What Does A General Contractor Do?: A Guide For Homeowners

If you are building your dream house, having a general contractor to manage your construction team can relieve a lot of the pressure that comes with taking on such a project — but do you really need one? What do they actually do? And how can you find a good general contractor? We explore everything you need to know below.

A general contractor is responsible for overseeing all daily operations surrounding your house build or renovation. They coordinate and execute the construction of your home project, including maintaining quality control and meeting deadlines. They also manage all subcontractors and vendors and are the primary source of communication between everyone involved in the construction project. When you need engineers, architects, interior designers, and other construction professionals, the general contractor is the person who will meet and work with them.

Your chosen contractor should be licensed by their state, ensuring that their work will meet the code requirements. 

The services a general contractor undertakes will vary based on the complexity and size of the project. In some cases, the general contractor will manage the workers, provide utilities on the site, secure the grounds, and perform engineering functions. These professionals are also responsible for disposing of any construction waste. 

The general contractor must also keep your project on budget by keeping accurate records and balancing costs.

The best way to explain the difference between a general contractor vs a subcontractor is like this: Think of your general contractor as the conductor of an orchestra and the subcontractors as the musicians. The general contractor directs each subcontractor to create a beautiful symphony, while each subcontractor is a specialist in their chosen instrument.

In less poetic terms, a general contractor is the primary person in charge of the project, and the subcontracted plumbers, masons, electricians, and roofers report directly to the general contractor. The general contractor is then responsible for the overall quality of work, behavior, and efficiency of those subcontractors. In many cases, the general contractor will ensure that these subcontractors are licensed and insured. They will also manage payments, create schedules, and keep everyone on a budget. If there is a problem, the general contractor will handle it and keep everyone and everything on schedule.

The subcontractor’s only role, on the other hand, is to do the job they’ve been assigned. A roofer, for example, will work exclusively on the roof. 

At a glance, the general contractor and construction manager might seem like the same job. The construction manager is involved in the early process of the job, usually during the pre-construction and design phases. They lend their expertise to the budgeting and scheduling process. They can help clients save money while maintaining the integrity of the initial design. The construction manager will also manage contractors, checking on the job's progress. In some cases, they will hire subcontractors for the job.

The general contractor is the one responsible for those workers in the field. While they may take on some budgeting tasks, the construction manager handles most of the financial picture.

Hiring a general contractor is not always required if you are doing residential work. In some situations, you just need to work with a subcontractor directly. However, you might want to think about working with a general contractor if the project will take a few days to complete, require permits, or involve several subcontractors. These professionals can keep everyone on track for your project. 

When you are ready to hire a general contractor, you will sign a legally binding document known as a general contractor agreement. This formal contract outlines all of the duties and responsibilities of the general contractor. The details in the contract often include the construction specifications, materials, and other labor that will be completed on the land or property.

Make sure that the estimate outlines the price and payment information. If changes are made, then the contract will need to be amended. Along with that, the estimate must have a complete description of the work, including details about warranties, replacement options, and the preparation process. Finally, the estimate needs an approximate completion date for the project.

Do you want everything in writing? Yes, you never want any construction work done on your home without a contract. These legal contracts will protect you if something goes wrong on the job site. If the subcontractors don't complete the work or damage your property, you have legal recourse at your fingertips. Think of the contract to guarantee that subcontractors will complete the work on time and for a specific price.