What is the role of a general contractor?
A contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do.
A general contractor is a group or individual that contracts with another organization or individual (the owner) for the construction, renovation or demolition of a building, road or other structure. A general contractor is defined as such if it is the signatory as the builder of the prime construction contract for the project.
A general contractor is responsible for the means and methods to be used in the construction execution of the project in accordance with the contract documents. Said contract documents usually include the contract agreement including budget, the general and special conditions and the plans and specification of the project that are prepared by a design professional such as an architect.
A general contractor usually is responsible for the supplying of all material, labor, equipment, (engineering vehicles and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the project. To do this it is common for the general contractor to subcontract part of the work to other persons and companies that specialize in these types of work. These are called subcontractors.
Contractors are defined in the law by each state and are usually considered those who contract, bid, negotiate a price or offers to construct, supervise, oversee, schedule, direct, alter, repair, install, improve, move, demolish, furnish labor, etc. In addition, there are various types: building (residential and commercial), electrical, plumbing, mechanical, highway, environmental remediation.
A general contractor (GC) is the one that makes the building or remodeling project "happen". The GC is an integral part of a team that includes designers, architects, engineers, and the client. The GC takes input from the different members of the team and builds the project. The GC is the driving force towards realizing the finished, physical project and bringing concept to reality. The GC is a manager and administrator. The GC brings in his own team of skilled and experienced technicians, plus necessary subcontractors, suppliers, and other specialty contractors if needed. The GC manages the budget and handles financial administration. The GC is the one who ensures your project will be built in accordance with local and state building codes and acceptable industry standards.
What qualifications must a general contractor possess?
To become a certified general contractor in the State of Florida, a person must pass the state certification examination. A person must also meet certain educational requirements, demonstrate financial responsibility, and obtain workers compensation and general liability insurance coverage.
How can I verify if a general contractor has the requisite qualifications?
All certified general contractors are issued an occupation code that begins with the letter "C". Still, to ensure that your contractor is indeed licensed with the State of Florida, you can always verify a license at:
https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp
How do I know if I need to hire a general contractor?
While do-it-yourself stores like The Home Depot and Lowe's make it easier to perform routine projects around your home or business, there are times when something is beyond your skill level to let a professional do it. This is particularly true for larger or more complicated projects.