For maximum homeowners, the toughest part of any domestic maintenance task is not the painting itself – it is locating a ready and dependable contractor to do the job. In fact, hiring a great contractor is often the key to a successful home renovation.
What is a general contractor?
A general contractor is a professional who is responsible for supervising and coordinating all aspects of a construction project, from start to finish. This includes everything from obtaining the necessary permits to overseeing the work of subcontractors. In other words, a GC is your one-stop shop for any home renovation project, no matter how big or small.
There are many benefits to hiring a best general construction howard county rather than trying to tackle a home renovation project on your own. For starters, general contractors have experience managing complex construction projects and can help ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget. Additionally, they can help you navigate the often-complex world of building permits and inspections.
Types of contractors
There are two types of general contractor
Traditional
A traditional general contractor is responsible for all aspects of a construction project, from start to finish. This includes obtaining the necessary permits, hiring and supervising subcontractors, and coordinating all aspects of the project.
Design-build professionals
A design-build contractor, on the other hand, is a single firm that provides both design and construction services. This type of general contractor can be especially helpful if you have a complex renovation project, or if you’re not sure exactly what you want your finished space to look like.
Licensing requirements and qualifications
Every country has obligatory licensing necessities for preferred contractors. Contractors must pass a test to qualify, but some states impose additional conditions, such as completing an apprenticeship or having a certain amount of experience working in the construction industry.
It’s always a good idea to check with your state’s licensing board to make sure that a contractor you’re considering is properly licensed and insured. You can also ask for references from past clients to get a sense of the quality of their work.
When to hire a contractor
No one wants to pay for more expertise than they need, so you shouldn’t hire a general contractor unless you’re tackling a renovation project that is too big or complex for you to handle on your own.
Some common examples of when it makes sense to hire a GC include:
You’re adding an addition to your home
You’re gutting your kitchen or bathroom
You’re making major structural changes, such as removing load-bearing walls
You’re doing work that requires special expertise, such as electrical or plumbing work
Contractor vs. subcontractor
It’s easy to confuse contractors and subcontractors, however they’ve very exclusive ability sets. General contractors oversee all aspects of a construction project, while subcontractors perform specific tasks. For example, a plumber would be considered a subcontractor, as they are hired to complete a specific task (installing plumbing) that is part of the larger construction project.
Hiring a general contractor
If you decide to hire a best general Contractor service Maryland. Find out how long the contractor has been in business and if they’ve completed projects similar to yours. Ask for references and be sure to follow up with them.
Get everything in writing, including a detailed estimate of the costs involved. Make sure that you understand the payment schedule and what is included in the contract. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions – good contractors should be happy to answer them.
What do general contractors do?
As we mentioned above, general contractors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a construction project, from start to finish. This includes everything from obtaining the necessary permits to coordinating the work of subcontractors. In other words, a general contractor is your one-stop shop for any home renovation project, no matter how big or small.
Some of the specific tasks that a general contractor may perform include:
Obtaining building permits:
In most jurisdictions, any renovation or construction project requires a building permit from the local government. Your general contractor can help you obtain the necessary permit.
Hiring and supervising subcontractors:
A general contractor will hire and manage the work of any subcontractors that are needed for your project. This includes everything from electricians to plumbers to painters.
Coordinating the work:
The general contractor is responsible for making sure that all aspects of the construction project are coordinated. This includes ensuring that the work is done in a timely fashion and within budget.
Inspecting the work:
The general contractor will inspect the work of subcontractors to ensure that it meets the required standards.
Completing the project:
Once all the work is finished, the general contractor will obtain a final inspection from the local government to ensure that the project has been completed according to code.
Cost to hire a general contractor?
The cost of hiring a general contractor will vary depending on the scope and size of your project. In most cases, you can expect to pay between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the project. So, if you’re planning a $10,000 renovation, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 to your general contractor.
It’s also important to note that most general contractors will require a deposit before they begin work on your project. This deposit is typically between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the project.
Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor
There are several benefits to hiring a general contractor, including:
You’ll save time: A good general contractor will save you time by coordinating the work of subcontractors and making sure that the job is done in a timely fashion.
You’ll save money:
A general contractor can often get discounts from suppliers and subcontractors, which can save you money. In addition, a GC can help you avoid costly mistakes, such as choosing the wrong materials or doing things out of order.
You’ll have peace of mind:
When you hire a general contractor, you can rest assured knowing that someone is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the construction project. This can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other things.
