Choosing A General Contractor
No other decision will have a greater impact on the success or failure of your project than your general contractor. A general contractor oversees, manages and acts as your main contact and ensures the work is done to your satisfaction.
A General Contractor's Responsibilities
*Interacts With the Architect - If there's an architect or architectural designer involved, the general contractor will work with that person to ensure the project is implemented as planned. The architect and the general contractor will typically review the plans together before any work begins. If problems arise, the architect will often look to the general contractor to suggest workable solutions.
*Arranges for Permits and the Associated Inspections
*Gathers & Evaluates Bids - Every general contractor has a network of trusted subcontractors. That allows the "gc" to gather accurate bids quickly and ensure that the project can be completed on time and within budget.
*Coordinates Specialty Contractors Keeping The Project On Schedule and Budget
*Provides Skilled Labor - A good general contractor has the skills to handle the carpentry tasks required on a project - and they often end up performing much of that work. That's why projects managed by a professional rarely run behind schedule.
*Answers Questions and Resolves Issues - The general contractor has to be on-site regularly, inspecting the work as it's completed, providing answers and resolving issues. If not, a sub-contractor may have to wait - or guess at a solution - which often results in delays or mistakes that can affect the work of all the sub-contractors who follow.
Things To Consider
When Choosing A General Contractorr
*Detailed plans, contracts, and construction documents won't result in good work from someone lacking in skills or integrity.
*Find a general contractor whom you can trust and feel comfortable working with. If you have to pay a extra to hire the right person, you won't regret it.
*Choose a company that fits your style and personality and has the ability to incorporate those elements into your home. Afterall, you and your contractor will essentially be business partners for length of the job, so choose someone with honesty and integrity.
*Assume that there will be issues along the way and select a contractor whom you feel will work cooperatively with you to find the best solutions.
*Don't base you selection solely on price. The savings from hiring the low bidder often evaporate as the job progresses.
Need A GC?
High Country Timberframe and Gallery Woodworking - 828.264.8971
2023 All Rights Reserved