Whether building a posh house or an assisted living facility, a GC must adhere to strict standards of ethics. This includes fair treatment of subcontractors and transparent communication with clients.
General Contractors In Nashville TN must also be adept at preparing project budgets and accurately estimating costs using tools like BIM. This ensures that projects will be completed within a predetermined timeframe and cost.
The role of project management is an all-encompassing one, overseeing the entire project. This includes the design and construction phase of a building, ensuring all aspects are completed for the owner safely, on time and within budget.
Project managers play a major role in the initial planning stages, with involvement spanning from the early stages of project development to post-construction evaluations. They are involved in setting the budget and timelines and collaborating with the architect to ensure the design vision is carried out during construction.
They also work with the CMs and PMs on value engineering, suggesting cost-saving measures without compromising quality, and resource allocation. At higher levels, they can help in the selection of a contractor and negotiate pricing terms.
Construction management is their bread and butter, though they don’t directly manage the GCs or construction workers on site. They will usually recommend subcontractors and work with them on a planning level to determine the best resources for a specific task. They may even be responsible for putting together the team for the job, depending on the size of the project.
GCs, on the other hand, handle the actual brick-and-mortar tasks on a day-to-day basis, working with subcontractors to execute daily tasks. They bring in the superintendents, foremen and other key players to manage the workflow and ensure all building processes are completed accurately and safely. They are also responsible for managing the overall project schedule and resolving any issues that arise throughout the process.
They will also be heavily involved in obtaining the necessary permits, ensuring compliance with local regulations and maintaining all standards on the jobsite. Once the project is complete, they supervise the final inspections and compile all documentation (warranty docs, manuals etc) required for the building to be handed over to the owner.
Scheduling
The construction industry has a number of roles that contribute to executing project scope on time, within budget, and safely. General contractors and specialty contractors are two of the main categories, and understanding their responsibilities and differences is crucial to completing projects on time, on budget, and at the highest quality.
A GC is responsible for the overall project management, including scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination with trade contractors. They often have experience working on large, complex projects and are familiar with local building codes and regulations. In addition, GCs oversee the budget and ensure that expenses stay under control throughout the project.
Specialty contractors, or subcontractors, are skilled professionals who perform specific tasks like electrical work, plumbing, or drywall installation. They are often hired by a GC or construction management firm, but they can also be hired directly by a property developer or construction project owner. They have expertise in their field and are able to offer detailed execution, delivering high-quality results.
Safety is a key responsibility for both GCs and SCs, but their approach to safety differs slightly. GCs are responsible for implementing and enforcing site-wide safety measures, while specialty contractors ensure that their own work adheres to the standards of their particular trade.
For both GCs and SCs, having access to tools that streamline construction project management is critical to success. Platforms that enable document sharing, scheduling, and real-time tracking help to improve communication, collaboration, and efficiency. In addition, GCs should consider investing in solutions that allow them to manage construction bids, track changes, and ensure subcontractor work aligns with their expectations. This is especially important for projects that require a high degree of complexity, such as new home construction or renovations.
Budgeting
GCs are responsible for project budgeting, as well as negotiating with vendors and subcontractors to keep costs in line. They also ensure their team is adequately trained to handle all aspects of the job. This includes ensuring that they are qualified, experienced, and understand the safety standards they must comply with while onsite. In addition, they must ensure that the job is completed within the projected time and cost, while minimizing quality issues.
This involves scheduling the project and coordinating with the team to make sure all materials arrive on time and are delivered according to plan. It also involves coordinating with the client and making sure they are satisfied with progress and schedule. It’s important for GCs to have the right construction software for estimating, progress billing, and project management so that they can track costs and provide real-time updates on their progress.
A reputable GC can help their clients with the planning process, including helping them select materials and design features that will enhance the overall look of the finished product. In addition, they can help with the permitting process and ensure that all the work meets local codes and regulations.
Having a great GC is essential for any home improvement project, no matter the size. In addition to the skillset they bring to a project, they can offer valuable insights into potential issues and problems that may arise during a build and how to overcome them. In addition, they can provide recommendations on the best approach to completing the job, ensuring it is done correctly, on time, and under budget. They can even help with insurance needs, ensuring the company has the appropriate coverage for the job.
Contract Negotiation
GC’s are experts at managing multiple aspects of construction projects from start to finish. They coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure project goals are met in a timely manner. They also communicate with owners, clients, and other stakeholders to address concerns and resolve issues on the job site. This ensures the project stays on track and doesn’t lose momentum.
One of the most challenging tasks for a general contractor is handling contract negotiations. It’s essential to find common ground that benefits both parties, but it’s equally important to stand firm on non-negotiable items. For example, if you need specific insurance clauses to protect yourself from risks, be willing to walk away from a deal that doesn’t meet your needs.
As a general contractor, you need to be familiar with the standard terms of contracts used in the industry. One good place to start is with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which hosts a library of templates. These documents are recognized as the most commonly-used and updated resources for drafting construction contracts.
In addition to negotiating, you must also be proficient at interpreting architectural blueprints and engineering drawings. This is critical for ensuring the right materials are used and that all work meets industry standards. Whether you’re building a new home or performing a major renovation, an experienced team of professionals can help you save time and money by minimizing the number of mistakes and oversights that can occur during construction. This allows you to complete your project on budget and on time. Choosing between a GC and CM depends on your project’s scope, complexity, and the level of control you want to have.
Safety
The safety of construction workers is a top priority for most general contractors. This is because they understand that a safe worksite can lead to a better reputation and more jobs down the line. As a result, they implement and enforce robust safety protocols on all of their projects. In addition, they also provide specialized training for novice contractors, who are at an increased risk of injury on the jobsite.
They also use fences, signs, and cameras to keep unauthorized people off the site. This helps protect the safety of everyone working on the project and reduces the chances of theft or property damage. They also track all injuries, close calls, and accidents and address them immediately to prevent recurrence.
GCs are in charge of hiring subcontractors and make sure the right professionals for each part of a project are hired. They also make sure all paperwork related to the project is up-to-date and that workers’ compensation insurance, general liability insurance and other important policies are in good standing.
As a result, a GC’s role is vital to the success of any construction project. They ensure that the final product is built on time, within budget, and in compliance with all city specs and laws. In addition, they coordinate with architects and clients to realize a customer’s vision.
While getting your foot in the door with larger GCs can be challenging, learning about their safety protocols is a must. This will help you prepare to offer your services to a wider range of customers. In addition, ProfitDig makes it easy for you to account for the cost of safety in your job bids. Try our free online tool today!