Why would you use a General Contractor?
General Contractor
We must build one more 3,000 sq ft of work place within our industrial building. Our architect is preparing plans now. It seems like a simple enough project, and we're wondering if we can help to save money by serving as our very own general contractor. What would be the advantages or disadvantages of doing so?
Commercial Contractor
Any project is complex enough i would discourage from serving as your own contractor, unless someone in your company has substantial contracting experience. One of the leading advantages of employing a general contractor may be the coordination of trades, and you'll require enough trades this is actually a serious issue. At a minimum, you will require carpentry, drywall installation, electrical work, HVAC installation, flooring, and painting. You may even need plumbing, demolition, and sprinkler work. If you have a roof covering leak, there is nothing wrong with calling a roofer directly, but on the job this complex you need to juggle schedules, paperwork, and competitive bidding, as well as establish clear lines of responsibility. This involves an expert.
So what exactly does a general contractor ("GC") do? Listed below are five major regions of responsibility:
1. Paperwork - This includes coordination between your architect and the town, pursuing the permitting process and providing information as necessary, obtaining insurance and workman's comp certificates from all of the trades, processing drawings and change-orders, procuring sign-offs, certificates of completion and occupancy, logging activities and calls, obtaining capital improvement certificates, and providing updates and status reports. A GC should know his way round the building department, and also establish trust and rapport with the building inspectors.
2. Cost control - The GC accounts for obtaining competitive bids from all of the trades necessary at work. A good GC is going to be making tips to the client and architect on cost-saving measures before and during the project. He'll be reviewing drawings and plans for accuracy, and when necessary provides field measurements in order to avoid costly change-orders.
3. Field Supervision - A GC are going to visit the home on a regular basis, to inspect and verify the quality of the work by subcontractors, secure the home against vandalism, graffiti, and dumping, coordinate meter readings, set thermostats and alarms, and view for roof leaks along with other properties. Generally, he can be serving as the owner's representative, whether it be being a good will ambassador with the neighbors, or ending up in a fire marshal.
4. Coordination of labor - One of the very most valuable roles with your GC is coordination of all work. He's in charge of the finished product, and removes any finger-pointing among trades that you could encounter by trying to coordinate the work yourself. The GC will probably be drafting work schedules, preparing a "GANTT" chart outlining estimating the duration, materials and labor necessary for each phase of the construction. There will be unexpected delays or surprises (remember Murphy's Law) and it is down to the GC address issues because they arise, and the work on the right course.
5. Be Nice - Construction can be a headache for that client. Every day life is way too short being further hassled with a surly GC. Locate a reputable GC with higher recommendations and references, and also make certain you like them! Your GC will likely be your "partner" all through your project, so pick a GC with whom you can get along!