Understanding the Role of a General Contractor in Construction

Overview of General Contractors

Definition and Importance

A general contractor is the person or company responsible for looking after the day to day running of a construction project, managing sub-contractors & trade workers. Their main job is to see that the project gets done on time, within budget, and to the agreed spec, with the general contractor typically responsible for managing all aspects of the construction process. In short, a general contractor is your central point of contact during the whole build, coordinating every aspect from start to finish. If you’re planning on building or renovating a property, it’s really worth understanding the role of a general contractor, as their expertise will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the construction industry. Typically, a general contractor will hold a licence, which is a mark of their qualifications and a sign that they adhere to industry standards. They are also responsible for getting all the required permits & following local building codes.

Types of General Contractors

The construction industry is pretty diverse and there are lots of different types of projects — so it stands to reason that there are many different types of general contractors too. The sort of general contractor you need will mostly depend on the scale and type of your construction project, so its worth doing some research and finding a general contractor with the right level of experience & a good portfolio in your specific area of need.

General Contractor vs Construction Manager

While both a general contractor and a construction manager play important roles in a construction project, their functions and contracts are totally different, with the general contractor typically responsible for on-site management. Here’s a comparison of their main responsibilities and contractual models, highlighting how a general contractor typically manages subcontractors.

Full story: What Does a General Contractor Do?