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A general contractor is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the construction site, and management of vendors and trades. In addition, keep communication between the general contractor and the involved parties open and clear through out the course of project. Before starting a job, the general contractor must first visit and then assess the site. As a result of this, the contractor will generate a price, also called an ‘’estimate’’. The general contractor considers the cost of materials, equipment as well as the cost of labor to provide the owner with an approximate price for the project. In these contract documents, the contract agreement includes budget, the general and special conditions and the plans and specification of the project that are prepared by a design professional such as an architect. A general contractor is responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment, (engineering vehicles and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the project. In order to get these tasks done, the general contractor hires more specialized subcontractors to perform portions or all of the construction work. Depending on the size of a project, responsibilities may include: • Filing for building permits, • Securing the property, • Providing temporary utilities on site • Managing personnel on site • Providing site surveying and engineering • Disposing/Recycling of construction waste • Monitoring schedules and cash flows • Maintaining accurate records as construction progress HistoryIn the United Kingdom and certain former British Commonwealth countries the term ’general contractor’ was gradually superseded by ’main contractor’ during the early twentieth century. This followed the practice of major professional, trade and consumer organizations issuing standard forms of contract for undertaking the variety of construction works spanning the whole spectrum of the industry. It was and is usual for the term main contractor to be used and defined in all these contract documents, and as a result the term general contractor became an anachronism. General contractors that conduct work for government agencies are typically referred to as prime contractors. Requirements for LicensingThere are no set educational requirements to become a general contractor, although most employers do prefer that you have a bachelor’s degree. Some general contractors obtain bachelor’s degrees in construction science, building science, surveying, construction safety etc. General contractors usually start out as regular construction workers. While gaining work experience, they learn about different aspects of construction, including masonry, carpentry, framing and plumbing. Aspiring general contractors network with subcontractors and may learn the management skills they need to run their own company. Depending on the state, the requirements will vary from passing a written exam on topics such as contracting and construction law or require a bachelor’s degree for licensing. Also, experience in the construction industry as well as references from customers, business partners or former employers are demanded. Some states go as far as requiring candidates to prove financing to own their own general contracting firm. General contractors often run their own business. They hire subcontractors to complete specialized construction work and may manage a team of plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters and other specialists. General contractors build their business by networking with potential clients, buying basic construction tools and ensuring that their subcontractors complete high-quality work. General contractors don’t usually complete much construction work themselves, but they should remain familiar with construction techniques so they can manage workers effectively. Because general contractors are usually at the top of the employment line the only benefits are the ones that they buy themselves. However, if the general contractor works under a company, getting heath insurance is a plus. Because the jobs vary in complexity, they get paid by the job. Also, some materials cost more than others. For example, tiling a bathroom will cost more than putting siding on a house. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia : Other specialized construction work |
