The Importance of General Contractors

Licensed general contractors  | Pr Design oversee the top-level, big-picture facets of construction projects. They are the ones who turn blueprints and renderings into actual buildings. GCs are also responsible for ensuring that all workers get paid and that the project stays on schedule.

Getting licensed as a general contractor isn’t an easy feat. It requires years of hands-on apprentice training and some amount of formal education.

  Project Management

GCs manage the construction site, overseeing subcontractors who complete the specialized work. They also complete a portion of the construction work themselves and may be responsible for estimating costs and hiring a project manager (CM).

The exact scope of a GC’s responsibilities depends on the design-build or other project delivery method. Generally, a GC is hired at the close of the design phase and then manages the project through completion.

Some GCs own their own construction businesses and hire staff who specialize in completing different aspects of a building’s design and construction. Others are employed by a firm, which specializes in design-build and other project delivery methods. GCs with their own firms often have bachelor’s degrees in construction management or engineering. They also have extensive experience in the construction industry.

Budgeting

General contractors are a crucial part of any construction project. They’re responsible for managing a building’s overall scope and are the go-between between property owners and everyone who brings the project to life, from materials suppliers to specialty contractors. GCs may also serve as design managers or lead foremen on the job site.

General contractors usually run their own businesses and hire subcontractors to complete specialized construction work. They also handle budgeting, scheduling, and permit applications. Using a general contractor is a great way to save time and money on a home improvement project. They can provide you with a detailed plan, recruit the best crew, and complete the job on time. Their projects have been featured in magazines like Veranda and Interior Design.

Permits

New York general contractors know how to work within the city’s strict building codes and the unique requirements of luxury home renovation. They have created penthouse apartments in the most spectacular high-rises, exquisite estates in the Hamptons, and contemporary townhomes in the heart of New York City.

GCs can also serve as project managers, taking on the responsibilities of a construction manager and coordinating the various stages of a project. This has a benefit for the project owner as it may alleviate the sometimes adversarial relationships between the architect, general contractor, and construction manager.

If you’re looking for a trusted general contractor in New York, browse Houzz’s extensive network to find the professional that best fits your vision and budget. You can easily request quotes, view photos of their past work and read reviews to make the right choice.

Subcontractors

As a general contractor, you may be able to hire subcontractors to complete tasks on your construction projects. This strategy can increase output and improve quality without increasing the cost of hiring permanent employees. However, you need to be careful about the types of subcontractors you choose.

When looking for subcontractors, you should ask people in your industry about their experiences. It is also important to understand how a subcontractor’s business structure works. This can affect how they manage labor time capturing, reporting, and compliance. Additionally, you should be sure that the subcontractor is bonded and has workers’ compensation insurance. If not, you might face material man’s liens on your project. This is a serious issue that can threaten your reputation. As a general contractor, you should avoid using unbondable subcontractors.