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What Does a General Contractor Do?
General contractors plan, budget and manage construction projects ranging from small-scale residential work to large commercial builds. They often supervise several tradespeople, including plumbers, HVAC contractors and electricians, ensuring the project is completed on time and within budget.
A good general contractor has a great eye for detail and can handle the complexities of any building project. Their experience will help you make the most of your home renovation or addition, while ensuring the finished product meets all quality standards and is up to code.
They are licensed in most states and have insurance to protect your investment if something goes wrong. They also have a thorough safety program in place that covers everything from trenching to cranes and heavy equipment.
Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but most require a degree in construction management or architecture. A GC must be able to prove their credentials through education, training and experience, as well as pass an exam.
The job is a challenge, as it requires extensive communication skills and the ability to motivate workers in many different trades. It also involves managing multiple projects simultaneously and keeping everyone on the same schedule.
In this role, you may find yourself in the middle of a busy construction site, where things can go off track due to unexpected delays or weather conditions. This means you need to be prepared and able to adapt quickly, but it can also mean making a lot of changes to your original plans.
Your responsibilities include managing the subcontractors on the jobsite, obtaining all necessary permits and licenses, arranging for utilities and ensuring that construction is being done in accordance with the rules of the local authorities. You also need to ensure that the project stays on time and meets the required quality standards.
Having the right credentials is important, but the ability to meet your clients face to face and listen to their needs is key. You will need to be a people person who is flexible, willing to take criticism and make adjustments.
You should also be able to communicate clearly with your clients and provide them with a detailed project plan. This will help to keep the project on track and allow you to avoid costly mistakes.
A strong relationship with your clients is important, as it helps you build a reputation and get repeat business. It also ensures that you stay on schedule and have a positive work environment.
The general contractor role is an excellent way to start a construction career, as it allows you to become involved in a hands-on and challenging career. It’s an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to help people in the community, while providing a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The demand for general contractors is expected to increase in coming years. This is because the industry has a lot of new construction and remodeling projects to tackle, especially in the residential sector. It’s an increasingly diverse field, with a wide range of jobs available.
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