Construction projects are complex irrespective of their type. Any construction project will involve a considerable amount of workforce each of who might have to complete some unique tasks. The race against deadlines, the availability of resources, and the resource allocation often contributes to the complexity.

This is where a general contractor can turn out to be a godsend.

What is a general contractor?

A general contractor can be the main or prime contractor who is in charge of the routine supervision of the construction site. The general contractor brings all the vendors, trades, and other stakeholders under one umbrella to ensure clear-cut communication and the deadlines are met.

If the above explanations are not sufficient, read on for some points that will answer your question “Why should I hire a general contractor?”

Saves time

Construction projects can span from a few months to years. Unforeseen circumstances like bad weather or lockdowns could slow down or even bring the project progress to a standstill. This is where the expertise of a general contractor can come in handy.

An experienced general contractor always has most of these unforeseen barriers on the cards and can schedule his subcontractors efficiently. He would also have the expertise to handle issues that may arise promptly and his negotiation skills can help manage most setbacks.

Saves money

Store A sells the construction material that you need for $$ and is of high quality and Store B sells the same material that you need for $ but is of moderate quality.

An inexperienced contractor would go for Store B. However, an experienced contractor, with his connections and negotiating skills can get material from Store A at a discounted rate thereby ensuring quality and affordability.

Moreover, subcontractors are known to charge more when working under the building owner. To subcontractors, general contractors are a major source of continuous projects, which makes them charge less.

Moreover, general contractors are in the position to place projects on bids, which creates competition and thereby reduces the project budget further.

Adds versatility to project planning

With his network of subcontractors and vendors, you could pull off any construction project type with the assistance of an experienced general contractor. This gives you an option to be flexible even if you need some minor improvisations during the project.

Moreover, you also have the option to share your ideas and requirements with a general contractor and he can come up with some custom options to choose from.

Covers licensing and insurance

Hiring a licensed general contractor contributes to the smooth functioning of the project. This ensures that the project is progressing as per the rules and regulations put forward by the state or county. With liability insurance, you won’t be responsible for any construction site accidents that may occur.

Single communication point

Dealing with a plethora of subcontractors and vendors can be a hassle. Imagine getting the overall project status from a single experienced contractor who can answer all your questions and seems to have things under control. This is exactly what you’ll get if you hire an experienced and licensed subcontractor.

Constant updates and feedbacks

Constant progress updates are vital to ensure that the project meets the deadline. Your general contractor can offer constant updates and even offer some suggestions to improvise as per the market conditions.

Experience

Your general contractor is your eyes and ears in the market. His experience will allow him to foresee scenarios and act smart to ensure that everything is under control. For example, news related to a ban on certain construction material could reach his ears before the ban is in place.

Even if the material is not banned straight away, working with an alternative material will help you prevent chaos in the long run.

Better budget control

With the proper management of vendors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, you could expect the project to be completed in budget or even less than the budget on some occasions. This is where the excess money can flow back to you.

Hiring a licensed general contractor could be the ultimate means of having total control of your construction project, especially if you work around the clock.