Do you need to hire a general contractor? Well, GCs ensure renovation processes are carried out correctly and projects comply with local building codes, while also taking care to arrange product warranties and guarantees coordinate with design teams, and manage warranties/guarantees on products.
Building or expanding on a home requires many specialized skills that a general contractor is well versed in and has access to networks that can expedite processes that would otherwise bog down ordinary homeowners. Read the following article to learn why these professionals are imperative for your next project.
Licensed and Insured
Many states mandate contractors to have licenses and insurance, and it is always wise to ask your contractor whether they possess this documentation before beginning your project. You can search online to see if your state mandates licenses; alternatively, visit local city or county websites for further details.
General contractors are professionals that handle every aspect of construction projects from start to finish. With years of experience building and managing projects of various sizes, general contractors understand the intricacies involved with working with different subcontractors and tradespeople – they also possess professional connections within the industry that could speed processes up for an amateur homeowner.
Homeowners don’t require general contractors for bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects, but most experts advise hiring one when taking on more extensive tasks that will take more than a week and involve several specialist contractors – like adding an addition that requires excavation, foundation work, framing and siding, plumbing/electrical work as well as finish carpentry work.
A general contractor typically employs employees that fill the roles of project manager and construction superintendent, in addition to using specialty subcontractors that complete 80-90% of the work. The GC serves as coordinator and project manager of their entire team ensuring everyone remains on task and completes their duties on schedule.
As you interview contractors for your renovation project, schedule a sit-down and thoroughly discuss your renovation plans with each of them. Watch out for any red flags such as lack of enthusiasm or refusal to provide proof of insurance; the ideal contractor would be licensed and insured with enough liability and worker’s compensation coverage.
Knowledge of the Construction Process
Contrary to specialized contractors who may specialize in one aspect of construction such as framing or plumbing, contracting professionals possess a comprehensive understanding of all elements that comprise renovation projects. They use tools such as work breakdown structures and organizational breakdown structures to map out their scope as well as any component parts. With this insight come accurate estimates and plans that ensure they get done on time and under budget.
General contractors possess industry knowledge of what to expect from different subcontractors and can negotiate material and service prices to ensure that the overall project runs as cost-effectively as possible. Their keen eye can often detect areas in which a homeowner may be overspending by suggesting alternatives that can bring costs down significantly.
A GC should maintain strong relationships with high-quality subcontractors to expedite quotes quickly based on the details of a renovation. They can also expedite payment processes by securing lien waivers and keeping lines of communication open with clients to ensure payments from clients arrive on time.
Hiring a general contractor also benefits homeowners as they will gain knowledge of local regulations and requirements that must be fulfilled to keep projects on schedule. A GC will have contacts at city building departments who can offer guidance regarding permits, inspections, and any other needs that might hinder renovation projects; this can save homeowners considerable hassle when trying to manage renovations themselves.
Knowledge of Subcontractors
A good GC works with various subcontractors for maximum efficiency during your home remodel project, as they’ll have the expertise needed to manage even the most intricate parts. Plus, this ensures they know which tradespeople they can rely on – giving you peace of mind that everything will be completed successfully!
When assessing subcontractors, GCs take several factors into consideration when evaluating them: past performance, financials, equipment, safety and comparable projects as well as cash flow management capabilities. They’ll also assess if they will complete projects on schedule without exceeding your budget – not to mention being up-to-date on local codes and regulations to make sure your project will adhere to them all.
Subcontractors that excel are in high demand and may command premium rates for their services. A GC like Crest Contracting & Renovations will do everything possible to retain subcontractors by offering competitive terms and fair pricing. This will keep their subcontractor happy and prevent them from leaving for another GC or going out of business altogether – so make sure to check if they continually work with the same people.
A GC should aim to keep their subcontractors happy by communicating clearly and promptly resolving any disagreements, in order to minimize the chance of disputes that could lead to lien claims against your property. A typical agreement includes language that waives future lien rights when payment for their work has been received.
GCs review your drawings and scope of work before gathering quotes from multiple qualified subcontractors for your project, adding in their overhead costs and providing you with a quote that guarantees delivery at that price point. GC’s are then required to deliver it within that cost framework so that their clients are able to accurately view the entire timeline of their project, complete with financial projections.
If your home improvement project requires adhering to a specific timeline, a GC can play an integral role in managing all necessary professionals and materials so tasks can be completed on schedule. They’re also there to address quality concerns or disputes between various trade professionals in the building trades.
