A general contractor, principal contractor, or independent general contractor is in charge of the day-to-day oversight of a commercial construction site, coordination of trades and vendors, and communicating details to all involved parties through the duration of a project. General Contractor performs a vital service to project managers, architects, engineers, and landlords; it is often considered the most logical choice when seeking skilled craftspersons with appropriate skill sets. The benefits of hiring a general contractor to complete a project are plentiful. The services are so valuable that they are being utilized more by contractors all over the world.
* Cost Advantage – When a general contractor takes on a job, he can take advantage of the best price deal on labor. Since most construction projects involve multiple trades and multiple individuals, it is often necessary to hire additional help to perform various tasks that a single person would typically perform. For example, if one builder does not know how to install interior windows properly, he should get the job done at a fair price with no problems. This will save the client money and time and allow the general contractor to focus on what he does best. Clients also appreciate having the ability to have confidence that someone has their best interests in mind.
* Quality Control – A critical benefit of working with a general contractor is the ability to have a level of quality control over the construction work. Since most work is subcontracted, numerous vendors are responsible for providing subcontracted materials, equipment, labor, and other services. Working with a general contractor allows you to control everything that goes into your project from beginning to end, meaning that clients can have complete confidence in the work that is done.
* Step One – Obtain Your Construction Company’s Original Proof of Qualification. To begin any construction project, you must receive the construction documents (such as an original construction plan) that clearly show that the general contractor and his company are fully qualified to take on the project. If a general contractor is willing to submit an original copy of this proof of qualification, then you are likely dealing with a reputable and honest contractor. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous contractors will choose not to submit an original document proving their qualifications. If this happens to you, it is essential to call the company and immediately demand that they offer an initial certification or letter confirming their suitability to handle your project.
* Step Two – Obtain the Letter of Intent. When contracting, both the attorney and the property owner must agree on the scope of the work. The attorney must file a particular form known as an intent to perform. In this form, the general contractor must provide a clear outline of his project. The state should include a detailed list of all materials used in the project, a complete list of the workers that will be employed, and a description of the schedule for completion. To ensure that your attorney receives the proper documentation, it is recommended that he or she requests an original signed letter from the general contractor.
* Step Three – Establishing a Work Schedule. When the general contractor begins any job, he or she must establish a realistic timeline detailing how many days, if any, there will be work on the project. For larger jobs, the general contractor may be required to provide an additional invoice covering the extra days during the career.
* Step Four – Hiring the Prime Contractor. Once the general contractor has established a realistic timeline and has a list of the types of tasks to be completed, the general contractor and his or her crew can search for local subcontractors that can meet the specific type of work you need to do. Subcontractors can be located through various resources, including newspapers, online directories, real estate agents, and company contacts.
The ultimate goal for both you and your general contractor is to have the construction projects you are working on completed in the most efficient manner possible. Having a solid relationship with your subcontractors will save time, avoid delays, maximize profits, and keep everything moving forward without any problems. Working with a company that you already have a positive business relationship with will ensure that your projects run smoothly and efficiently every day. By hiring a qualified general contractor, you will be able to rest easy knowing that your entire project will be handled with care and expertise.