In most commercial construction projects, the general contractor (GC) plays a central role, ensuring that the project is brought to life effectively and efficiently. But what exactly is a general contractor, and how do they fit into the bigger picture of a commercial build?
What is a General Contractor?
A general contractor is essentially the project manager for construction work. They are hired by the project owner—whether it’s a business owner, developer, or landlord—to oversee and coordinate all the different pieces that need to come together to complete the construction project. Their responsibilities include managing subcontractors, scheduling, billing, ensuring compliance with codes and standards, and problem-solving when unexpected challenges arise.
The general contractor takes the plans and ideas developed during the design phase and makes them a reality by coordinating skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. They also maintain communication between the owner, the architect, and any other stakeholders involved, making sure everyone is on the same page as the project progresses.
Hiring a general contractor means that owners don’t have to directly coordinate with dozens of different professionals, each with their own timelines and requirements. Instead, the GC provides a single point of accountability for the entire construction effort, helping keep the project on schedule and within budget.
What Makes a good General Contractor?
A good general contractor does more than just manage schedules and trades—they actively contribute to the success of a project through several key responsibilities:
- Project Planning and Management: GCs develop detailed schedules, ensuring that each aspect of the project is completed on time and in the right order. They monitor progress, adjust plans when unexpected issues arise, and keep the project on track.
- Site Safety & Cleanliness: The GC ensures that sites remain free from hazards, all people working on-site act in a safe manner, and keeps things clean and organized. GC’s typically hold a substantial amount of insurance protecting themselves, the project owner, and the site from risk throughout the project.
- Budget Management: A GC is responsible for managing the project budget, ensuring costs are controlled, and that the project remains financially viable. Different budget types may be used for a project, including:
- Quality Control: A good GC ensures that the construction work meets quality standards and complies with building codes and regulations. They facilitate any inspections required throughout the course of the project by the governing municipalities, and typically conduct regular “in-house” site inspections to maintain the desired level of workmanship.
- Self-Performing Work: Some general contractors will “self-perform” various aspects of the project, such as carpentry, concrete work, or demolition. By self-performing, GCs can often improve efficiency, maintain higher quality control, and reduce costs for certain portions of the project.
- Value Engineering: An experienced GC can provide value engineering input during the construction process, suggesting alternative materials or methods that can achieve the same result at a lower cost or with improved efficiency.
- Design Input: While the architect is primarily responsible for design, a good GC can offer practical design input based on their experience in the field. This collaboration can result in a more buildable and cost-effective project.
What to Look for When Hiring a General Contractor?
Choosing the right GC can make all the difference in the success of your project. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Licensing: Most states and municipalities require GCs to have licenses, although some do not. In Ohio, for example, GCs are not required to have an official license. Rather, each municipality tends to have licensing requirements. A good initial question for any GC is to ask for their license.
- References and Portfolio: Look for a GC with a strong portfolio of similar projects and positive references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of their experience and reliability.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to keeping a project running smoothly. A GC should be able to clearly communicate with all parties involved, from subcontractors to the project owner.
- Project Management Efficacy: A good GC should have a proven track record of effectively managing projects, including overseeing schedules, budgets, and quality. It should be apparent that they have standardized processes across their projects.
- Financial Strength: A financially stable GC is crucial, as they need to pay subcontractors, suppliers, and manage cash flow throughout the project. Financial strength is an indicator of a GC’s ability to complete projects successfully, without unneeded headaches or delays.
- Insurance: Be sure to ask for your GCs Certificate General Liability Insurance to make sure they carry enough to cover any risks that may arise during your project. It’s also a good idea to request their W9 and proof of Workers Compensation insurance.
Final Thoughts
In the world of commercial construction, where projects can be complex, involving multiple trades and requiring a deep knowledge of local regulations, having a GC who understands how to integrate all these aspects can make the difference between a smooth project and a chaotic one.
Looking for a general contractor?
We've provided commercial general contracting services to the Columbus and Central Ohio market for over 40 years. Get in touch and see how we can help you move your project forward.
Start Your Project Today