Roles and Responsibilities of a General Contractor

Professional Advice

A general contractor is responsible for managing and supervising the construction of a project. In many states, they are required by law to have a proper contracting license. Did you know that the construction industry in the US has over 7 million employees?

If you have a major project to build, you need to hire a credible general contractor in Wake County, NC, with substantial experience in the industry. Here are 4 main roles and responsibilities of a general contractor:

1. Project Planning

Projects usually have a master schedule that includes all tasks, their allocated time, and a tentative budget. General contractors are responsible for ensuring that all tasks are completed and all deadlines are met. Finishing late is only acceptable in case of external factors, such as extreme weather or natural disaster.

A general contractor decides the material and equipment needed for construction. They are also in charge of forecasting possible changes in plan and developing risk mitigation strategies. Contractors must work within the given budget and maintain smooth communication among project participants. 

2. Daily Operations

The roles and responsibilities of a general contractor includes monitoring the day to day activity during construction. They are usually responsible for hiring subcontractors and other individuals to complete the project. 

The schedule, safety, and quality of work should be closely monitored by a general contractor. They are supposed to routinely review, tweak, and update the fine details of the project program. Routine weekly checks are conducted by general contractors to ensure that the construction is proceeding smoothly. 

3. Legal Responsibilities

Contractors must stay updated with all legal requirements. Before starting a project, a general contractor is responsible for acquiring all licenses and permits necessary for beginning construction. This also includes all applicable fees and taxes. 

A general contractor should ensure that the construction is in line with the local legislation and building codes. A project can easily progress if the contractor ensures all legal aspects are taken care of. Make sure your general contractor in Wake County, NC, has experience working with municipal jurisdictions and can obtain the required permits.

4. Regulating Health and Safety

A safety policy must be set in place by a general contractor to ascertain health and safety in the workplace. A general contractor is responsible for implementing suitable procedures and increasing awareness among workers on the site. 

Aspects that fall under a general contractor’s duties include emergency response system, risk management strategies, and other safety measures. A contractor ensures that people working on the project are using safety equipment whenever necessary. 

Dealing with emergencies or unforeseen circumstances is also one of the duties of a general contractor. If any occur, they must be reported to the client’s supervision staff. 

The roles and responsibilities of a general contractor are widespread and require good multitasking abilities. They should be efficient in making decisions and dealing with uncertainties. 

Make sure you hire an experienced and licensed general contractor to have your project completed within the time and budget allocated. Click here to read tips for hiring a contractor. If you are looking for a general contractor in Wake County, NC, don’t hesitate to call us at Glasgow Design Build! (919) 228-9107.