General Contractor is responsible for making a client’s vision come to life. They have a range of skills and experience that include woodworking, cabinetry, tile work, plumbing and electrical.
They prioritize open communication and realistic expectations in the face of city regulations and busy schedules. They also excel at managing budgets and timelines in a fast-paced urban environment.
A GC is an individual or company that specializes in overseeing large construction projects from start to finish. These projects are often complex and require a number of different trades, from carpentry to painting. For this reason, the GC typically works with a team of subcontractors to supply the manual labor needed to complete the project. The GC is responsible for coordinating, managing and dynamically responding to roadblocks during construction to ensure the job stays on schedule.
One of the first tasks a GC takes on during construction is planning. This involves creating a blueprint for the project, breaking it down into manageable segments and setting deadlines to implement these phases. This helps prevent cost overruns, delays, and rework. This process also allows the GC to create a workable budget for the project.
Depending on the delivery method of the project, the GC may also be involved in the design process. For example, in a design-build project, the GC will work closely with the architect to create a final design that can be implemented during construction. In a design-bid-build project, the GC will take on the role of architect and manager and manage both the design and building phases of the project.
The GC is also responsible for sourcing all the materials, equipment and services necessary to complete the project on time and within budget. This is generally done by hiring a team of subcontractors that specialize in specific trades such as concrete, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. The GC will then supervise the work to make sure it is being performed properly and that all relevant safety standards are being followed.
In some cases, the GC will use a team of financial management professionals to handle accounting, bookkeeping, and overall financial management for the project. Keeping the entire project within budget is a critical task to ensure a successful outcome and that the GC can turn a profit on the project.
Whether working under a Lump Sum or Stipulated Sum contract, the GC will review the drawings and scope of work for the project, then get quotes from qualified specialized subcontractors for each portion of the work to be completed, add in their own overhead costs, and submit a quote. This is where they will earn their profit on the project and any savings realized become additional profit.
Execution
After creating a comprehensive plan, a General Contractor must execute it and turn the plans into tangible results. This is where the actual construction begins, so it’s important that the GC and specialty contractors have a clear understanding of how their work will be coordinated and executed with other contractors on site. If everyone follows the plans closely and keeps to schedule and budget, the project should be completed with few problems.
Execution is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it’s often used in different contexts to mean different things. For example, in business, it’s commonly used to describe the successful implementation of a strategy or business plan. A well-executed plan can lead to increased profits, market share growth, and overall organizational success.
In the legal context, execution refers to the process of carrying out a court-ordered judgment, such as the execution of a will or the death penalty. It can also be used to refer to the performance of a task or activity, such as the creative execution of a ballet or a musical piece.
The GC and specialty contractors will kick off the project by holding preconstruction meetings. At these meetings, all parties review the plans so they understand their roles and how their work will fit into the larger project. They will purchase and order all the materials, parts, and equipment they’ll need to complete their portions of the project. They’ll also set up their work crews and labor management plans.
Effective execution requires flexibility and a strong commitment to the project’s goals. The GC and specialty contractors must be prepared to adapt and adjust their approach as circumstances change, and they must stay committed to the project’s outcome even when challenges arise. This is why it’s important to have a communication plan in place that allows them to share information easily and efficiently, whether they’re at the jobsite on mobile devices or in their offices on desktop computers.
Supervision
Supervision is a key function of the General Contractor. They are responsible for taking the design created by the architect and making it a reality. They are hands-on with the project daily and have a large financial stake in the outcome of the project. GC’s are typically in charge of planning the design’s execution, overseeing materials procurement and organizing labor for the job. Construction managers, in contrast, do not deal with these issues as they act as oversight for the GC during the design phase and take on less risk.
To be successful in the role of a General Contractor, a supervisor must have high moral standards. This is crucial for the success of the project. They need to be able to make ethical decisions and not hide information from others, especially subcontractors. This is one of the reasons why the AGC offers Supervisory Training Program courses to help new and existing supervisors.
During the course, participants learn how to develop and improve their supervisory skills and leadership potential. They also identify career options that can be pursued after completion of the program. Whether they are looking to move up the ladder or start their own company, the knowledge they gain from this program will benefit them.
Supervisory skills are vital for the success of any construction company. Ineffective supervision leads to poor quality workmanship, a higher project cost and an inefficient work process. A good supervisor will ensure that projects are built in a safe and healthy work environment and will prevent any health, safety or legal risks from occurring.
In addition to ensuring that the project is completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, supervisors must be able to provide continuous supervision of the construction site. They should be able to manage the schedule, supervise the performance of the work and resolve conflicts in a timely manner. Supervisory training programs will also cover topics such as how to handle problems, problem-solving strategies, processes and more.
It is important that supervisors understand that they have a duty to safeguard the workplace, including employees, vendors and customers. They should also know that they can be held liable for any injuries sustained on the job site. Besides being knowledgeable about these areas, supervisors should also be familiar with how they can reduce their risk of liability.
Management
Large construction projects require a lot of raw materials and building components. GCs ensure that this process remains streamlined by handling all the intricacies such as vendor sourcing, quotes, capacities, quality work, turnaround times and more. It is also the responsibility of a GC to make sure that there is a strong communication channel among different project units for smooth and glitch-free working throughout the construction phase.
For example, a GC will handle the entire communication infrastructure for the project with all different vendors and subcontractors. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding what needs to be done and when. It will also help in keeping the team members and project stakeholders updated on what is going on.
As the head of all the contractors and tradespeople on a project, a GC will oversee the overall progress and quality of work. This will include ensuring that the project is completed in accordance with the scope and specifications laid out by the client. GCs will also be responsible for resolving any issues that may arise during the construction process.
Another responsibility is to manage the schedule. This includes planning all tasks and setting deadlines. GCs will use the design documents and the scope of work to create a schedule that is in line with the project’s budget and timeline. They will also be responsible for coordinating all the other aspects of the construction process such as procurement, permits, and inspections.
Lastly, a GC will be responsible for budgeting and cost estimation. This will be an important part of the project management process and can save a lot of money by minimizing costs. It will also be helpful in preventing cost overruns and minimizing risk for the project owner.
One of the biggest challenges for GCs is the challenge of balancing the cost of construction with the desire to generate profit. This is especially true for commercial general contractors who often operate on a fixed-price basis. The best way to minimize this risk is by establishing a good relationship with your clients and taking the time to understand their needs and preferences.