If you're a do it yourself kind of person, you may undervalue the importance of a contractor, which can be a costly mistake. Hopefully, you haven't made any mistakes yet, and now would be the best time to get a professional to handle your project.
Deciding when to hire a professional general contractor in CT it can be confusing for most homes or building owners. In this article, we will be answering all your questions relating to a general contractor and why you need one for your project.
To understand why general contractors are valued, let's start by understanding who they are and what they do.
Who is a General Contractor?
A general contractor is responsible for the day to day oversight of a construction project. They manage construction workers and construction supplies and are responsible for communicating vital information throughout the construction phase of a project.
Clients and projects stand to benefit a lot from hiring a licensed contractor. For starters, a contractor uses experience and relationships to get you the best deals possible. They also possess special skills, knowledge and understanding of how the system works, which makes it easier to avoid issues during construction. Many licensed contractors have teams of specialized employees that guarantee quality in a construction project and are insured, so they take on liability for property damage or injuries that may occur.
Why Hire A General Contractor?
Construction projects are usually expensive, which makes mistakes very expensive. This is why you need a specialized professional to overlook the project. With the necessary skills, knowledge, and licenses, a general contractor can easily avoid unnecessary mistakes.
To help you determine when is the right time to hire a general contractor, here are some questions we've designed. Answering them should tell you when you need a professional to oversee your construction project.
The roles and duties of a general contractor evolve through the stages of construction. Ideally, a contractor should be hired before groundbreaking, during construction and after the construction process.
Before Construction
A general contractor may be responsible for the following before the construction of a project begins.
Estimate and manage construction budget
Hiring construction workers and subcontractors
Work with the architect to ensure the design is realized.
During Construction
During construction, the general contractor will be responsible for:
Overseeing the construction project, so it follows construction specifications.
Ensure the project stays on schedule
Adjust and adapt to deal with setbacks and unforeseen delays
After construction
Once the construction process is completed, the general contractor is responsible for:
Collecting and tracking lien waivers
Payment of staff and subcontractors
Managing issues surrounding payments/ reimbursements.
In summary, hiring a general contractor takes a lot of pressure off your shoulder and improves the odds of completing a successful project.
How long will it take to complete the project?
Suppose the project lasts longer than two weeks; it's big enough to need a contractor. With the benefits of hiring a contractor, your project is more likely to move smoothly.
Are you aware of the local building codes?
There are laws and codes that govern construction projects. Local building codes in CT require that certain types of projects must be overseen by a licensed contractor. Certain permits are also required and can only be acquired by a professional contractor.
Will you need subcontractors?
You may be able to oversee the installation of doors and windows, but what happens when you can't instruct the plumber or the electrician? Subcontracting safeguards your building and its residents because every aspect is overseen by a professional. Many times, your general contractor requires the services of several tradespeople to guarantee the standard of your building.
Where can I Find a General Contractor in CT?
Our network of expert general contractors is among the best in CT. Our company is backed by years of experience, skill, licenses and bright minds. Not only do we hire the best staff and subcontractors, but we also vet them, so we are confident in their ability to execute your project.