General contractors handle large and medium construction tasks. They are also sometimes referred to as remodeling contractor, building contractor, or just a builder. What gives them the term “general” contractor is the fact that they make the contract between themselves and the project’s owner thereby taking on responsibility of the project. A general contractor will be in-charge of all purchases and hires for any given project.
Here is a brief discussion on what you need to know about hiring a general contractor.
Managing subcontractors
The responsibility tasked on a general contractor is huge, and they often need to engage subcontractors. A great deal of the general contractors’ work is to manage these subcontractors who take on the bulk of the work in any project. As such, a great general contractor will build a strong working relationship with reliable and competent subcontractors. He will establish certain standards that determine the level of quality to expect from the subcontractors. This will ensure you receive the desired project output without the associated headaches.
Choosing a general contractor
Hiring the best general contractor can be challenging especially considering the influx of such individuals in the market today. Taking the time to research widely can guarantee you the best choice. Look for online reviews so you can see what past clients have to say about the contractor’s work. If majority of them are satisfied, then chances are high that you might be satisfied as well.
Usually, your architect will want to give you suggestions of general contractors that they have worked with previously. While such recommendations are great, it does not mean you have to blindly trust their word. Getting to know what the contractor is really capable of should be your yard-stick.
So, besides reading reviews and seeing samples of work they have done, it is important to test them based on a real job. You can decide to give your prospective contractor a small job to test their expertise and general approach to work.
Pros and cons of hiring a general contractor
There are various pros and cons involved in hiring a general contractor.
Pros
- Working with a general contractor is the easiest way to handle large projects.
- Hiring a general contractor might be affordable on the basis of competitive bidding.
- You shift the entire project’s responsibility to one point.
- A great general contractor will have a list of reliable subcontractors to work with.
- It might be the best way to leverage the project.
Cons
- Hiring a poor general contractor may lead to shoddy work if they do not supervise the subcontractors
- You put all your trust in the contractor since there are no checks and balances.
The choice of contractor you hire matters most in the success of your project. Indeed the failure or success of your project does not lie on any other factor as it does this. So, tread carefully and consult widely before making your choice of who you will trust to oversee your project from start to finish.
