What Does A General Contractor Do: Ultimate Guide For Homeowners

If you’re planning to build a new custom home or embark upon a large-scale remodeling project on your current residence, one of the key decisions you’ll face early on is whether or not to hire a general contractor. But what does a general contractor actually do? And why might you need one for your construction work? 

For you, the homeowners, we’ll explore today everything from the responsibilities of general contractors to their impactful benefits. Whether you’re looking for simple repairs or undertaking complex renovations, understanding what goes into working with (or as) a general contractor can help keep your project running smoothly.

Who is a general contractor?

A general contractor (GC) is the professional responsible for overseeing construction projects. From home construction to large commercial buildings, a GC manages every aspect of a project from start to finish. These include hiring and managing subcontractors, securing necessary permits and inspections, and scheduling workers’ shifts on-site from beginning to end.

Homeowners looking for ways to streamline their renovation or building processes often hire a general contractor. Furthermore, licensed contractors are trained in many areas of building codes, which can save time and money.

Types of General Contractors

There are different types of general contractors, all of which specialize in different areas of construction work. Some common examples include:

• Residential general contractors work on home building and remodeling projects.
• Commercial general contractors construct buildings such as office space or retail stores.
• Industrial and heavy civil construction contractors provide specialized services like elevator installation.

In some states, a licensed general contractor can perform any type of work related to home renovation or construction.

What is the advantage of a general contractor?

Hiring a general contractor can offer numerous advantages for your building or remodeling project. Here are just a few benefits of working with these experienced professionals:

– GC oversees the entire construction process from start to finish, staying on per with construction manager

– They hire and manage subcontractors suited perfectly to the job’s requirements

– Ensuring permits related code compliance, avoiding legal issues  

– Maintaining safety standards at the worksite 

– Saving owners time and allowing for peace of mind

If you’re looking for ways to simplify your home construction projects while ensuring top-quality results, always try collaborating with an expert general contractor.

What does a general contractor do?

A general contractor handles many tasks throughout the construction process and beyond. These may include obtaining building permits, hiring subcontractors such as electricians or plumbers, and negotiating with suppliers to get the best materials and prices available for their clients. 

But they can be hired both at the design phase of a project and from start to finish.

A general contractor is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations on-site while ensuring that work is progressing according to plan. Plus, they manage budgets by closely monitoring expenditures, including labor costs and more. 

A general contractor may also schedule deadlines for necessary inspections that are state-regulated, like asbestos removal building codes. 

Qualities of a Good General Contractor

A seasoned general contractor should encompass numerous essential traits that make them ideal for handling your contracting projects. Work experience, communication skills, patience, and problem-solving ability are all important attributes of successful contractors. 

In many states, general contractors must follow strict licensing requirements that can help ensure they have met investigative background checks that reflect personal integrity. While it is not realistic to expect perfection in every aspect, there are plenty of things that variable personalities could possess. 

When do you need a general contractor?

Homeowners should consider hiring a general contractor for any construction project that requires multiple professional trades. That may include electricians or plumbers, as these individuals may not necessarily have licensing requirements. 

If your building project involves specialty work that an average handyman cannot perform, such as roofing or elevator installation, you need to think about a contractor.  

Also, homeowners who still have good intentions often tend to underestimate the task’s seriousness due to their lack of experience. They could use some assistance from GCs. Not only does it help minimize issues during construction, but it also saves time and money in the long run. That too while getting their dream home finished faster!

Tips for Working with a General Contractor

Working with a general contractor can be a smooth and relatively stress-free process, so long as you’re willing to put in the effort. To optimize your experience, there are some key tips that homeowners should follow when working on their home construction projects:

Firstly, always get everything in writing: from permits to timeline estimates and material purchase agreements between local suppliers. Clarity is essential.

Secondly, set clear expectations before undertaking any work; having an open line of communication between you and your design team will avoid misunderstandings down the road.

Finally, make decisions ahead of time. Having an outlined plan for project scope work at every stage of completion will keep things moving forward according to schedule.

Remember to stay focused on big-picture objectives while valuing daily progress reports for peace of mind. With these suggestions in mind, homeowners should have no trouble finding common ground with their GCs!

How to Hire a General Contractor

When it comes to hiring a general contractor, there are some critical steps homeowners can take. Firstly, seek out friends and referrals from trusted people. Word-of-mouth evidence is the best way to find reliable information on your potential GC.

The next step includes researching their online presence with BBB reports (Better Business Bureau) and checking references of past clients or subcontractors acquired so far.

After getting the list narrowed down, call or schedule meetings with them and communicate thoroughly about their working style. Ask about previous projects carried out, like designs they have followed before, etc. Check out their contractor licenses too!

You must choose someone who fits your budget range but is also equally skilled in handling even the smallest tasks with safety measures. Keep in mind that investing time upfront will be more beneficial in securing quality work done within desired timelines by reputable licensed contractors.

General Contractor Hourly Rate

The cost of hiring a general contractor will depend on the size and scope of your project. Generally speaking, most general contractors charge an hourly rate ranging from $50 to $100 per hour or more. Homeowners should carefully evaluate their budget for construction work in order to set realistic expectations.

There may also be additional costs associated with permitting and code compliance, which can vary depending on local regulations.

Why Choose Brewer Built LLC as Your General Contractor

If you are planning to hire a general contractor for your building or renovation project in Minnetonka and the surrounding areas, choosing Brewer Built LLC will be an excellent option! As expert custom home builders and deck contractors, we believe that quality work begins with quality materials. 

We provide exactly that every time, as well as personalized attention to detail, starting from designing infrastructure all the way up to construction management. We prioritize taking your ideas and bringing them gloriously to life.

Our licensed general contractors are experienced in overseeing projects of various sizes while staying within budget constraints. We never compromise on communication throughout any phase of our services.

Working with Brewer Built LLC means receiving reliable results rooted in dedicated hard work. Look no further than Minnetonka’s reputable experts when considering future construction—call us today!

Conclusion

Overall, general contractors play an instrumental role in bringing construction projects to life. Navigating all aspects of these complex endeavors can be daunting for most homeowners. 

However, by hiring a qualified contractor and taking necessary measures (such as verifying their permit or license credentials), you can ensure that your project is completed efficiently and on time, within budget or expectation, and ease concerns about unexpected pitfalls along the way from start to finish.

Don’t hesitate; hire the right contractor services today!