What Does a General Contractor Actually Do?

General Contractors in Toronto

When you have ever undertaken a home renovation or construction project, you will have heard the term general contractor being mentioned around. However, if you have not employed one directly, you may not be exactly sure as to the role of a general contractor. Are they constructors? Project managers? Handymen? The response is… a mixture of everything.

Consider a general contractor (GC) to be the hub of a construction or renovation project. Whether one is talking about the creation of a custom home, a kitchen renovation, or an addition of any kind, the individual that makes the plans and dreams take on a physical reality is the general contractor. They do not normally perform every task themselves, but they ensure that everything is performed, in the right manner, at the right time and at an affordable cost.

Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor

• Provides access to vetted subcontractors
• Helps avoid costly pitfalls
• Ensures code compliance
• Offers a single point of accountability
• Saves time and stress

Key Responsibilities of a General Contractor:

Here are the core responsibilities that Top Toronto General Contractors typically handle:

As a general contractor, a person performs the role of many hats to ensure that a construction or renovation project stays on track. This is what they fundamentally oversee, on the drawing board to the final walkthrough:

1. Project Planning and Co-ordination

The GC is in charge of the whole project- pre construction planning all the way to final delivery. This includes: Creating time projections and plans,Budgeting and budget setting,Communication with architects, engineers and clients.

2. Hiring and Supervising Subcontractors

General contractors don’t usually perform specialized work themselves. Instead, they:1.Hire trusted subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.) 2.Schedule and manage their work. 3. Ensure quality workmanship across all trades

3. Construction Permitting and Regulations

Building codes and permits may be complicated. The general contractor:

Applies and receives required permits.It Assures that all work is done to local building codes and regulations and inspections were mandatory in schedules.

4. Procurement of Materials and Equipment

A GC is responsible for sourcing materials and equipment to keep the project moving. They:

Order materials based on project specs.They Coordinate delivery timelines and also manage inventory to avoid delays.

5. On-Site Supervision

Daily oversight is crucial. A general contractor monitors the job site activity. Addresses issues as they arise and ensures safety protocols are followed.

6. Cost Control and Budget

Cost overruns are a common concern in Toronto construction projects. General contractors help.To maintain the project on the budget, the general contractor tracks costs and changes orders,negotiates prices with suppliers and sub contractors and avoids wastage of money.

7. Client Interaction

Through the whole project, the general contractor serves as the primary contact person to the client by giving periodic reports responding to queries and worrying about issues and providing mentorship and career advice.