Unlike other construction firms that take on jobs in the form of bids, General Contractors Oklahoma work with clients via a negotiated contract. They usually gain clients’ trust over time through quality work and reliability.
GCs are also responsible for obtaining building permits and city inspections to ensure that construction complies with all laws and regulations. This includes ensuring that all workers have proper PPE equipment to avoid injuries.
One of the primary benefits of hiring a general contractor is that they handle all aspects of the project. They manage all of the details and ensure that everyone is working together to get the job done. They will work with the architect and subcontractors to ensure that the plans for construction are followed through. They will also manage the budget, coordinate with additional contractors, and deal with any challenges that may arise during construction.
In a design-build setting, they will also take on the responsibility of collaborating with architects and completing designs in order to create a contract. Once the design has been completed, they will develop the construction drawings and obtain permits. They will manage the bidding process and hire all of the subcontractors.
If a project is being delivered using the Lump Sum or Stipulated Sum method, the GC will review and analyze the project’s drawings and scope of work, collect quotes from qualified specialized subcontractors, add their own overhead costs to come up with a quote, and then agree to deliver the project as described for that price. They will be responsible for scheduling all of the different tradesmen (such as plumbers, electricians, roofers, drywall installers, and painters) for their part in the project, and make sure they are on site when needed.
Throughout the construction phase, they will inspect the jobsite regularly and review daily reports to identify issues. They will adjust schedules and budgets as necessary, and they will keep the building owner updated on the progress of the project.
They will handle all sourcing and procurement for all of the raw materials and building components that are needed to construct the project. This includes managing vendors, negotiating pricing, and ensuring that the project is on budget and that all of the material suppliers are paid on time.
Since they will be the main point of contact between all of the subcontractors, other professionals, and the building owner, it is critical that there are good communication channels in place. GCs will set up and oversee the communication system to make sure that information is passed along in a timely manner, and there are no delays or miscommunications.
They Save You Time
A general contractor can save you a ton of time when it comes to a construction project. This is because they can handle all aspects of the job and work with subcontractors, suppliers, and inspection agencies to get things done quickly and efficiently. This will help to ensure that the project stays on schedule and that the work is completed properly.
Having an experienced team of professionals on your side can also provide you with valuable insight and suggestions about the best way to go about certain tasks. For example, a GC will know when it’s too cold for pouring concrete or how long you should let caulk cure before painting. They will also know about safety standards and procedures to follow in order to keep everyone safe while they are working onsite.
They also have access to reputable resources, quality materials and lower prices than you might find yourself paying for the same items. That’s because they have spent the time vetting and building relationships with other contractors and vendors over the years.
In addition, a general contractor will know exactly what’s required by local inspectors and have close working relationships with them. This will prevent you from having to pay for re-inspection fees, pay fines or even put up with results delays. This is particularly important on large projects and can make or break your entire timeline.
The GC will also manage the payment process, ensuring that payments are made to all contractors and vendors in a timely manner. This will avoid any cash flow issues and allow you to focus on other areas of the project while knowing that all parties are being paid in a reasonable amount of time.
It’s worth noting that a GC will add a markup to the cost of materials and labor. This is how they will earn a profit for their services and is something that you should be prepared to accept. However, by leveraging a construction manager and working with a GC on a negotiated contract, you can cut out about half to two-thirds of the contractor’s gross profit.
They Take Care of the Details
The role of a general contractor is to oversee the entire construction process and ensure that all aspects are going according to plan. This includes obtaining necessary permits, sourcing materials and coordinating workers on site. Additionally, a GC will work with architects to guarantee that all construction is done as per the design. This can be particularly important for homeowners who want to build a custom home or renovate their existing one.
A GC can also be helpful in deciding what type of building materials are best for the project. This is because they have a great deal of industry experience and can offer insight into various materials that are available, what their costs might be and how they will last over time. This is an important aspect of the project that can save a lot of money in the long run and ensure the project is completed as intended.
They are also responsible for arranging all city inspections, which are required before the building process can continue. This is another task that is not an easy one and requires a lot of time and effort.
When choosing a GC, it is important to check their references and past projects. This can give you a sense of their work ethic, communication skills and level of professionalism. It is also a good idea to verify their licenses and insurance coverage to ensure they are legitimate.
Lastly, a GC is also responsible for resolving any disputes that arise on the construction site and maintaining safety standards throughout the project. This is an essential part of the job and ensures that all parties on site are safe at all times.
Managing construction can be a daunting task for anyone, but working with a general contractor can make the process much easier and less stressful. By bringing their years of expertise and knowledge to the table, they can help you get your renovation or build completed as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring that everything is up to code. Whether you’re in the market for a new home or just need some minor repairs made, contact your local general contractor for a free estimate!
They Offer a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
As a general contractor, you have a wide variety of skills that you bring to construction. Your education in the field and experience on the job give you a well-rounded understanding of how projects work, including their scopes and requirements. You can also use your leadership and organizational skills to manage multiple projects at once.
One of the main tasks that you take on is determining budgets for each project. This requires a great deal of attention to detail as you account for the cost of labor, materials, equipment, permits, city inspections, taxes, and other factors. This allows clients to have a clear idea of what the cost of the project will be and helps them budget accordingly.
On the jobsite, you must keep an eye on every aspect of the construction project to ensure that the building is coming along as planned and meets the client’s standards. You must also monitor the quality of materials used on the project. This is important because the quality of materials will influence how long the building will last and its value when it’s complete.
In most cases, you will be working with a team of subcontractors who specialize in various aspects of the construction process. These include plumbers, electricians, masons, carpenters, iron workers, and other specialists. As the general contractor, you will likely be overseeing all of these people. This can be difficult because it’s often hard to know who is actually doing the work. You may also not be able to communicate clearly with everyone who is on the site and you will have limited visibility into what’s happening.
GCs must be able to make decisions quickly when a problem arises on the jobsite. This is a major part of their role because it’s how they keep the project on track and make sure that all parties are happy with the end results. For example, if a worker damages the property and you need to replace it, you must be able to resolve that issue in a timely manner. You must also ensure that all bills are paid and tie up any loose ends once the project is complete.