Category: General Contractor

What Does a General Contractor Do?

Constance Jacobs

General Contractor Richmond VA manages construction projects from start to finish. Licensed contractors are required to have extensive experience in the construction industry, and many jurisdictions require that GCs obtain a license to practice in their area.

General Contractor

When hiring a General Contractor, look for the right fit for your project. While a fully licensed contractor with years of experience and dozens of glowing references are essential checkboxes, it’s also important to get along with your GC.

As the demand for construction projects increases, so does the need for licensed general contractors. Being a licensed contractor can significantly increase your earning potential because you can take on bigger and more lucrative jobs. The first step to becoming a licensed contractor is passing the state licensing exam. In order to pass the test, you need proper study and preparation. The best way to prepare for the exam is by taking courses at a contractor school. These classes are taught by industry professionals who are up-to-date on the latest regulations and exam standards. In addition, these courses usually provide study materials that are specifically tailored for the exam. These materials can help you focus your studying and reduce stress.

In addition to taking classes, you should also spend time reading and studying on your own. It is also a good idea to join a study group. By being part of a study group, you will have other people to practice with and talk through your questions. Additionally, you can get feedback on your practice tests from other members of the group. This is important because it can give you an indication of whether or not you are ready to pass the exam.

The exam itself consists of two separate parts. The business and law portion includes questions on topics like contracts, bidding, accounting, insurance, building codes, environmental laws and safety regulations. The trade portion of the exam focuses on subjects such as plan reading and estimating, site engineering, excavation, footings and foundations, concrete and masonry. The number of questions varies from state to state, but it is generally between 50 and 120. The exam is typically held over a period of 3 to 5 hours.

Once you have passed the state licensing exam, you will be eligible to work as a general contractor. You can perform all types of construction jobs for new buildings and structures as well as repair existing one-, two- or three-family dwellings. You can also do wood frame structures, masonry and pre-engineered metal buildings. You must pass a criminal background check in order to become a general contractor.

Contract Negotiation

Getting to contract negotiation is an important step in the process of bidding for a construction job. The contract sets the work terms, obligations, and responsibilities for both parties. A well-negotiated contract is a critical component of successfully performing the work on time and within budget.

As a general contractor, you need to understand the key contract clauses that pose risks to your company. These include indemnification clauses, change order procedures, and pricing provisions. It is helpful to have an attorney in the negotiations who knows state laws and how they affect contract language. If the GC or owner is unaware of these laws, you can use this knowledge to leverage a better deal in your contract.

The first and most critical point to negotiate is price. A general contractor will want to have a profit margin built into the contract so they can recoup costs for the project. To counter this, be upfront with the GC about your budget and what you expect to spend. Then you can negotiate a fair price that both of you can agree on.

Another area to focus on is the scope of work. Often, the GC will try to saddle the subcontractor with a lot of requirements that could potentially delay the project and increase cost. To avoid this, review the contract carefully with your attorney or HR representative and discuss the goals of the project and how they can be met within the current schedule and budget constraints.

One other issue to keep in mind is a project’s supply needs. Often, a GC will try to pass on the cost of purchasing supplies for the project to the subcontractor. By keeping the GC accountable for these expenses and negotiating with suppliers on your behalf, you can reduce the overall cost of the project.

Finally, a common issue for contractors is escalation clauses. These are a way for a GC to shift risk from the project to the contractor. By negotiating for minimum and maximum escalation limits, you can protect yourself from exorbitant pricing increases.

Project Management

After a contract is signed, the general contractor manages construction to ensure that all deliverables are met. This includes managing all subcontractors and the project team to get the work completed in the required timeline. They will also use formal value management to make sure all costs are in line with the goals of the owner and design team.

During construction, the general contractor will be responsible for obtaining building permits, securing the property, providing utilities on site, disposing or recycling construction waste and ensuring that all work is compliant with codes and safety regulations. They will also oversee all phases of construction including estimating, procurement, scheduling and workforce management.

A commercial general contractor specializes in construction and renovation of large commercial projects like offices, retail buildings and restaurants. They will work with the architect, engineers and client to ensure that the project is built on time and within budget. They will also use a structured delivery process such as Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) or guaranteed maximum price (GMP).

Residential general contractors specialize in the construction and renovation of single-family homes, townhouses, duplexes or triplexes, and condos. They will work with the architect and engineers to create the blueprints for a new home or remodel. They will then hire subcontractors to do the specialized work onsite, like plumbing or carpentry. They will also be responsible for obtaining permits, sourcing materials and ensuring that all work is in compliance with codes and safety regulations.

Both types of general contractors will have similar responsibilities, but they will manage these tasks differently. A general contractor will typically be hired once a design is in place and the project has been put up for bid. The low bidder will be awarded the contract. This is the process most procurement departments and project teams are familiar with. A project manager, on the other hand, will be brought in earlier in the design process to help with planning and estimating. They will then utilize a structured delivery process, such as CMAR or a GMP, to complete the project for a fixed fee.

Subcontractor Management

The process of procuring and overseeing subcontractors is critical to a General Contractor’s success. The GC must carefully assess each potential subcontractor to determine their strengths, weaknesses, experience and costs before selecting the best one for a project. The tendering process should also be open to multiple bidders, which encourages a competitive environment and ensures the GC has a comprehensive view of the available options for each trade. Obtaining multiple bids also helps to mitigate risks and negotiate the best contract terms.

Fostering a collaborative environment with subcontractors to identify and implement cost-efficiency measures is an important part of effective subcontractor management. In addition to reducing the overall project budget, it can help to maintain a high quality finish and avoid costly rework.

Another key aspect of effective subcontractor management is monitoring compliance. The landscape of legal regulations is a complex one, and the smallest oversight can have severe consequences. A GC must have clear procedures in place for tracking compliance with laws and regulations to safeguard the reputation of both the company and the project.

General contractors must ensure that all stakeholders are clear about contractual terms and site procedures from the outset. This provides a level of transparency that supports a positive relationship and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings and disputes. A centralized platform that allows for transparent communication between the GC and its subcontractors is a crucial tool for managing these issues effectively.

A GC must regularly communicate with its subcontractors to keep them updated on the progress of the project, to assess their performance and to identify any areas for improvement. Using software that allows for easy and transparent sharing of real-time project updates, including status reports, change orders and daily attendance records, is essential to ensuring all parties are on the same page.

Specialty trade subcontractors can offer invaluable onsite expertise and valuable insights, so it’s crucial for the GC to remain open to their input. This includes incorporating pull planning, a collaborative scheduling technique that engages subcontractors in the planning process. This can improve the schedule by reducing rework and helping to resolve conflicting priorities.

The Benefits of Hiring a Handyman

Norma Dalton

Handyman Construction have a wide range of skills that allow them to complete many different types of jobs. They work in residential and commercial settings and make repairs and maintenance for appliances, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and fixtures.

They also help with other tasks that require a specific trade like carpentry or plumbing. They can even fix drywall damage such as small nail holes, battered corners and drywall cracks.

  1. Save You Time

Most handymen have extensive experience in a wide variety of different trades. This means that they can handle a lot of different tasks quickly and efficiently. They can often also save you money because they charge less than specialized contractors, and they can usually do a lot of jobs in one visit.

Some home improvement tasks can be dangerous if not performed correctly. These include electrical work, plumbing repairs, and remodeling. Handymen have the experience and training to perform these tasks safely, which gives homeowners peace of mind. This can also help prevent accidents and injuries that could lead to costly lawsuits.

Many handypeople work on a contract basis, so they’re dedicated to the success of their small business. They often spend time negotiating with suppliers to secure discounts on materials. This can save them a considerable amount of money on each job, and they can then pass this savings on to their customers.

Handymen can also make a significant difference in the productivity of your workplace by making the office more functional. They can move furniture, hang paintings and mirrors, and do a host of other tasks that improve the look and feel of your workspace. These can also help to increase employee morale and improve overall workplace efficiency.

One of the biggest reasons people put off home projects is because they’re afraid that they’ll mess up. This can be expensive and stressful, and it can also affect the quality of the finished project. However, most handymen offer a guarantee on their work, which can give you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly.

Another big benefit of hiring a handyman is that they can take care of all your home repair and maintenance needs, saving you the hassle of having to go out and buy all the tools and equipment needed to complete the task. This can be especially helpful if you’re living in an older house or have a busy schedule. They can also help you keep on top of routine maintenance to avoid bigger issues down the line.

  1. Save You Money

While you might think of handymen as only being able to perform big tasks, like installing a sink or garbage disposal, they can actually save you money in a number of ways. They are often cheaper than the cost of hiring a full-time home improvement contractor, especially when you hire them for just one or two large jobs at a time.

Another way that handymen can save you money is by preventing bigger problems from arising. When you neglect regular maintenance, small problems can often turn into major issues that are costly to fix. Handymen have an eye for detail that you might miss and can spot these issues before they become bigger problems.

When hiring a handyman, make sure you ask about their rates and how much they charge for different types of work. It’s also a good idea to get a written estimate before the work begins. This will ensure that both you and the handyman are on the same page as far as what the work will entail and how much it will cost.

It’s important to find out if the handyman you’re considering is licensed, insured and registered with your local government. These are all good signs that they’re a reputable and professional service. You should also make sure to check out their references, reviews and work samples online before making a final decision.

Lastly, you’ll want to know whether or not the handyman offers a guarantee on their work. This is a great way to protect yourself from potential problems in the future, such as clogged sinks or lighting fixtures that don’t work properly.

In addition to asking questions, you should also be sure to get referrals from friends and family members who’ve used the services of a handyman in the past. This is a great way to find someone who will do quality work at a reasonable rate. You can also visit local hardware stores and review websites to see which handymen are rated highly and have good customer ratings. You can then contact those customers directly for feedback on their experience.

  1. Save You Stress

Having a reliable handyman can save you a lot of stress. These professionals are skilled in completing a variety of tasks that electricians, plumbers and other similar professional can’t handle. They also have the knowledge and experience to make sure the job is done correctly the first time. This can help prevent any potential problems from arising in the future and save you from spending extra money on repairs.

Whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, hiring a professional handyman is always a great idea. Handymen have a wide range of skills and can take care of all types of jobs, from fixing a broken door to cleaning up the yard. Plus, they can do it all for a much lower price than you would expect.

There’s a saying that “A man is only as good as his tools.” This is especially true for handymen, who need to have the right tools for the job in order to get it done correctly. For example, a good quality hammer is a must-have for any handyman, as is a measuring tape and a level. You’ll also want to make sure you have a selection of different screwdrivers, including some with multiple bits. Lastly, you should invest in some pliers, which are useful for pulling nails and bending metal.

In addition to having the right tools, handymen also need handyman software to streamline their work processes and improve efficiency. This allows them to provide better service and keep their customers happy. Handyman software like Smart Service helps them manage their schedules, customer information, equipment details and more, all from one place. Plus, it’s easy to use and customizable to fit the needs of each individual handyman company.

Keeping your home in tip-top shape is vital to maintaining its value and safety. Regular maintenance and repairs will not only ensure that your home is a comfortable place to live, but it will also help protect against expensive damages and improve its overall appearance. A professional handyman can help you save both time and money by taking care of all of your home’s repairs and maintenance needs.

  1. Save You Energy

Handymen are often called upon to repair and maintain homes, but they’re also well equipped to tackle energy-efficient upgrades. They’re able to identify and fix issues that waste energy, including clogged toilets, dripping faucets, and old shower heads. Fixing these problems can help homeowners save money on their water bills and make their home more comfortable.

They can also install smart thermostats and lighting systems that turn on and off based on occupancy or a predetermined schedule, helping to reduce energy consumption. In addition, handymen can inspect and caulk around windows and doors to prevent heat or air from escaping the home, which can cut down on utility costs.

Unlike general contractors, who oversee and manage larger construction projects that require a team of professionals, handymen are skilled at performing manual labor themselves or are capable of hiring subcontractors to do so. Depending on the state, some handymen may need to be licensed. However, a license is typically required only for jobs that involve complex work, such as adding a room to a house or installing a new roof.

While there are some tools every handyman needs, the type of equipment that a pro decides to use depends on their specialties. For instance, a good pair of pliers is crucial for a wide range of tasks, but a pro might choose to add needle nose pliers and tongue and groove pliers to their tool kit. A quality tape measure is another must-have, and a handyman should opt for a magnetic model to keep screws from falling off while they’re working.

Finally, a good pair of glasses is important for a handyman to have, as it helps them see details when they’re working in tight spaces or on ladders. A headlamp and a flashlight are also must-haves, especially when working in dark areas. Handymen should also consider investing in a stud finder to quickly locate studs when hanging items like picture frames or mirrors.

Regardless of their specialty, all pros should carry a basic tool kit with them at all times to ensure they’re prepared for any job that comes their way. For example, a good pair of pliers should be in any professional’s tool kit, but a handyman should also add a hammer and screwdriver to their arsenal for more specific tasks. Lastly, a reliable contractor insurance policy is essential for any handyman to have. Getting insured with Thimble is easy and convenient, and policies are available by the hour, day, or month, so handymen can be covered whenever they’re needed.