General Contractors Lexington KY are the primary people who manage the on-site processes of a construction project. They’re responsible for arranging materials, vetting subcontractors, and acquiring any necessary permits.
The GC should also arrange for inspections to ensure the building is up to code. They should also carry builder’s risk insurance to mitigate property exposures.
A general contractor license is a requirement in many states for anyone taking the lead on a construction project. It may be for commercial or residential work. Some states have different license types for each, and other requirements that must be met to obtain a license. Generally, you must pass an exam and meet insurance and experience requirements to be licensed. You may also have to submit fingerprints and pay fees throughout the licensing process.
The responsibilities of a GC include scheduling and managing the day-to-day activities on a construction site. This includes arranging for the delivery and movement of materials, labor, and equipment. They also ensure that all work is completed as per the blueprints and design requirements. A GC is also responsible for budgeting and financial management. They must review the work of subcontractors before disbursing payments to them.
Licensing is important for contractors because it confirms that they follow local standards and rules regarding insurance, taxes, and safety. Additionally, it builds trust with clients and the community at large. It is also beneficial for property owners because it helps them find contractors who can meet deadlines and quality expectations.
In addition to passing an exam, contractors must submit proof of their insurance and experience. The required insurances vary by state, but most require liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Additionally, some states require a bond.
A good contractor is always prepared for unexpected challenges on the job. They have a deep understanding of their trade and the industry, which allows them to adjust quickly when things change. Moreover, they prioritize the protection of the home and personal belongings during construction. They also include clear plans for maintaining cleanliness and minimizing disruptions in their estimates and contracts.
To become a licensed general contractor, you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen or legal resident. You will also need to submit fingerprints and pass a background check. Additionally, you will need to pass a trade exam and pay a fee. Depending on the type of license you are seeking, you may have to provide proof of experience and complete continuing education courses.
Experience
A career as a general contractor requires a well-balanced mix of industry experience, education and skills. Some general contractors earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, while others learn on the job with an apprenticeship or construction assistant program. A thorough understanding of all phases of a project is essential. For example, a general contractor will need to know how to create a plan of action for each task and delegate responsibilities. This will ensure that all work is completed on time and within budget.
Once a contractor has earned his or her license, he or she should start looking for clients. It takes time to establish a business and build up a client list. Initially, a general contractor should focus on smaller jobs in his or her local area and seek out referrals from friends, family and former employers. These smaller jobs will help the contractor to develop a reputation and gain the confidence of potential clients.
Having the right business management skills is also important for a general contractor. This includes the ability to create and follow a business plan, understand financial statements and make strategic decisions. Successful contractors also have good customer service skills, including open communication and setting realistic expectations. They prioritize the needs of their clients and go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service.
In addition to business management skills, a general contractor should be able to solve problems quickly and creatively. This is especially important when dealing with unforeseen challenges on a construction project. For example, a contractor might need to find a new supplier for materials or come up with an alternative construction method. A contractor with these problem-solving abilities will be able to find effective solutions and complete the project on time.
Finally, a general contractor should have the appropriate insurance coverage for his or her industry. This includes professional liability insurance and surety bonds, which are required in some jurisdictions. Liability insurance covers the cost of legal expenses if a client sues over a mistake made by the contractor, such as missing a deadline or failing to adhere to building plans. Surety bonds, on the other hand, are contracts that guarantee that a contractor will pay a claim if a client is not satisfied with the work done.
Professionalism
Whether the construction project is residential or commercial, it requires a certain level of professionalism. A contractor must be able to manage both the fine details and major concerns of the project. These professionals are in charge of securing the necessary permits, hiring subcontractors, and making sure that all work meets the specifications of the contract. A professional contractor is not afraid to ask questions and get clarification from the client when needed.
A general contractor is also expected to take responsibility for ensuring that his crews follow the rules of safety and security on the job site. This may involve wearing personal protective equipment and securing the property to prevent theft, vandalism or weather-related issues. A contractor who takes a hands-on approach to his responsibilities also shows that he cares about the quality of his work. He will also make it a point to encourage his employees to follow the rules of safety and security on the jobsites, even after they have left the site.
Another indication of a professional contractor is his ability to handle unforeseen events and challenges. For example, if the materials needed for a project are delayed or if an inspection is required by local authorities, the contractor should have a plan to mitigate these problems. The contractor should be able to find alternative solutions that are cost effective and meet the client’s expectations.
One of the most important things that a professional contractor should have is a passion for what they do. This will come through in the way they conduct themselves with clients and their fellow contractors. Having a passion for construction projects will help the contractor maintain a positive attitude during difficult times and will ensure that the work is done right the first time around.
Contractors who exhibit a high level of professionalism will receive better referral business from their clients and will have an easier time getting jobs. Regardless of the size of the project, a contractor should never compromise on the quality of his work to cut corners or save time. He should be willing to invest the extra time and money into a project that will stand the test of time and give his clients peace of mind.
Communication
A general contractor is responsible for managing the construction process. Their duties start before construction begins and extend through the end of the project. This is a huge responsibility and requires communication with the project team members and stakeholders. The GC must also work with the architects and coordinate with the subcontractors. They are the main point of contact with the building owner and disburse payments to the subcontractors once all of the work is completed.
The GC must be able to plan and schedule tasks for each phase of the project. This can help prevent cost overruns and delays in the project timeline. This is accomplished by creating a plan that breaks down the overall project into manageable segments with set deadlines for each segment. The GC must also work closely with the architect to ensure that all construction activities follow the plans and specifications that are documented in the design drawings and blueprints.
Construction is a fast-paced environment and mistakes can be costly. Timely communication is essential to keeping the project on track. The GC must respond to requests and submittals from the owner, consultants, and subcontractors in a timely manner. This can be done through email, phone or in person. For large projects, it is often best to use an online construction management software that enables project teams to communicate and collaborate on documents.
Keeping all parties up-to-date on changes in the project scope or schedule is a critical part of the GC’s job. This can be done by distributing weekly reports and communicating any significant changes to the entire project team. This can help to eliminate miscommunication and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of any change in expectations or scheduling.
It is important for the GC to establish a clear chain of command when communicating with all of the project team members. This is usually outlined in the contract documents. If the owner decides to bypass this communication structure and talk directly to the subcontractors, they may be setting themselves up for a big mess down the road. I overheard a conversation recently where the superintendent on a project was discussing something with a subcontractor and the subcontractor stated they had told “someone at the GC office”.
This is an example of how not to communicate with subcontractors on a project. The GC needs to be the main point of contact with all of the subcontractors on the project. This helps to keep everyone on the same page and avoids miscommunication.