A general contractor (GC) oversees every aspect of a construction project. He or she has the experience and knowledge to negotiate the finer points, hire the necessary subcontractors, and oversees the entire process. Although a GC can handle all tasks on his or her own, the contractor must hire subcontractors to complete each task. The cost of a construction project will increase as a result, and a GC will have no control over the quality of the work.
In general, a general contractor charges for the cost of the materials and labor for the project. Other GCs charge a flat fee for the entire project. A cost plus percentage is more flexible, but the final total can be unpredictable. A flat-fee bid is better if you have a specific budget and know exactly how much you can afford. But you should still ask about the overall cost of the project before choosing a GC.
A general contractor has few responsibilities, aside from overseeing the construction project. His duties include estimating the cost and quality of the work, monitoring progress and paying all subcontractors. He should also report to the homeowner on a regular basis to make sure the construction is finished according to the agreed-upon schedule. It is a good idea to keep in touch with him or her on a daily or weekly basis to make sure that the work is progressing as planned.
A general contractor should be transparent about payment processes. They should provide a turn-key contract for the job. The only thing that will not be included in the GC’s contract is the log package, which is between the homeowner and the provider. In this case, the GC is responsible for all aspects of the construction, including collecting lien waivers, overseeing the quality of the work, paying all subcontractors and reporting on the progress of the project.
Typically, a general contractor will charge between 15 and 20% of the costs of materials and labor. In some states, a general contractor will not be allowed to inspect a subcontractor’s books. In some states, a GC should always hire a licensed architect or engineer to oversee a project. A professional GC should be able to maintain a positive relationship with all of his or her subcontractors. The best way to ensure that all of the subcontractors are satisfied is to visit former clients.
A GC should have a turn-key contract. The contract should be between the homeowner and the provider of logs. It should be a thorough cost estimate of the entire construction. The GC should pay all subcontractors. The contractor should keep in contact with the homeowner several times a week. A GC’s communication with the customer is essential to a successful construction project. It should be able to provide timely reports.