What Does a General Contractor Do?

Whether you are remodeling your home or creating a new space for your business, embarking upon a construction project is exciting. However, it can also be quite stressful due to multiple factors which must be considered before construction begins. What – if any – permits are required? If you belong to a homeowner’s association (HOA), what control does it have over any property modifications? What materials are needed, how much will they cost, and where should you get them? Who are the best professionals to contact for construction, plumbing, electrical work, etc.? Is liability insurance necessary?

Hiring a general contractor can greatly reduce the stress of a project. As the person who communicates with all parties during the construction process, a general contractor is essentially the project’s master coordinator. They must be familiar with various elements of the construction process, including the local and regional construction regulations and the market value for materials and labor. Read on for some examples of a general contractor’s duties.

General Contractors Evaluate the Project Site

When South Florida home or business owners want to build on or remodel their property, they need to ensure that the site is suitable for their project. A general contractor will visit the site to discuss the client’s ideas and evaluate the area to see how those ideas can be implemented. Contractors may bring images of various design elements, along with color, texture, and material samples for the clients to consider. The contractor may also wish to confirm that the project falls within HOA standards for residential areas with homeowners associations.

General Contractors Calculate Estimated Project Costs

After evaluating the project area, contractors will provide the client with a cost estimate, which includes more than materials and labor: When calculating an estimate for a renovation or construction project, general contractors must consider permit fees, subcontractors’ wages, the costs of various tools and materials necessary for the project, clean-up costs, and the contracting company’s profit margin. The contractor and client review the cost estimate and may adjust design choices to fit within the budget.

General Contractors Pull Permits When Necessary

Local government agencies must approve some projects before beginning construction, and failure to receive the necessary permits may result in heavy fines or being forced to tear out new renovations. Applying for a permit can be frustrating, especially since each county in Florida has its own permit application process. General contractors are usually more familiar with this process, making them better suited to apply for a building permit. In fact, Florida law stipulates that only licensed contractors may request permits in most cases, with some exemptions for homeowners who wish to apply for permits themselves.

Hiring a general contractor can greatly reduce the stress of your project and streamline the process by allowing one person to organize and oversee the project, rather than attempting to keep track of all the requirements, payments, contractors, and permits yourself. General contractors usually have access to many different tradespeople and resources for a variety of projects, and their work can be seen on websites such as https://www.admerconstruction.com/. If you are considering a home or business construction project, have your project evaluated by a licensed general contractor to help create your dream space.