit and job history to get an idea of the quality of their work. It is also suggested that you initiate contact with the subcontractors they have worked with previously and learn additional details.
You can also take a look at publicly available payment profiles and reviews and watch out for any warning signs such as a history of shady practices, unprofessionalism, lack of permits, and more to avoid any bad general contractors.
Conclusion
Mark Roemer Oakland suggests you understand the difference between a construction manager and a general contractor to avoid any miscommunication. Although their roles and responsibilities might sound similar, construction managers are employed directly by the owner and tasked with hiring general contractors, estimating costs, and performing any other duties needed to manage the project.
Comments are closed.