Whether you’re looking to build a posh home or construct a new assisted living facility, professional general contractors are the linchpin in getting the project done on time and within budget.

GCs provide pricing efforts during preconstruction and help clients develop budgets that meet their goals and objectives. Contact General Contractors In Nashville TN for professional help.
They also obtain all necessary building permits and arrange city inspections.
Project management is all about coordinating with various parties to ensure that a construction project stays on track in terms of schedule, cost, and quality. This begins with planning, a process that should begin well before proposals are sent or contracts signed. It also requires identifying and assessing potential risks that could derail a project.
During the planning phase, a general contractor must consider a variety of factors such as building codes, regulatory compliance, and environmental conditions. These details can affect how a building is built and may lead to additional costs down the road. A builder must also prepare a budget, which is typically done by hiring a construction estimator. These professionals analyze plans, materials, and labor requirements to provide an accurate estimate that will set a project’s budget.
Once the construction phase is underway, project managers oversee the day-to-day activities on site. This includes coordinating with subcontractors and ensuring that all work is completed according to the original plan. Construction project managers also conduct inspections to verify that all work meets the required standards and guidelines before final handover/turnover.
Once the construction phase is complete, project management duties shift to post-construction activities such as documentation and warranty services. During this phase, project managers compile all the documentation (warranty docs, manuals, etc.) needed to run and maintain a building and deliver them to the project owner. In addition, they supervise final inspections to ensure that the building is up to code and ready for operation. The project manager should also coordinate with all involved parties to ensure that all warranties and post-construction services are properly managed.
Contract Negotiation
General Contractors work in a variety of construction projects, from small home remodels to major commercial buildings. They are the experts that handle the day-to-day project management and problem-solving on a construction site while also assembling teams of specialists and tradespeople to perform the actual build. GCs are nimble professionals that plan for the unexpected and dynamically respond to roadblocks to keep projects on schedule and to budget.
Negotiation skills are crucial for any construction professional, but particularly important for a GC. The ability to clearly articulate client needs and expectations while actively listening to the contractor’s perspective leads to solutions that benefit everyone.
Whether working with clients, architects or subcontractors, it is important to set the tone for negotiations in a respectful manner that emphasizes collaboration rather than confrontation. This helps reduce miscommunication and the likelihood of misunderstandings and acrimony. It is also helpful to openly communicate with each party and share information throughout the process.
When selecting a GC for a project, it’s important to research their reputation online and verify their licenses, insurance, and professional affiliations. In addition, it’s vital to meet face-to-face and assess communication style, professionalism, and rapport. Requesting references from previous clients can also provide valuable insights into a potential GC’s level of skill, quality of work, and customer service.
Once a GC is selected for the job, they will usually submit a quote for the project by evaluating the construction plans and taking into account the size, complexity, and location of the project. They will then consider the availability of materials, labor, and equipment to determine their bid price.
Although a GC can do some of the work themselves, it’s typically best to hire specialists who specialize in certain tasks like electricians or plumbers. This provides a cost savings for the project and allows the GC to focus on coordinating and scheduling. It’s also easier to make sure all aspects of the job are done correctly when each specialist has their own responsibilities. Other GC responsibilities include keeping the project on schedule, dealing with weather woes, and managing payment issues with specialty contractors and vendors.
Contract Execution
Contract execution refers to the finalization of the terms and conditions outlined in the winning bid for a construction project. These terms and conditions set the framework for the entire project, including the responsibilities of each party, payment terms, and dispute resolution procedures.
Contracts also determine who is responsible for cost overruns, delays, and unforeseen issues. Some contracts allocate more risk to the contractor, while others focus on providing a fair balance of risks between parties. The right balance can reduce disputes and keep projects on track for successful completion.
For public works and infrastructure projects, a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) incentivizes contractors to control costs. However, this approach may not be the right fit for projects requiring flexibility and fast start-up. In these cases, a flexible contract with cost adjustments based on actual costs might be better suited to the needs of the project.
In addition to contractual requirements, many projects are subject to a wide range of regulatory standards and protocols. It is important for all parties to review and understand these before the project begins, as changes between tender submission and contract execution can create significant liability issues.
Large construction projects often involve lengthy tender periods, and the risk profile of a project can change significantly between submission and award. This means that identifying and reviewing risk mitigation strategies, securing or adjusting insurance coverage, and negotiating risk allocation mechanisms is critical at this stage. This may also include addressing any new environmental, financial, or third-party requirements that have emerged between tender submission and contract execution.
Subcontractor Management
A general contractor manages subcontractors in the construction process, fostering collaboration and open communication with all project stakeholders. By viewing subcontractors as partners, rather than an impediment to the project schedule and budget, a general contractor can streamline operations and establish a strong foundation for success.
Effective subcontractor management requires the use of a variety of strategies to ensure that subcontractors meet performance requirements, schedules, and deliverables. One such strategy involves bringing subcontractors into the planning phase of the project to identify and develop a more comprehensive and realistic schedule. This approach also ensures that all parties are on the same page with respect to project scope and responsibilities.
In addition to scheduling, subcontractor management also includes managing the technical coordination of steel fabricators and concrete suppliers. This includes leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to conduct three-dimensional visualization and clash detection, and implementing early problem identification systems. This proactive approach reduces field problems and improves project execution.
Quality control is another important aspect of subcontractor management. It includes conducting regular coordinated inspections of the steel-concrete interface to ensure that both trades are maintaining their respective quality standards and integrating their work properly. It also requires documenting all quality control activities, including material certifications, test results, inspection reports, and corrective actions. This documentation serves as critical evidence for resolving disputes or addressing performance issues.
Despite the best efforts of all involved, conflicts and problems are bound to arise in complex construction projects. General contractors establish mechanisms for identifying, addressing, and resolving these issues in a timely and equitable manner. This may involve facilitating negotiations between the affected subcontractors or developing alternative solutions to resolve disputes.
Financial management is an essential part of subcontractor management. This includes structuring subcontract agreements that clearly define each party’s responsibilities, performance standards, compensation terms, and risk allocation. It also includes coordinating progress payment schedules and ensuring that progress payments accurately reflect work completion. It is vital to establish a fair and transparent payment process to maintain good relationships and loyalty among subcontractors.
Using subcontractor software can help to streamline and automate the entire process of managing subcontractors. This allows for real-time project updates and transparency to be shared between all parties. It also eliminates the need for manual and error-prone processes and protects against data breaches that could result in lost business opportunities.