The construction industry is one of the world’s largest and most complex industries, requiring numerous trades and professions to come together to complete projects. At the center of it, all are general contractors. They coordinate and manage the other professionals involved in a project, ensuring that the work is completed on time, within budget, and according to code. In this article, we will explore some of the major roles and responsibilities of general contractors.
Clients, contractors, and management teams typically comprise a commercial construction project. In order to complete a project within the set time frame and budget, a commercial contractor needs to plan and coordinate the overall construction activities. It is the general contractor’s responsibility to oversee the entire construction process. For the project to be completed as defined, they must identify the most appropriate methods.
What Is A General Contractor?
General contractors plan, execute, oversee, and inspect construction projects. The project manager’s responsibility extends from the beginning to the end, regardless of the project’s size.
To fulfill their duties, general contractors must plan actions, manage employees, and follow all local laws and codes. Additionally, general contractors may hire subcontractors for specialized jobs, such as HVAC and electrical work.
What General Contractors Do; Specific Roles And Responsibilities
There are different responsibilities for general contractors, depending on the type of contract. In various project stages, they can play specific roles, which we will examine here.
Project Tracking
To comply with contract schedules and terms, project tracking is necessary.
There are several complementary actions involved in this:
- Maintaining quality
- Utilizing cost-effective construction methods
- Plan ahead for material purchases and ensure a steady supply
- Maintaining a safe and healthy construction site
When a routine construction process is underway, the contractor must track progress and handle significant changes. Whenever they make decisions, they need to keep the project’s budget, scope, and time in mind.
Project Planning
Construction projects are usually completed with a master schedule detailing all tasks, their time allocations, and their estimated budget.
General contractors design project plans with the purpose of delivering them on time.
Project planning entails the following responsibilities:
- The planning and implementation of all major aspects of the project
- Procuring materials and equipment according to specifications
- Identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them
- Meeting regulatory and legal requirements
- Engaging all participants in effective communication
In construction projects, the contractor is responsible for establishing and following a budget. In construction projects, the contractor is responsible for establishing and following a budget. Their actual expenses can be compared with the proposed budget to distinguish waste.
Project Management
As part of the construction management process, contractors must complete their projects on time. This involves specific tasks, including the following:
- Materials procurement and providing on-site
- Selecting and pre qualifying subcontractors for specialized work
- Assuring that all construction equipment and tools are available for the project
- Preparation of progress reports for justifying intermediate payments
- Keeping the project moving forward by ensuring that funds are available
As general contractors, it is their responsibility to ensure that their staff has the right technical skills and abilities. The company also manages payroll for its employees and subcontractors.
Health And Safety Concerns
By implementing the right measures and training workers, the contractor ensures health and safety. Additionally, they must ensure that equipment is operated correctly to prevent accidents caused by misuse.
Legal And Regulatory Concerns
There are a few legal and regulatory responsibilities that general contractors must fulfill. Prior to starting a project, all required licenses and permits must be obtained. A code of conduct and local laws must also be followed during the entire construction process.
In conclusion, general contractors play an integral role in the construction process. They are responsible for handling a variety of tasks, such as managing subcontractors, performing inspections, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. General contractors also provide a valuable source of information to clients, helping them make informed decisions about the project. With their knowledge and experience, they can help ensure that the project is not only successful but also safe and compliant with local regulations.
