Professional Home Improvements: What Is a General Contractor?

Are you planning a home remodel? If so, you’re in good company. With 62% of American homeowners planning renovations this year – up from 48% in 2023-home improvement projects are on the rise. Many of those homeowners will use general contractor services.

Before you start imagining the new space, it’s important to ask: What is a general contractor, and how can they help?

Many confuse the role of a general contractor with that of other specialized contractors, leading to misunderstandings. Knowing exactly what a general contractor does is the key to a smooth project.

In short, general contractors bring together all the moving parts of a new build or remodel, from the design concept to the finished project.

Read the full article for a step-by-step guide to researching, interviewing, and evaluating the best contractors for your home.

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What Is a General Contractor?

General contractors play a crucial role in any home remodel, managing the entire project from start to finish. But how does a general contractor differ from other contractors?

While the general contractor oversees the whole project, other contractors specialize in specific tasks. For example, a plumber or electrician handles only plumbing or electrical work, but a general contractor coordinates all the specialized trades.

General contractor services include managing subcontractors but also overall construction project management. They make sure each phase runs smoothly and stays on schedule.

Subcontractors focus solely on their particular areas of expertise. They might install your kitchen cabinets, lay down flooring, or wire your new lighting. The general contractor makes sure subcontractors complete tasks on time, within budget, and up to code.

While hiring individual contractors may seem like a way to save money, without the expertise of a general contractor, you risk project delays, miscommunication, and even costly mistakes.

By acting as the main point of contact, the general contractor ensures all the specialists work together seamlessly, providing you with a single person to turn to with questions or concerns throughout the project.

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Understanding the Role of a General Contractor

A general contractor oversees your home remodel from start to finish. They coordinate each part of the project, ensuring it stays on schedule and within budget.

Contractor responsibilities include:

• Managing workflow
• Coordinating subcontractors
• Ensuring compliance with local building codes
• Enforcing OSHA safety guidelines
• Securing permits and approvals

A good general contractor also makes sure all materials arrive on time. This helps prevent delays and keeps the project running smoothly. With their guidance, homeowners can avoid mistakes that lead to extra costs or poor workmanship.

Everything a general contractor does comes under the umbrella of construction project management—balancing time, resources, and quality to achieve a successful result for your remodel.

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Essential Skills and Qualifications

A qualified general contractor brings more than technical knowledge to a home remodel. Their construction project management skills are backed by years of hands-on experience. They don’t just oversee the project–they actively manage its progress, making real-time decisions to keep things on track.

Communication is another critical skill. A good general contractor can clearly explain the project timeline, what to expect next, and any challenges that arise. They also communicate effectively with subcontractors, ensuring that everyone is on the same page to avoid costly mistakes.

Problem-solving is key. Unexpected issues will happen, whether it’s delays, material shortages, or design changes. The right contractor can think quickly, provide solutions, and keep the project moving forward.

When hiring a contractor, focus on someone with a proven record of managing home remodels like yours. Look for strong leadership, adaptability, and the ability to keep a cool head under pressure. These skills will help your project stay on budget and meet your expectations.

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Hiring a Contractor: First Steps

Finding the right contractor takes time. Start by researching general contractor services in your area. Look at reviews, ask for referrals, and check local listings.

Make sure each candidate has the proper licenses, insurance, and a portfolio of completed work. Hiring a contractor with experience in home remodeling projects will help guarantee the professional handling of your project.

Once you narrow down your list to 2-3 candidates, set up interviews. Ask specific questions about their contractor responsibilities, including how they manage subcontractors, budgets, and timelines.

Here are some key questions to consider:

1. Do you have experience with projects like mine?
2. How do you handle unexpected issues?
3. What is your process for dealing with delays?
4. Do you have references from past clients?
5. How do you manage subcontractors?
6. How do you keep the project on budget?
7. What is your process for communicating project updates?
8. Who applies for building permits?

These are just a few of the questions you should ask to help you gauge the contractor’s experience and communication style, ensuring a good fit for your project.

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Evaluating Estimates and Contracts

After narrowing down your choices for potential contractors, it’s time to talk about estimates. When comparing estimates, focus on more than just the total cost. Look for a detailed breakdown of labor, materials, and overhead.

When comparing estimates from potential general contractors, focus on more than the total cost. Look for a detailed breakdown of labor, materials, and overhead. This will help you understand what you’re paying for and make it easier to compare different bids.

A solid contract is essential in protecting your interests. It should clearly outline the following:

• Scope of work
• Payment schedule
• Project timeline
• Change order process

The scope of work should specify the exact tasks and materials involved. The payment schedule needs to outline when payments are due, which helps you manage your project budget.

Project timelines detail when each phase of the remodel will start and finish, allowing for better planning and expectations. For example, you may have an idea of how long it should take to complete a bathroom remodel. Your general contractor will give an estimated project timeline, which is a helpful tool to prevent surprises.

The change order process defines how any adjustments or modifications to the project will be handled, including the approval process and any associated costs.

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What to Expect from a General Contractor

As your primary point of contact, the general contractor provides oversight throughout your home remodel. They will guide you through each step of the process. Here’s what you can expect during the project:

• Initial consultation
• Detailed planning
• Regular check-ins
• Final walkthrough

The initial consultation sets the foundation for the entire project. Suppose you’re dreaming of a modern and more visually pleasing kitchen. Your contractor can help you align your vision with the reality of your remodeling budget.

Next, the contractor will create a detailed plan that outlines each phase of the project. The plan includes timelines and milestones. It serves as a roadmap to keep the project organized and on track.

Throughout the project, you can expect regular check-ins from your contractor. They will provide updates on progress and communicate any challenges. Ongoing communication helps address concerns and keeps you informed.

Once the project is complete, the contractor will conduct a final walkthrough. The purpose of the walkthrough is to make sure the finished project meets your expectations.

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General Contractors and Budget Management

A general contractor plays a vital role in managing project budgets. They collaborate with homeowners to set a realistic budget. Considering that 40% of homeowners went over their remodeling budget, having a general contractor’s help with budget management is non-negotiable.

Once the project begins, the contractor will provide detailed cost estimates, breaking down expenses for better understanding. Their industry knowledge allows them to identify cost-saving opportunities, such as sourcing materials in bulk or suggesting alternatives that fit your budget without sacrificing quality.

Throughout the home remodel, general contractors actively monitor expenses and track costs. They notify the homeowner of any discrepancies or potential overruns.

Regular updates on budget status will keep you informed and involved. With their expertise, a skilled general contractor can help your project stay on track financially.

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A General Contractor Is Your Permit Ally

General contractor responsibilities also include taking care of permits and local building regulations. The state of California has specific permit requirements for residential construction and home remodels. A general contractor understands permit requirements for your area and secures all necessary permits before work begins.

The general contractor’s expertise helps avoid potential issues associated with improper permitting, including:

• Fines
• Project delays
• Stop-work orders
• Legal liabilities
• Increased costs
• Loss of insurance coverage
• Rework or demolition
• Impact on future renovations

Failure to get the right permits can lead to serious consequences. Local authorities may require costly modifications to unpermitted work or halt your project until you achieve compliance.

Additionally, without proper permits, homeowners risk complications when selling the property. Future buyers may face issues during inspections, leading to delays or reduced offers.

By managing every detail, a general contractor not only protects your interests but also streamlines the remodeling process.