General Contractor Lexington KY lead construction projects, building new structures or remodeling existing ones. They are responsible for obtaining permits and working within budgets and timelines.
They communicate openly and honestly with clients, recognizing the unique challenges of construction in urban areas like New York. They also prioritize realistic scopes of work that align with project goals and budget limits.
Project management is crucial to the General Contractor’s role in construction projects. They oversee all aspects of a project from conception to completion. This includes planning, scheduling, budgeting and resource allocation. They must ensure that all team members are aligned with the project goals and objectives. The PM also monitors and reviews progress, quality and safety throughout the construction process.
The first step is determining the objective and feasibility of the project. This is often done through a project initiation document, which outlines the basic plan and structure for the entire construction. After this, the next step is conducting a thorough and comprehensive project risk analysis. This helps identify potential issues and develop plans for mitigating them.
Another important task is identifying resources and obtaining any essential permits. This requires a thorough understanding of local zoning laws and regulations. The contractor will then start preparing the construction site for work to begin. This includes laying the groundwork and coordinating with the architect and engineer to assess the constructability of the design.
During the design phase, the contractor will also participate in constructing cost estimates and schedules. They will then provide their input to the designer to help them create a more constructible design. Upon reaching 60% to 90% design completion, the construction manager will negotiate a guaranteed maximum price contract (GMP) with the owner based on the defined scope and schedule.
Once the GMP is agreed upon, the construction manager will work with the owner to define a delivery method. This can be either a lump sum or unit price contract. GMP contracts mitigate the owner’s financial exposure by establishing a cap on construction costs. Unit price contracts, on the other hand, require the construction manager to perform all construction services for a fixed fee.
A top-rated construction project management software can help contractors streamline their processes and increase efficiency. The best tools offer features like customizable dashboards, field data collection and collaboration capabilities, which is ideal for managing construction projects. They should also have a wide range of integrations to connect with other applications. Some popular options include Procore, ProjectSight and Bridgit Bench.
Vendor Management
In construction, a general contractor is responsible for selecting the right vendors to get the job done. They often must consider the quality of the materials used, which can have a big impact on the long-term maintenance costs of the building once it’s finished. The GC will also ensure that the project is running smoothly and on schedule. They do this by maintaining clear communication with all the vendors working on the project and resolving any disputes that may arise.
The GC is also responsible for creating and managing vendor contracts. They make sure that the terms of each contract are streamlined to suit the company’s needs and requirements. This includes ensuring that there is a detailed breakdown of what is being offered, including measurable deliverables and service levels. It’s important for the GC to know that they are getting the best value from their vendors and that they are meeting all of their expectations.
A GC will also work with vendors to develop a budget that is appropriate for the project and will negotiate prices accordingly. They will also ensure that payments are made on time. Finally, they will help the GC to manage all the documentation required by the project.
Once the GC has identified and selected the right vendor, they will then begin the process of onboarding them. This will involve gathering the information needed to set them up as a supplier, such as the necessary paperwork, licenses, insurance information and other relevant details. After onboarding, the GC will monitor vendor performance by reviewing delivery schedules and evaluating service level metrics. This will enable them to identify areas where the vendor could improve their performance and determine if any contractual amendments are required.
Communication
A general contractor, also known as a prime contractor, building contractor, construction manager or general builder, is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction project and management of vendors and trades. GCs oversee and direct all aspects of a construction project from the initial planning stages through completion and handover. They work closely with architects and construction managers to ensure that the project is completed according to the design plans, budget and schedule.
GC’s also work with the project superintendent to establish communication protocols and chain of command, so that everyone is on the same page and has access to pertinent information. This ensures that communication between the GC and project team, as well as with subcontractors and suppliers, is efficient. The GC will often communicate with a number of subcontractors during the bidding process to select those that are best qualified to complete specific phases of work. During the construction phase, the GC will provide oversight and manage activities at the job site and will also coordinate and communicate with subcontractors on behalf of the client to ensure that their work is being done correctly and on schedule.
Effective communication between the architect and contractor is essential to creating a successful building project. Taking the time to share your vision, budget and goals with your contractor will help them bring that vision to life. It’s important to be clear about your expectations from the start, and to be honest about what is or is not possible within your budget.
In addition, effective communication requires understanding and respecting the differing perspectives of contractors and architects. By working together to find solutions that will benefit all parties, you can avoid potential disputes and delays in the project timeline.
Safety
Keeping workers safe is one of the most important duties of a General Contractor. In the construction industry, accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities. A contractor must make sure that the work site is free from hazards like debris, loose nails, and stagnant water. It must also provide proper training and regularly conduct safety meetings, known as toolbox talks, to ensure that the workforce understands how to avoid dangerous situations.
Safety in General Contracting is often managed by a Safety Director or other designated safety professional. These individuals will create a Subcontractor Safety Management Plan (SSSP) to outline the project’s scope, which construction teams will be onsite, and what equipment is being used — all with the goal of ensuring that every worker goes home safely at the end of each day.
An SSSP should include a list of hazardous areas, including any areas that are considered high-risk. It should also include an emergency contact list, a description of the contracted tasks, and a history of safety and environmental regulation violations by contractors or their employees. It is a good idea for a GC to conduct a thorough onsite safety inspection before starting work and perform daily or more frequent toolbox talks to relay health and safety instructions to the workforce.
Another aspect of safety in a GC is implementing and maintaining a robust contractor prequalification and monitoring program that includes contractor evaluations, audits, and safety performance data. Some companies also incorporate this information into post-project evaluations and close-out conversations with contractors to improve adherence to safety standards.
Most GCs work under a Lump Sum or Stipulated Sum contract, meaning that the owner of the project invites multiple qualified GCs to bid on the entire project. These GCs review the plans, drawings and scope of work, submit quotes to match the project’s budget, and are obligated to deliver all the work for that price.
Despite this policy, OSHA still frequently cites GCs for the safety violations of their subcontractors. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission has vacated many of these citations because OSHA cannot prove that a GC knew about the alleged violation given their secondary role at the worksite.
