What does a General Contractor do?
Published 3 min read
A general contractor is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and the communication of information to all involved parties throughout the course of a building project.
General Contractor job duties include:
- Meeting with clients to discuss the project scope and budget
- Identifying the specific needs of the client and developing a project plan accordingly
- Hiring and managing subcontractors and other workers
- Ensuring that all work is performed according to the agreed upon schedule and within budget
- Conducting regular site visits to monitor progress and address any issues that may arise
- Coordinating with architects, engineers, and other professionals as needed
- Obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from government agencies
- Handling customer service issues and complaints
- Preparing final invoices and ensuring that all payments are made in a timely manner
General Contractor Job Requirements
A general contractor is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of a construction site, coordination of trades and vendors, and the overall management of the project. A general contractor must have a minimum of a high school diploma, although many have completed some college coursework or hold a bachelor’s degree. In addition, most states require general contractors to be licensed. To obtain a license, a contractor must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of construction law, safety regulations, and other topics. Many contractors also have several years of experience working in the construction industry before starting their own business.
General Contractor Skills
- Blueprints
- Reading
- Math
- Communication
- Organization
- Time management
- Budgeting
- Quality control
- Safety
- Risk management
- Negotiation
- Supervising
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How to become a General Contractor
A general contractor is a professional who is responsible for the day-to-day management of a construction project. He or she oversees the work of subcontractors and ensures that the project is completed on time and within budget.
If you are interested in becoming a general contractor, there are a few things you will need to do. First, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field. Next, you will need to gain experience working in the construction industry. This can be done by working as an intern or assistant project manager on various construction projects. Once you have gained sufficient experience, you will then need to obtain a contractor's license from your state. After you have obtained your license, you will be able to bid on and manage your own construction projects.
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