The Role of a General Contractor in Commercial Contracting Near You

When it comes to commercial construction, it’s important to understand the role of a general contractor in your upcoming projects. Having a reliable and experienced general contractor is essential in ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

But what exactly does a general contractor do, and why is it so important to hire one for your project? Let’s dive in!

What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is kind of like the coach of a sports team. They will be the one strategizing, coordinating, and moving players (your subcontractors and workers) to achieve a winning performance (a successful project). 

In short, they oversee every aspect of a construction project, from the initial planning stages to the final touches. Their job is to make sure everything is done correctly, on time, and within budget.

Do You Need to Hire a General Contractor?

You might be wondering, when is the right time to hire a general contractor? And do I even need one? While not all construction projects require a general contractor, many do. 

A good rule of thumb is: if your construction project will last longer than a week, it’s a good idea to hire a general contractor. 

Here are a few key cases that might require general contractor support. 

Longer Projects

If your construction project will last longer than a week, it’s a good idea to hire a general contractor. Managing a long construction project on your own can be stressful and difficult. General contractors have the experience to know how long different parts of the project will take and can hire and coordinate workers and subcontractors to keep things on track.

Permits and Building Codes

When your project requires permits, a general contractor is invaluable. 

They know the building codes and which permits are necessary for different types of projects. Figuring out permits on your own can take a lot of research, and missing any can lead to major consequences for your company. 

Let a professional handle this and ensure all rules and regulations are followed.

Multiple Subcontractors 

If your construction project needs the skills of multiple subcontractors, a general contractor can make a big difference. 

Choosing and scheduling multiple subcontractors can be hectic and confusing if you try doing it alone. General contractors have relationships with trusted subcontractors in various specializations. They know exactly who to hire for different parts of the project and have experience coordinating them efficiently to get the job done on time.

When to Hire a General Contractor? 

The earlier you bring a general contractor on board, the better. 

Pre-construction planning is essential for a successful project, and having a contractor involved from the start can make a big difference.

Hiring a general contractor during the pre-construction phase ensures that you have a clear plan in place before any work begins. They can help you develop a detailed project plan, obtain the necessary permits, and coordinate with local authorities.

Their involvement during this phase also helps in identifying potential issues early on and developing strategies to address them. This proactive approach helps in avoiding delays and ensuring that the project progresses smoothly.

Services Provided by General Contractors

General contractors offer a wide range of services to ensure your project is a success from start to finish. Here are some of the key services they provide:

Pre-construction Planning

Before any construction begins, there’s a lot of planning to do. 

Pre-construction services include everything from creating a detailed project plan to securing permits and approvals. This phase is crucial for laying the groundwork for a successful project.

During the pre-construction phase, the general contractor works closely with the client to understand their vision and goals for the project. They develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and budget. 

This plan serves as a roadmap for the entire project. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect.

The general contractor also handles all the necessary paperwork and approvals. This includes obtaining permits, scheduling inspections, and coordinating with local authorities. Their expertise in navigating the regulatory landscape ensures that the project complies with all local laws and regulations, and avoids any potential legal issues.

Construction Management

Once construction begins, the general contractor takes on the role of overseeing the day-to-day operations. 

This includes site supervision and ensuring all work meets the required standards. Their job is to keep the project on schedule and handle any issues that arise.

Construction management involves coordinating the efforts of various subcontractors and ensuring that everyone is working according to the project plan. The general contractor schedules regular site visits to monitor progress and address any issues that come up. They also hold regular meetings with the project team to review progress and make any necessary adjustments to the plan.

One of the key responsibilities of the general contractor during the construction phase is quality control. They inspect the work regularly to ensure that it meets the required standards and specifications. This attention to detail ensures that the final product is of the highest quality and meets the client’s expectations.

Post-construction Services

After the construction is complete, the general contractor’s job isn’t done. 

They provide post-construction services to ensure everything is finished correctly. This includes final inspections, addressing any remaining issues, and making sure you are satisfied with the result.

The post-construction phase involves a thorough inspection of the completed work. The general contractor checks to ensure that everything has been done according to the project plan and meets the required standards. They also address any remaining issues or touch-ups that may be needed.

Once the final inspection is complete, the general contractor provides the client with all the necessary documentation, including warranties and maintenance manuals. They also offer support and assistance during the move-in phase, ensuring that the client is fully satisfied with the final product.

The Benefits of Working With a General Contractor 

Expertise and Experience

One of the main reasons to hire a general contractor is their expertise and experience. An experienced general contractor brings a wealth of knowledge to your project. This is highly beneficial to your project in more ways than one. 

A good general contractor understands the ins and outs of commercial construction and can foresee potential issues before they become problems. This expertise ensures your project is built to the highest standards and meets all safety regulations.

They know the best practices and the latest industry standards, which helps in delivering high-quality work.

For example, if you are working on a commercial construction project in Memphis, you want someone who knows the local regulations and has experience working with the city’s permitting process. A local general contractor in the Arlington or Memphis area is the best person to rely on for that type of expertise. 

An established general contractor also likely has a network of skilled subcontractors and suppliers they can rely on. This ensures that every aspect of the project is handled by verified experts.

This local expertise can save you a lot of time and hassle. It also ensures that your project progresses smoothly without unnecessary delays.

Project Management and Coordination

Managing a construction project is no small feat. It involves coordinating various tasks and teams to ensure everything is done on schedule.

For this reason, project management is a critical aspect of a general contractor’s job. 

They handle construction coordination and make sure that all parts of the project come together seamlessly. This includes scheduling workers, ordering materials, and keeping the project on track.

A general contractor acts as the central point of contact for everyone involved in the project. They coordinate with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This level of coordination is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that the project stays on schedule.

For instance, if there is a delay in the delivery of materials, the general contractor will adjust the schedule and make sure that the delay does not affect the overall timeline of the project. 

Their ability to successfully manage and coordinate different aspects of the project ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Cost Efficiency and Budgeting

Another significant benefit of hiring a general contractor is cost efficiency. 

They are skilled at construction budgeting and can help you get the most value for your money. A good general contractor will find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Most general contractors have experience working with budgets of all sizes. They can help you create a realistic budget for your project and then work within that budget to deliver high-quality results. 

They also know where to find the best deals on materials and labor, which can save you a significant amount of money.

Moreover, general contractors are experts at identifying potential cost overruns before they happen. They monitor the budget closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the project stays on track financially. 

This proactive approach to budgeting helps prevent costly surprises and keeps the project as close as possible to the agreed-upon budget.

Why Hire a General Contractor?

By now, it’s clear that a general contractor is important for your project due to their experience and know-how. They can handle the tricky parts of building, spot problems early, and make sure everything goes smoothly. 

They also know the best materials to use and how to save money. This helps keep your project on time and on budget.

Things to Look for When Hiring a General Contractor in West Tennessee

Finding the right general contractor is crucial for your project’s success. Here are some tips on what to consider and ask when hiring a general contractor:

Experience and Reputation

Look for a contractor with experience in projects similar to yours. Ask about their past work and check their reputation. A contractor with a good track record is more likely to deliver high-quality result

Credentials and References

Always check the contractor’s credentials. Make sure they are licensed and insured. Ask for references and take the time to contact them. Past clients can provide valuable insights into the contractor’s reliability and work quality.

Communication

Effective communication is key to a successful project. Pay attention to how the contractor communicates during the initial meetings. They should be responsive, clear, and willing to answer your questions.

Network of Subcontractors and Suppliers

A good contractor will have a network of reliable subcontractors and suppliers. This ensures that your project has access to skilled workers and quality materials. Ask about their relationships with subcontractors and how they select them.

Quality Assurance

Ask about the contractor’s quality assurance processes. They should have a system in place to ensure that all work meets high standards. Inquire about any warranties they offer on their workmanship and materials.

Project Management Skills

The contractor should have strong project management skills. Ask how they plan to manage your project, keep it on schedule, and handle any issues that arise. Their ability to coordinate different tasks and teams is crucial for a smooth project.

Cost and Budgeting

Discuss the contractor’s approach to budgeting. They should be able to provide a detailed estimate and explain how they plan to keep the project within budget. Be wary of low bids that might compromise on quality.

Safety Measures

Safety is a top priority in construction. Ask about the contractor’s safety protocols and how they plan to protect workers and your property. They should have a solid safety plan in place to prevent accidents.

Legal Compliance

Make sure the contractor is familiar with local laws and regulations. They should handle all necessary permits and inspections. Check that their license is current and that they comply with all legal requirements.

Final Steps

Once you’ve considered these factors and asked the right questions, you’ll be in a strong position to choose the best general contractor for your project. 

Remember, taking the time to find the right contractor will pay off in the quality and success of your construction project.

General Contractor in West Tennessee

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced general contractor in West Tennessee, look no further than InterVision. They offer comprehensive construction services, from pre-construction planning to post-construction services. With a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, InterVision is a premier choice for all your commercial construction needs in Memphis and Arlington.