What does a General Contractor do? A complete guide to understanding their role

If you've ever taken on a construction project, or a new build, you know how overwhelming and challenging it can be to oversee everything. You may have felt like you were juggling too many balls in the air, or trying to stay on top of too many moving parts, all at once. But that's where the role of a general contractor comes in. A general contractor is your go-to person for any construction project, responsible for managing every aspect of the job from start to finish.

Discover the crucial role of a general contractor in your construction project in our latest blog post.

1. Manage the Entire Project.

A general contractor's primary role is to manage the entire construction project. This means they're responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing every detail of the project, from the initial design to the final touches. Raeco has years of experience in the construction industry and is extremely efficient in managing a project from start to finish.

2. Manage Sub-Contractors.

A general contractor also manages sub-contractors, which may include electricians, plumbers, and more. They'll oversee the work of the sub-contractors to ensure they're following the plans and specifications, and that the work is up to code. The general contractor will handle the scheduling of the sub-contractors, so each aspect of the construction project runs in sequence and ensures project timelines are met.

3. Oversight of Project Budget.

Hiring a general contractor can lead to significant cost savings because the general contractor handles the budget. They'll know when to negotiate better prices, the best vendors to use, and how to maximize efficiency to lower costs. Additionally, they'll help avoid potential cost overruns or budget shortfalls by planning carefully and staying within the budget at all times.

4. Manage Permits.

A general contractor knows all the permits needed for any construction project and will make sure that every piece of regulatory paperwork is filed, and all the proper inspections take place. Codes can be complex, and regulations can be confusing, but a general contractor takes the headache of permits and regulations out of your hands.

5. Communication.

Finally, a good general contractor is an excellent communicator. You'll be kept in the loop consistently as the project moves forward, consistently informed of the progress and updating you about any potential changes or unexpected developments. A successful project is always the result of a team effort, and communication is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page.

At Raeco we are determined to do things the right way. We will never cut corners, and we won’t accept subpar work from our team or any subcontractors.

It's maybe cliche to say, but we genuinely care about our clients and their projects. If problems do arise, we stand by our projects and will do everything to make things right. When we start new projects, we see your investment like our own. The sooner you can get into your new building, the sooner your investment can go to work for you. Raeco's owner Tom is always a phone call away and ready to help with any questions or concerns.