Bigger projects, such as having your own home built, can involve multiple contractors for each separate element of the project, and it can quickly become stressful and complex. However, instead of hiring a tradesman for each specific job, such as electrical installations, roofing, plumbing, and even carpeting, painting and decorating, there is a way to simplify things, by hiring a general contractor.
Meaning that you can leave the many different aspects of your construction project to one responsible individual, hiring a general contractor is a fantastic way to save time, stress and a whole lot of energy, and it can save you money, too; here’s how:
What is the definition of a general contractor?
They are defined as the individual responsible for providing all the materials, labor, equipment and services required for each construction project, and they typically hire (or have on their team) specialized subcontractors to perform different elements of the work.
What will your general contractor do for you?
Their role is to oversee the daily operations of the entire project and act as the main point of contact for every party involved. Taking complete control of the project, they will hire the specialist subcontractors to carry out each task (they may even have their own tradespeople), and schedule and plan each individual stage of the project.
General contractors are companies or individuals who specialize in commercial and residential construction projects, and have a sound understanding and working knowledge of the entire industry. They will be trained, qualified, licensed, bonded an insured, and if they’re not, do not hire them!
How a general contractor can help your construction project
Unless you have construction experience, are used to dealing with multiple tradespeople on a regular experience, and have a lot of time available, hiring a general contractor is always going to make your project run more smoothly, and efficiently. Should you attempt to manage a big construction yourself, you run the risk of overpaying, getting overcharged, and even of having work not be completed to a high enough standard, as if you’re inexperienced, you won’t know what to expect and what problems to look out for. Then there are building codes and regulations: if work is completed that isn’t up to code, you could face fines from the relevant building authority and perhaps more worryingly, run the risk of your home not being safe for you and your family. When you hire a general contractor, they’ll inspect the work at every stage, and ensure that everything meets the necessary requirements.
At the end of the day, an experienced and professionally trained eye – such as that owned by a general contractor – could end up saving you hundreds of dollars on your construction project, and they’ll almost certainly save you a truckload of stress!
