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Writer's pictureJoshua Holmgren

What is a General Contractor and how do they manage your project?



Are you planning a home improvement or construction project and wondering, "What is a general contractor?" 


When I talk with people looking to hire a general contractor in Clark County, they often have questions about how we get involved and what parts of the project we typically handle. Whether you’ve heard the term before or are new to it, understanding the specific type of contractor to hire is essential to ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish. If you're preparing to build a home, you might have many of the same questions. This post will break down the responsibilities of a general contractor and explain how they manage your project effectively.


An excavator prepares a home site while a general contractor reviews blueprints

What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor (GC) is the cornerstone of any construction project, serving as the central point of contact and ensuring that all aspects of the project come together seamlessly. But what exactly does a general contractor do? Essentially, they are responsible for managing the design, schedule, and production of your construction project. This involves overseeing the design process to ensure that the project aligns with the client's vision and requirements, creating and maintaining a project timeline to ensure that all tasks are completed on time, and coordinating the various elements of the project, including labor, materials, and subcontractors.


What does a General Contractor do?

One of the most critical roles of a builder is scheduling and managing subcontractors. These specialty contractors will handle specific aspects of the project, such as plumbing, electrical work, and more. The GC's ability to manage these specialists effectively is crucial for the success of the project. 


A modern kitchen built by Renew Design + Build, general contractor in Clark County WA

For instance, plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining the plumbing systems, while electricians handle all electrical installations and repairs. Depending on the project, other specialists like HVAC technicians, roofers, and painters may also be involved. The general contractor ensures that each subcontractor is scheduled appropriately and that their work aligns with the overall project timeline. This careful coordination helps avoid delays and ensures that each phase of the project is completed in the correct order.


How General Contractors manage the new home construction process

A significant part of a general contractor's job is to make sure that the original design intent is achieved. This means that the final result should match the client's vision and the plans created during the design phase. To ensure this, your builder will conduct regular site inspections to verify that the work is being carried out according to the design specifications. 


They implement quality control measures to ensure that all work meets the required standards and maintain open lines of communication with the client, designers, and subcontractors to address any issues or changes promptly. By managing these aspects, the general contractor ensures that the project not only meets the client's expectations but also adheres to all relevant building codes and regulations.


The general contractor team at Renew Design + Build reviews a project

A general contractor plays a vital role in the success of any construction project. From managing the design and schedule to coordinating subcontractors and ensuring the design intent is achieved, they are the linchpin that holds the project together. If you’re still wondering, "Why hire a general contractor?" The answer lies in their ability to bring expertise, organization, and peace of mind to your project.


If you’re planning a home improvement or construction project and need a reliable general contractor in Clark County, reach out to us at Renew Design + Build.



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