What Does a General Contractor Do: Key Responsibilities Explained

When building your dream house, managing the construction can be a daunting task. This is where a general contractor comes in.

A general contractor can oversee your construction project, coordinating all the moving parts and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

But do you really need a general contractor? What role do they play, and how can you find a qualified professional?

Understanding the responsibilities and benefits of hiring a general contractor can help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore what you need to know.

What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor (GC) oversees all the daily operations of your house build or renovation. They coordinate every aspect of your construction project, from maintaining quality control to meeting deadlines.

GCs manage subcontractors, vendors, and serve as the primary point of communication among everyone involved in the project.

They work with engineers, architects, and interior designers to ensure your project meets all building codes and requirements.

Being licensed by the state is essential for a general contractor to ensure their work adheres to regulations set out in the site plan.

This role requires strong problem-solving skills and thorough knowledge of building science.

What Does a General Contractor Do?

A general contractor is key in managing building projects, from start to finish. You handle project plans, maintain schedules, and oversee all workers.

Your role also includes obtaining necessary permits and ensuring compliance with building codes.

On-site, you coordinate labor, materials, and activities, while maintaining communication with clients and stakeholders.

You are responsible for safety, quality, and keeping projects within budget, ensuring everything meets required specifications.

How much does it cost to hire a general contractor?

When hiring a general contractor, costs can vary widely.

Contractors may charge a fee between 10 to 20% of the total construction budget, which includes materials and labor.

Alternatively, you may be quoted a fixed rate, either hourly or daily.

Most general contractors operate independently, so liability insurance or taxes are generally not included in their fees. Make sure to request detailed cost estimates upfront to avoid surprises.

For larger projects, equipment rental costs may also apply.

General Contractor vs Subcontractor: What’s the Difference?

A general contractor can be seen as the project manager, directing subcontractors to ensure everything runs smoothly. They handle various tasks such as creating schedules, managing payments, and maintaining the budget.

They are also responsible for hiring subcontractors like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.

Subcontractors, on the other hand, are specialists in their respective trades. For instance, electrical contractors focus on electrical work, while plumbers handle all plumbing tasks.

These tradespeople are hired by the general contractor to complete specific parts of the project.

Key Differences:

• General Contractor:
  • Manages the entire project
  • Hires and oversees subcontractors
  • Handles scheduling and budgeting
  • Ensures work quality and compliance
  • Problem-solves any issues
• Subcontractor:
  • Specializes in a specific trade (e.g., electrical work, plumbing)
  • Completes tasks assigned by the general contractor
  • Reports to the general contractor
  • Focuses solely on their trade

In the bidding process, general contractors often submit bids to win projects. They might then send a request for proposal or invitation to bid to subcontractors.

Subcontractors provide a request for quote, detailing their fees for the specialized tasks they’ll perform. Thus, their collaboration is key to a successful project.

General contractor vs construction manager – What’s the difference?

At first glance, the roles of a general contractor and a construction manager might look similar, but they each have unique responsibilities.

A construction manager is involved early in the project, often during the pre-construction and design phases. They help with budgeting and scheduling to ensure that the project stays within financial limits while keeping the initial design intact.

Construction managers also manage contractors and monitor the progress of the project. In some cases, they hire subcontractors to complete specific tasks.

On the other hand, the general contractor is directly responsible for managing workers on the construction site. While they may handle some budgeting, the construction manager typically oversees the broader financial aspects.

The general contractor ensures that daily operations run smoothly and that the project adheres to the planned schedule.

Summary of Key Roles:

• Construction Manager:
  • Engages early in the project
  • Helps with budgeting and scheduling
  • Oversees contractors and progress
  • Sometimes hires subcontractors
• General Contractor:
  • Manages on-site workers
  • Handles daily operations
  • Takes on some budgeting tasks

Do I Need to Hire a General Contractor?

Considering a general contractor for your residential project depends on several factors.

If your project will last a few days, involves multiple subcontractors, or requires special permits, a general contractor can be invaluable.

They ensure everything stays on schedule, coordinating various professionals. For simpler tasks, hiring a subcontractor directly might suffice. Remember to assess the project’s scope and requirements before making a decision.

How to Find a General Contractor

Finding a general contractor can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial for ensuring your project goes smoothly.

Start by asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Personal reviews often provide the most honest insights.

Additionally, check online for local contractors with excellent ratings and a portfolio of similar completed projects.

Once you’ve shortlisted three to five potential contractors, set up meetings to discuss your project. During these meetings, ask the following questions:

• Similar Projects: Have you completed projects like mine before? If so, when and how did they turn out?
• Timeline and Cost: What is your proposed timeline and estimated cost for my project?
• Experience: How many years have you been in business? Do you have the necessary connections to reliable subcontractors?
• References: Can you provide case studies and references from past clients?
• Insurance and Licenses: Are you insured, and do you hold the required permits and licenses?

By following these steps, you ensure that the contractor you choose has the right experience, qualifications, and credentials to handle your project effectively. This diligent approach can save you time, money, and stress in the long run, while also helping you achieve the results you desire.

How to Write a Contract for a General Contractor

When hiring a general contractor, it is essential to sign a general contractor agreement.

This document lays out all the tasks and duties of the contractor, ensuring both parties understand their commitments.

Make sure to include construction specifications, materials, and the scope of labor.

Key Points to Include

• Price and Payment Information: Clearly outline the cost and how payments will be handled. If there are any changes, amend the contract accordingly.
• Detailed Work Description: Include a thorough description of the work, specifying warranties, replacement options, and preparation steps.
• Completion Date: Provide an approximate date for when the project is expected to be finished.

Importance of a Written Agreement

Having everything in writing is crucial. Without a formal contract, you risk misunderstandings and potential disputes.

A well-drafted contract protects you if anything goes wrong on the job site. For instance, if subcontractors fail to complete their tasks or if there is any damage to your property, you have legal avenues to pursue.

Benefits of a Legal Contract

• Legal Protection: Offers you a way to address issues legally if the work is not completed as agreed.
• Accountability: Ensures subcontractors are responsible for finishing the job on time and within the budget.
• Clarity: Eliminates any ambiguity about project expectations, reducing the risk of disputes.

For more details on creating a contractor agreement, you can visit LegalZoom.

Plan Your Home Project Today

A general contractor plays an essential role in large renovation projects. While smaller tasks might not require their expertise, planning a major renovation or building a new home typically does.

Consider hiring a seasoned contractor to manage your project. These professionals can handle everything from budgeting to scheduling, ensuring your vision becomes a reality.

Ready to start? Platforms like My Site Plan can help organize your plans and keep your project on track.

General Contractor FAQs

Is a License Required for a General Contractor?

Whether a general contractor needs a license depends on the specific state or local jurisdiction. Most areas require contractors to have a license, which involves proving a certain level of experience, passing an exam, and showing proof of insurance and bonding.

Before hiring, always ask for their license and insurance details to ensure they are operating legally and are covered for any potential issues.

Can General Contractors Perform Electrical Work?

Electrical work needs specialized skills and adherence to safety codes. General contractors typically hire licensed electricians to handle electrical tasks. This ensures the work complies with all relevant regulations and safety standards, offering peace of mind that the job is done correctly.

Are General Contractors Allowed to Do Plumbing?

Plumbing is another area requiring specific expertise. General contractors usually subcontract plumbing projects to licensed plumbers.

This approach guarantees that all plumbing work meets building codes and safety guidelines. It also makes it easier to call upon the same plumber for future maintenance or repairs.

What Are the Hourly Rates for General Contractors?

Hourly rates for general contractors can range from $50 to $150, depending on various factors like labor costs, project size, and location.

For many projects, it might be more cost-effective to hire a contractor on a daily rate, which generally falls between $300 and $500. It’s wise to detail the number of hours a day rate covers in your contractor agreement to avoid any misunderstandings.

Is Tipping a General Contractor Customary?

Tipping general contractors is not a standard practice or expectation. However, if a contractor has provided exceptional service, some homeowners choose to offer additional compensation as a token of appreciation.

The choice to tip is entirely up to you and based on your satisfaction with the completed project.

Can You Act as Your Own General Contractor?

You can act as your own general contractor, given you have the time and resources to manage subcontractors and handle permits.

Doing so can potentially save you money. However, hiring a professional general contractor can simplify the process.

They bring experience, expertise, and a trusted network of subcontractors, which can save you considerable time and hassle.