If you’re considering a home remodel or building your dream house, it’s crucial to work with licensed professionals. General contractors coordinate and oversee the construction process. They ensure the project is completed within a given timeline and meets city specs and codes.
They also manage subcontractors and suppliers to ensure the work is of high quality. Here are some reasons why hiring a general contractor is key to a successful construction project:
Cost-Effectiveness
Although you may think that hiring a general contractor is going to cost more, it could end up saving you money in the long run. They are able to help you estimate the budget for your project, taking into consideration the price of labor, materials, tools, and equipment. They also understand city specs, permits, inspections, and other costs and fees that are associated with construction.
In addition to coordinating and scheduling subcontractors, a general contractor also handles communication with them, ensuring they are paid on time and that their work is up to code. This can significantly reduce the risk of payment delays and other issues that are common in the construction process.
While choosing a general contractor based solely on their lowest bid might seem like a smart financial decision, it can often lead to less than satisfactory results. For example, a lack of experience or poor communication can result in missed deadlines and a finished product that isn’t up to standard.
When selecting a general contractor, choose one who is honest and has a reputation for reliability. They should be able to return your initial calls or emails promptly and communicate clearly about the project at hand. They should also offer warranties on their workmanship and insurance policies that cover property damage and worker injury during the project.
Time-Saving
The GC can help keep the project moving on schedule. They’ll have a good grasp of your timeline and budget and will manage all the moving parts to ensure that the project is completed on time. They can provide updates and offer feedback to guide the process and resolve any issues.
They’ll do regular site visits to monitor progress, coordinate with subcontractors, and perform quality inspections. They’ll also handle any permitting issues that might pop up and secure lien waivers as needed, which can save you a lot of headache and time in the long run.
In addition, a GC will collate quotes from subcontractors to get an idea of what it will cost to complete the job. They’ll then add on their overhead to form a final quote that is the price you will be charged to do the work.
Moreover, GCs have access to discounted materials thanks to their established relationships with suppliers. This allows them to save a significant amount of money that they can then pass on to you. The savings can add up to a significant sum of money that will help drive your project forward and ensure that it stays within budget. This is especially important when you consider that the costs of a construction project can escalate very quickly.
Detailed Planning
Licensed general contractors are able to bring their expertise to the project, ensuring that it’s completed according to plan. They will make sure that timelines are met and that budget constraints are adhered to, which could save the owner significant headaches down the road. They also have established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, allowing them to get materials at wholesale prices, which can help cut costs.
They will ensure that all the necessary building permits are in place, which can avoid costly legal quagmires down the line. They will also be able to anticipate problems that may arise during construction and come up with solutions ahead of time. This level of detail and precision makes a contractor much more valuable than someone who is attempting to manage the process on their own.
When selecting a contractor, make sure that they have a solid reputation and past projects. Take the time to interview candidates and discuss their skill set, experience, and expectations. A contractor with a strong portfolio of successful projects should be able to provide you with the quality work that you require. You should also ask about the amount of insurance coverage they carry, as this will protect you if something goes wrong during the construction process. In addition, a reputable contractor will keep you updated throughout the entire process.
Peace of Mind
In addition to managing the project, a general contractor handles everything from obtaining building permits to scheduling inspections. This means the building owner doesn’t have to be bothered with these details, freeing them up to focus on other aspects of the construction project.
For clients concerned about cost, a general contractor can provide a budget estimate based on the scope of work, including the price for materials, tools and equipment, labor, permits, inspections, taxes, and more. This can help the client plan for the fiscal requirements of a project, while also providing a degree of transparency that may be lacking in a more traditional bidding process.
Another important aspect of hiring a general contractor is that they’ll maintain clear communication with their clients at all times. This helps ensure that projects are being completed promptly and that any potential issues can be quickly addressed.
Additionally, a general contractor will be able to get the materials needed for a project at discounted rates due to their buying power. This can save the client significant time and money on a project, as they’ll be able to avoid having to shop around for different supplies. In many cases, a general contractor will even have established relationships with suppliers and be able to get the products needed right away.