In construction projects, General Contractors Oklahoma are often the ones who coordinate multiple teams. They also play a central role in managing and maintaining safety standards on construction sites.
GCs must have extensive practical experience as well as relevant qualifications. This can be achieved through various educational programs or with on-site experience.
Construction projects are complex, and coordinating all the work that has to be done requires careful project planning. A general contractor can be the leader of this effort or may engage a professional construction manager (CM). In either case, this step involves meeting with team members and determining how they will work together, including any specialty contractors. This includes discussing workflows, setting up a labor management plan, purchasing equipment and establishing schedules. It also means identifying all the tasks that need to be done, calculating materials, volume and area requirements, and conducting a quantity take-off on the final facility design.
GCs and CMs spend considerable time at this stage bringing all the pieces together. In addition to working with their existing crews, they have to coordinate the work of specialists such as mechanical or electrical contractors. In addition, a variety of legal statutes might require a GC or CM to deal with the specialist contractors directly, for example, in public works projects.
In addition to coordinating all of the tasks, a GC or CM must also track project budgets and make timely adjustments as needed. As the project gets under way, a GC or CM can set up workflows and other controls to make sure that the job stays on schedule. In addition, they can establish a punch list that lists the tasks that must get completed to close out the project. The GC or CM will then assign those items to crews that specialize in the areas requiring attention.
Scheduling
Depending on the size of the project, general contractors will coordinate subcontractors and vendors to complete construction and deliver materials. In order to meet deadlines and schedule deliveries, they use a scheduling tool to manage and track the work. This helps prevent conflicts between specialty trades and ensures that everything is completed according to the original plan.
GCs also perform budget estimates for clients. They take into account labor; materials, tools and equipment; permits; taxes; and inspections, providing clients with a detailed cost breakdown of the construction process. They will continue to manage these costs throughout the construction period, making adjustments when necessary to keep projects on track and within budget.
One of the biggest challenges in commercial construction is managing human resources. GCs will work with the owner, architect, project managers and subcontractors to ensure that all parties are working together. They will provide a central point of contact to answer any questions and address any issues that may arise during the course of the project.
While some homeowners may be tempted to bypass a general contractor for smaller home projects, like installing a new roof or redoing their flooring, it is important to have the right expertise and experience on your side when planning and executing a larger construction project. These professionals can save you time, money and headaches by guiding you through the entire process.
Licensed GCs are able to provide their clients with the best possible service by following guidelines set forth by states and municipalities for insurance, taxation and safety. These GCs are the most qualified and experienced in the industry, giving them an advantage when planning and executing large-scale construction projects.
Budgeting
GC’s are in charge of the big picture, so they need to be able to anticipate all costs involved. This includes labor, material, tools, equipment, permits, taxes and more. Using construction project management software, GC’s can provide clients with a detailed estimate of their projects cost so they can plan ahead and make informed decisions.
During the planning phase, GC’s must also account for the schedule and create tasks for each team that will work on the project. This helps to prevent any delays and keeps the project on track. GC’s also create a budget for each task to prevent cost overruns, and they ensure subcontractors are paid in a timely manner.
Large construction projects often require a lot of raw materials and building components. GC’s work with the client and their architects to ensure they get the right amount of each item. They also work with vendors to manage a smooth supply chain, handling the intricacies of sourcing, estimates, capacities, quality work, turnaround times, invoicing and payments.
On a larger scale, GC’s may complete some of their own manual labor on a project, but they typically utilize subcontractors for all of the heavy lifting. A GC will often hire specialty subcontractors for specific trades, such as carpentry, masonry, drywall, painting, flooring and HVAC.
GC’s need to be licensed in their area, and many have bachelor’s degrees in construction science, building science, surveying or construction safety. Licensing is necessary to prove they have the skills and experience to perform their job and can be trusted by property owners to handle the responsibilities of a construction project. Licensing also allows a GC to protect their lien rights by ensuring they have the appropriate insurance coverage.
Negotiating Contracts
When it comes to the construction industry, practical experience is king. General contractors who have years of industry-specific experience are well-versed in the latest technologies, understand trends, and know how to best meet a project’s goals and deadlines. They are also more likely to follow procedure and ensure workers on-site are working safely and correctly.
Whether you’re remodeling your home or building a commercial facility, a General Contractor is the only entity that manages all of the moving parts required to bring a project to completion. They oversee and coordinate the entire process, which involves a lot of different parties and trades, from start to finish. GCs often perform managerial tasks while subcontractors complete the labor, but they can also do some of the work themselves, particularly on smaller-scale projects like a home remodel or redoing a single room.
For a GC to be successful, they must negotiate fair agreements with the project owner and their subcontractors. There are specific contract clauses that affect risks, and knowing them is what moves contract negotiation from skillful to artful.
For example, requiring that pencil requisitions be approved by the project architect before payment is made allows the GC to have additional time to confirm percent completion reports are accurate and prevents rushed inspections or overpayment on progress payments. This is a simple change that can significantly reduce the risk of claim. It’s also important for a GC to ensure they have sole and explicit contractual authority over the schedule. Carelessly describing repairs as warranty work instead of punch list work can cause liens, so negotiating for sole and explicit control over the schedule is key. In addition, ensuring the GC has adequate insurance coverages is another way to reduce risk.
Permits & Inspections
Depending on the project, a general contractor might have to arrange permits and inspections for the work being carried out. They do this with the assistance of their team, which is comprised of professionals experienced in construction management. This step is vital for construction projects, as it ensures the completion of all work in accordance with local building regulations and laws. It also prevents possible fines, legal disputes or even demolition orders if any construction is done without the required permits and inspections.
The responsibilities of a general contractor can vary based on the complexity and size of a home renovation or build. They typically execute a plan that’s been developed by someone else – such as an architect, engineer or interior designer. For some builds, GCs may also have to supply utilities on site, secure the premises and perform engineering functions. They’re also responsible for disposing of any waste generated by the construction process.
In some jurisdictions, it is mandatory for a general contractor to have a license to operate in the field of building construction. In New York, for instance, contractors wishing to perform any work in the county of Nassau must obtain a license by submitting a completed application form to the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs. Applicants should provide proof of financial stability and a valid Certificate of Insurance as well.
Licensed general contractors are typically experienced in handling the day-to-day operations of construction sites, managing subcontractors and communicating information with various stakeholders throughout the project. Whether they are licensed or not, property owners should look for a contractor that has established a track record of reliability and trustworthiness and can protect their lien rights in the event that they don’t get paid for their work.