All construction projects require various professional disciplines and moving parts to work together effectively. Whatever structure is being made, a general contractor is needed to oversee the entire operation and manage other workers on a job site. A general contractor is a professional who ensures the construction project is completed safely and successfully. They often have laborers, carpenters, and subcontractors working under them, but the general contractor is the head of the project. In this blog, we will look at some of the most important roles required of a general contractor. 

Project Management

The general contractor is the holder of the prime contract with the property owner and is responsible for communicating what is constantly going on with the project. The GC has a contract with the owner to deliver the completed project, which means they will need to ensure the quality of the builds, ensure safety, and make sure the property owner’s vision comes to life. The general contractor helps to manage schedules and potential delays, without the property owner needing to constantly be on the job site.

Obtaining Permits

After a contract is established between the property owner and GC, the GC will need to obtain building permits for the project. Navigating local bureaucracy and working with local authorities falls on the shoulders of the general contractor. They will be responsible, throughout the entire project, for ensuring that the build meets building codes, regulations, zoning laws, and ADA laws. Each project will require different permits because of the different industries and zoning of the property. For example, a contractor can not obtain a building permit to build a commercial building on residentially zoned land.

Communication Between All Parties

During a project, the GC is the middleman between subcontractors, other trade professionals, and the property manager. Communication is one of the most important responsibilities of a general contractor because keeping everyone on the same page will ensure a successful project. Regular written reports, telephone calls, or office visits may be required of the general contractor. Staying on top of requests, answering questions, and providing updates to the stakeholders is the responsibility of a GC.

Hiring Appropriate Subcontractors

A general contractor may have a variety of different skills, but they can’t complete a commercial build all by themselves. Hiring subcontractors and other teams of construction professionals will be necessary for faster project completion. It is the responsibility of the GC to choose professional subcontractors who will be reliable and trustworthy. They will vet everyone they hire and ensure they hold proper licensing and insurance.

A general contractor will also need to schedule work in the right order and avoid trade stacking. Trade stacking refers to when too many workers are in one area, causing hazards and delays. Having workers and materials arrive in the right order will prevent project delays, employee injury, and the potential to go over budget.

Track The Progress Of The Project

With so much going on at the job site and the other responsibilities of the property owner, general contractors are the first point of contact to learn about the progress of the build. Frequent site visits are required of a GC to observe the work, see the project change day by day, and communicate any changes to subcontractors before problems arise. Some general contractors will use tracking software or project management software to keep all of their projects organized. These software options may also be used to communicate with other members of the team, letting them know about change orders, upcoming weather conditions, or material deliveries. 

Working With Gurr Construction

Gurr Construction is a full construction team that can help you complete custom projects with ease. We know that all commercial builds have unique requirements, so we tailor our services to the needs of your business. We use some of the best materials on the market and adopt sustainable construction practices to ensure your building will last long into the future. 
Serving the Wasatch Front, Gurr Construction offers builds for dental offices, warehouses, hotels, apartments, and more. We want to provide quality builds that you can rely on, while also providing a smooth and communicative experience for all of our clients. From new builds to commercial remodeling, we can transform the space into a more aesthetically pleasing and functional space. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation today.