What Can I Expect from a General Contractor?
When you plan to build a new house or business, you may find yourself working with a general contractor. If so, you should know that one of the most important responsibilities of a general contractor is to make sure your vision for this new space becomes a reality. It is important to be clear on what you want and be able to communicate your ideas directly to make sure this happens. This way, you can avoid any tension between you and your contractor while ensuring that the project reaches a successful end. Click here to learn more about what you can expect when working with a general contractor to get the results you want.
Things to Know Before Hiring a General Contractor
Before you start working with a general contractor, there are some points you might want to consider:
There Will be Some Stress
You might as well accept the possibility that, at some point or another, there will be some amount of stress when dealing with a construction project. This could be caused by some finishes you have selected that are suddenly out of stock, a window that was measured incorrectly and does not fit its frame, by some workers getting COVID, or any number of reasons.
As you interview your potential general contractors before deciding whom to hire, make sure there is good communication between you and ask them to keep this communication open at all times. Explain that you want to be informed about what’s happening at all times and that you expect honest and continuous communication.
There is a Need to Rely on Subcontractors
No matter how good and fluid the communication is between you and the general contractor, there will always be other people in the picture. Subcontractors may come to the site to do parts of the project, and there might be a need to hire plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and others. It is always a good idea to be clear on what parts of the project will be handled by subcontractors and to confirm that the general contractor has the network in place for all aspects of the project to be carried out in a timely manner by competent people.
A good general contractor will reassure you that they have all aspects of the work under control and that they have the subcontractors lined up, and have verified their expertise, certifications, and the quality of the job they will perform for you.
The General Contractor Will Make Your Vision Come True
A knowledgeable and experienced general contractor will understand your vision and transform it into reality. They will ask specific questions when there are details that are not clear and make sure to grasp the whole picture from the onset to deliver a final product that meets your desires and expectations for the project.
To achieve a final product that is exactly what you expect, the general contractor will plan the flow of the work, share the blueprints with all the subcontractors and communicate your needs to them clearly to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations of what needs to be done.
Regular Meetings Will Be Scheduled
As part of the open flow in communication, a general contractor will want to schedule regular meetings with you. Of course, these should not turn into micromanagement sessions but should be a time for the contractor to give you the information you need to understand how the project is progressing and what you can expect at each stage.
By meeting at the project site, you will have the opportunity to visually confirm the information you are being relayed and ask any questions you might have.
This Will Be a Shared Project
You and the general contractor will share responsibility for the success of this project. The general contractor makes sure that subcontractors show up and do the jobs they are supposed to. They will also have information on any local ordinances that may affect the design or scope of the project and be familiar with any permits that they must pull to comply with all building codes.
On your part, you should not only have a clear idea of what you want but also try to avoid making any changes during the project that will result in delays and going over budget. You should also secure the necessary financing to ensure that the project does not have to stop until you can obtain more funds.
Depending on the scope of the project, you can expect your relationship with your general contractor to last for a long time. That is why it is so important for you to lay the foundation of this relationship in a solid way.
