Roles of a General Contractor 

General Contractor Richmond VA oversees the construction of a project. They are responsible for ensuring everything is done according to the design and blueprint.

GC also handles the intricacies of vendor management by establishing an effective communication infrastructure that includes sourcing, capacities, quality work, turnaround times, and invoicing.

GCs are in charge of the day-to-day operations at a construction site. They also oversee the work of all subcontractors. It’s their job to ensure that the project is moving in a timely manner and within budget. They do this by assigning a team of professionals that manages the accounting, bookkeeping, and overall financial management for the project.

Before the actual construction begins, GCs typically begin working with an architect or engineer to create the designs for the construction project. This design phase takes a great deal of time, effort, and money. To make the project a success, the design needs to be completed correctly and on time.

After the design is complete, the GC can then send out a request for proposal or quotation (RFP), request for qualifications or statements of interest, or invitation to bid to a number of contractors to compete for the contract. The GC that wins the bid will then begin constructing the building.

Throughout the construction process, a GC will continue to work with other contractors on the jobsite and communicate with the owner or the architect. They will also be responsible for securing the necessary materials, equipment, and labor needed to finish the project. It’s important for a GC to be able to handle these responsibilities and communicate effectively with everyone involved in the project.

A GC also handles all the scheduling, planning, and cost control for a construction project. They work closely with the design team to ensure that the project is built according to specifications and meets deadlines. In addition, a GC will work closely with the client to determine the type of structure that is being built and the needs or wants of the client.

In some cases, a GC may be employed by the client to manage the design and build process. This is called a Design-Build project. In other cases, a GC may be hired to oversee the construction of a design that has already been completed.

Regardless of the project delivery method, a GC is responsible for managing payment chains and ensuring that all parties get paid. In construction, it’s common for payment delays to occur, which can be frustrating for both GCs and subcontractors. To avoid this, GCs should strive to improve visibility, streamline paperwork, and maintain open lines of communication.

In the building process, a general contractor acts as an intermediary between the client and subcontractors. The GC is responsible for coordinating the work and overseeing it in phases. Typically, the phases include planning, design, bidding, construction and finalization. As a result, the GC must have an intimate knowledge of the entire project from start to finish and be aware of how each phase affects the others.

It’s also the GC’s job to ensure that the work is performed as specified and conforms to local codes, specs, or other requirements. This can include reviewing drawings and ensuring that all the required permits are in place before beginning work. The GC must also communicate with the owner, architect, and design team regarding potential construction challenges or changes to the project.

The GC will be responsible for estimating the work and project costs to develop the project budget. They will review the bids submitted by subcontractors and negotiate terms with those who provide the best value for the project. During the bidding process, the GC will assess the risk of the project and decide what mark-up they will apply to cover materials, labor and company overhead.

Once the project is underway, the GC will be responsible for monitoring progress and ensuring that the work meets deadlines. This will require onsite inspections and meetings with the subcontractors to discuss progress, resolve issues, and set new dates for completion. The GC will also be responsible for ensuring that all subcontractors have the necessary equipment and materials on site to perform their work.

When selecting a subcontractor, the GC will carefully evaluate their financial history and check for past performance. They will also consider the quality of the subcontractor’s work, their capacity and ability to meet deadlines. Odd trends or patterns should send up red flags, such as a subcontractor who doesn’t have enough money to cover payroll or has ongoing legal problems.

The GC will be responsible for obtaining and reviewing the subcontractor’s insurance policy. This includes checking for proper workers’ compensation and general liability coverage. This is an important step because a subcontractor who doesn’t carry adequate insurance may not be covered in the event of an accident on the jobsite.

When it comes to large construction projects, a general contractor is an expert at managing the budget. They will take a close look at the estimated cost of the project and compare it to its actual cost. This is done to prevent any unnecessary expenses and ensure that the project stays within budget. A GC will also help to negotiate with suppliers and vendors to get the best prices on materials. This can save a lot of money for the project in the long run.

A GC can also make sure that the project is completed on time. They will work with teams to develop a critical path schedule that details the order in which tasks must be completed. Typically, this will include milestones and tasks that are dependent on each other. This helps the entire team stay on track so that the project is completed as scheduled.

Another benefit of a general contractor is that they know the ins and outs of local building codes and regulations. This is important because it can prevent costly fines and penalties if the building isn’t constructed according to local laws. Moreover, a GC will also have the knowledge to navigate complex webs of regulatory requirements for civil engineering projects such as bridges and roads.

Besides, a general contractor has premium connections in the industry and maintains professional relationships with various architects, designers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sub-contractors. This allows them to access the best materials at a lower rate, which they then pass on to their clients. For instance, if news breaks that certain construction materials are about to be banned, a GC will have alternative solutions to prevent project chaos.

A GC also manages the communication between the different teams in a construction project. They will make sure that all communication channels are working without glitches and that the entire team is aware of the latest developments. This is important because it will allow the GC to resolve any issues quickly and effectively. In addition, a GC will be able to provide regular progress updates on the project.

There are a lot of things that go on simultaneously in a construction site. These include the actual construction work, the preparation and review of shop drawings by the architects and engineers, manufacturer and supplier lead times on materials and equipment, and the coordination and interrelationships between different trades. A GC manages the overall coordination of all these elements and ensures that the project is progressing in a timely manner.

They are the main point of contact between contractors and the project owner and ensure that the work is completed as per the design specifications before payments are disbursed. They also help in identifying potential problems early and react to them quickly to avoid cost overruns, schedule delays and project disruptions.

GCs typically have their own employees who perform some of the work on the jobsite, but they also utilize a wide range of specialty subcontractors who complete 80-90% of the work. These subcontractors are generally well known in their area of expertise and have a reputation for doing good work. This is why it is important to select a general contractor who has experience with your type of build.

The GC prepares and monitors a detailed critical path schedule that takes into account all the factors that impact time, such as shop drawings and submittal reviews, architect/owner review and approval cycles, long-lead items, manufacturer and fabrication lead times, and interrelationships between elements. A GC should check the schedule on a regular basis, at least every four weeks, to be sure that all work is progressing on schedule. If it is not, the GC can make positive suggestions to get the work back on track.

Hiring a general contractor is an investment, and it is worth taking the time to select the right one for your project. Look for a company that has a portfolio of relevant projects, references from past clients, and reasonable contract package prices. Choosing a reputable, licensed contractor will also allow you to protect your lien rights in many states. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved.