What Do General Construction Contractors Do? A Complete Breakdown
A general construction contractor (GC) serves as the primary manager for a building project, responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and communication of information to all involved parties throughout the course of a building project. This role involves securing the property, providing temporary utilities on site, managing personnel, providing site surveying and engineering, disposing of or recycling construction waste, and monitoring schedules and cash flows.
Homeowners and commercial property developers rely on these professionals to turn architectural drawings into physical structures. Rather than performing every task personally, the general construction contractor acts as the director of operations. They hire specialized subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, and roofing work while ensuring the project meets all local building codes and quality standards. This guide breaks down the specific responsibilities, processes, and value brought to a project by a general contractor.
Core Responsibilities of Project Management
The primary function of a general contractor involves managing logistics and resources. A study by the Project Management Institute indicates that for every $1 billion invested in the United States, $122 million is wasted due to lacking project performance, highlighting the financial necessity of competent management.
Pre-Construction Planning and Permitting
Work begins before the first shovel hits the ground. The contractor must assess the project documents to understand the full scope. They apply for building permits and secure necessary licenses from local municipalities. This phase often involves working with architects to identify potential design conflicts that could cause delays later.
Budget Management and Cost Control
Keeping a project within budget requires constant monitoring. The GC tracks all expenses, including material costs, labor hours, and equipment rentals. They manage the payment schedule for subcontractors and suppliers. When unforeseen issues arise, such as discovering rot behind a wall, they generate change orders to document the adjusted scope and cost.
Schedule Coordination
Time management remains a critical aspect of construction. The contractor creates a master schedule detailing when each phase of work happens. For example, drywall installation cannot begin until the electrical and plumbing rough-ins pass inspection. The GC coordinates these dependent tasks to prevent downtime.
Bonus Tip: Ask for a critical path schedule during the bidding phase. This document shows exactly which tasks affect the project completion date and helps you track progress effectively.
Supply Chain and Material Handling
Sourcing materials involves more than buying lumber. Contractors must calculate precise quantities to minimize waste and expense. They coordinate delivery logistics to ensure materials arrive exactly when needed. Storing materials on-site requires planning to prevent theft or weather damage.
Recent data from the Associated General Contractors of America notes that material price volatility and supply chain delays rank among the top challenges in the industry, making a contractor's vendor relationships a vital asset for keeping projects on track.
Managing Subcontractors and Labor
Most general contractors do not self-perform every trade. Instead, they curate a network of trusted subcontractors.
Vetting: They check licenses, insurance, and past performance of electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
Scheduling: They ensure the painter does not arrive while the drywallers are still sanding.
Quality Control: They inspect the work of subcontractors to ensure it meets the project specifications.
Site Safety and Compliance
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets strict standards for construction sites. The GC is responsible for enforcing these safety protocols. This includes ensuring workers wear proper protective gear, securing hazardous areas, and maintaining a clean job site to prevent accidents.
Comparing Construction Roles
Understanding where a general contractor fits compared to other construction professionals helps in selecting the right partner for a project.
| Role | Primary Focus | Licensing Level | Typical Project Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Project management, logistics, subcontractor coordination | High (State/Local Commercial & Residential) | New builds, major renovations, additions |
| Construction Manager | Representation of the owner, design phase involvement | High (Professional Certification) | Large commercial or public works |
| Handyman | Minor repairs, maintenance tasks | Low or None (Varies by state) | Small fixes, painting, hardware replacement |
| Specialty Contractor | Single trade expertise (e.g., Electrician) | Trade-Specific License | Wiring, plumbing, HVAC specific tasks |
Quality Assurance and Inspections
The contractor acts as the first line of defense against poor workmanship. They walk the site daily to verify that construction matches the architectural plans.
Before the city or county inspector arrives, the GC performs a pre-inspection. This proactive step reduces the chance of failing an inspection, which would otherwise stop work and delay the schedule. Once the project nears completion, they walk through with the owner to create a "punch list" of final touches needed before the job is officially finished.
Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Hiring the right entity for a project influences the timeline, budget, and final quality.
Verify Financial Solvency
Construction is capital intensive. A contractor without financial stability may delay paying subcontractors, leading to mechanics liens on the property. Request proof of bonding or references from suppliers to verify they pay bills on time.
Review the Safety Record
A high injury rate can indicate poor management and may lead to work stoppages. A record of safe operations suggests a disciplined and organized approach to work.
Communication Style
Projects span months. Select a partner who communicates clearly and frequently. Establishing a regular meeting schedule before signing a contract sets clear expectations for updates.
Bonus Tip: Always request a "Lien Waiver" from your general contractor every time you make a payment. This legal document prevents subcontractors from suing you for non-payment if the GC fails to pay them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor for a bathroom remodel?
If the project involves moving walls, plumbing, and electrical work, a GC streamlines the process. For simple cosmetic updates like changing a vanity and painting, a handyman might suffice.
How do contractors charge?
Most operate on either a "Fixed Price" (lump sum) or "Cost Plus" (materials/labor plus a management percentage) model. Fixed price offers budget certainty, while Cost Plus offers more flexibility during construction.
Who is responsible for permits?
The general contractor typically handles the application and management of all building permits. Homeowners should verify this is explicitly stated in the contract.
What is the difference between a general contractor and a builder?
A builder usually refers to a professional who constructs new homes, often on land they own. A general contractor takes on a contract from a client to perform work on the client's property, which can range from renovations to new construction.
Does a general contractor do the work themselves?
Some contractors are "paper contractors" who only manage subcontractors. Others are "self-performing" contractors who have their own in-house carpenters and laborers to handle framing, trim, and general labor while subcontracting specialized trades like electrical work.
How do I check if a contractor is licensed?
Visit the state or local licensing board's website. Search by the company name or license number. This verification confirms they carry the required bonds and insurance to operate legally in the jurisdiction.
What happens if the project goes over budget?
Responsibility depends on the contract type. In a fixed-price contract, the contractor absorbs costs unless the scope changes. In a cost-plus contract, the owner pays the additional costs. Change orders must be signed by both parties for any budget increases.
Can I hire my own subcontractors alongside the general contractor?
This practice is generally discouraged. It voids warranties and creates liability issues. If an owner-hired electrician delays the project, the general contractor cannot be held responsible for the schedule slip, creating contractual disputes.
Final Summary
A general contractor functions as the central hub of a construction project. They take the stress of logistics, code compliance, personnel management, and technical execution off the property owner. By managing the timeline, budget, and quality standards, they ensure a complex project moves from blueprints to a finished building efficiently. Property owners must evaluate potential partners based on their communication, financial stability, and track record to ensure a successful build.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Successful construction projects require experienced leadership and precise management. WBP CONTRACTING LLC provides the expertise needed to handle complex builds and renovations with professional oversight. Whether planning a commercial development or a major residential update, having a dedicated partner ensures the vision becomes reality without unnecessary delays.
For questions about an upcoming project or to discuss specific construction needs, contact the team directly at (406) 890-3507 or send an inquiry to wilder@wbpcontracting.com.
Sources
Project Management Institute - Project Management Institute
Associated General Contractors of America - Associated General Contractors of America
Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
