General Contractors or GCs, are construction professionals.  They have the ability to organize and manage a remodeling or construction project.  A GC oversee projects from beginning to end.  They handle every aspect of the project and also serve as the main point of contact between all parties.  The general contractor ensures all parties involved maintain clear and effective communication.  General Contractors must address all progress or concerns as soon as they are presented.  Overall, their job is to make sure the project becomes a complete success.  Learn how to find a good General Contractor.

General Contractor Responsibilities

A General Contractors must oversee every aspect of the project.  Because a general contractor is the main point of contact for all parties involved,  effective communication with the GC is crucial.   General Contractor oversee all aspects of the project, however, they can be hired to only oversee the construction phase.  Some homeowners provide their own architects and designers.  In this case, they only need a GC to help with the construction process.  In addition,  they offer services from budgeting to project completion.  They have a full team of professionals to assist with the project.

The following are the main responsibilities of a GC:

Planning and Budgeting

General Contractors start by defining clear objectives and establishing a budget.  They work with architects and designers to stay within budget .  Architects and designers have a good idea on remodeling and construction prices, but they are not responsible for knowing exact costs.  General Contractors contribute by having a firm understanding of all of the costs involved.

Team Building

The GC is responsible for assembling the most qualified team for the project.  Teams consist of architects, engineers, designers, subcontractors and inspectors.  The general contractor oversees the team’s work and ensures everyone completes their tasks successfully.  Ultimately, the General Contractor is responsible for every aspect of the project.

Design

During the design phase, the General contractor works closely with the design team.  They detail materials, finishes and construction phases.  When a designer wants make structural modifications, they must consult with the general contractor about budgeting, timelines and possibilities.  This way, structural modifications can be approved or denied.  Therefore, they can guide the designers on dos and don’ts on structural modifications.  Sometime an architect can make design mistakes and a general contractor should be able to catch the mistake before it becomes a problem.

Permits

It is necessary to obtain permits.  In fact, different projects require different permits.  City and states require the general contractor to provide licensed professionals such as a licensed plumber, a licensed electrician and a licensed HVAC contractor to pull permits for their portion of the project.  In addition, the General Contractor will pull the demo and building permits.  Projects must be completed according to building code and regulations.  Therefore, the GC must ensure all work is completed to the highest standards.

Management and Team Building

In order to ensure a smooth and successful project, the general contractor will hire and schedule qualified subcontractors and workers.  The following are management responsibilities:

• Keep everyone informed on the project process.
• Address all concerns promptly and swiftly.
• Do daily quality control.
• Timely material procurement.
• Maintain accurate payroll.
• Schedule teams accordingly.
• Inspect Plumbing to be code compliant.
• Electrical must be to code compliant.
• Electrical must have proper locations.
• Framing must be to code.
• Properly installed insulation.
• Properly installed carpentry.
• Inspect before and after every portion of the project.
• Maintain the budget throughout the entire project.

Completion

The general contractor coordinates the final inspections with local authorities.  Also, a walkthrough with the homeowner will be conducted.  During  this walkthrough, the client will inspect the work and craftsmanship in order to receive final payment.  The client may create a punch list during the walkthrough which is a list of items that need touch ups or fixing such as scratches on finishes or misaligned finishes.

In summary, the General Contractor oversees the project from beginning to end.  This takes a great load off the homeowners shoulders.  In Addition, Archer Pro is an amazing General Contractor who will take your project t o the next level.  Call Archer Pro at 832-264-5736.  We make sure your project is a complete success.