Term: Contractor

General Contractor Description and Responsibilities - A general contractor oversees construction sites and manages vendors and trades. - They communicate information to all parties involved in the project. - The contractor may act as a building designer and foreman. - They submit proposals or bids based on the project delivery method. - Contract documents may include drawings, project manuals, and specifications. - The general contractor provides materials, labor, equipment, and services for the project. - They hire specialized subcontractors. - Safety on the job site is a priority. - They apply for building permits and secure the property. - General contractors maintain records and monitor schedules and cash flows. - They ensure quality standards are met through subcontractors. Usage of Terms in the UK and Commonwealth - The term 'general contractor' was replaced by 'main contractor' in the UK and some Commonwealth countries. - Major organizations use the term 'main contractor' for construction contracts. - General contractors working for government agencies are often called prime contractors. - Large organizations may have a general contractor as the top manager, sharing responsibilities with professional contractors. - The term 'general contractor' is still used in contexts involving sub-contracting. Usage of Terms in the United States - In the US, the terms 'general contractor,' 'builder,' and 'remodeler' are often used interchangeably for small local companies. - These companies are represented by trade organizations like the NAHB. - General contractors in the US typically handle residential work. - They may perform various roles, including project management and construction work. - Licensing requirements for general contractors vary by state. Licensing Requirements for General Contractors - Licensing requirements for general contractors differ across locations. - Most states in the US require general contractors to obtain a local license. - The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires licensing for construction work in California. - Surety bonds are typically required as part of the licensing process. - Some states, like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, do not require general contractor licenses. Related Concepts - Construction bidding - Construction communication - Performance bond - Owner-builder - Construction management - Preferred Contractor(s) - Mechanics lien - Subcontractors - Punch list

History and Evolution of Stamped Concrete - Ancient Romans used basic concrete stamping techniques. - Concrete companies stamped their names and years on public works projects. - Concrete manufacturers started experimenting with decorative techniques in the 1890s. - Brad Bowman developed techniques for concrete that resembled non-concrete materials. - Bill Stegmeier discovered a color powder that prevented stamps from sticking to concrete. - The Fascinating History of Stamped Concrete. - A Brief History Of Decorative Concrete. - HISTORY OF DECORATIVE CONCRETE. Modern Techniques of Stamped Concrete - Stamped concrete is a less expensive alternative to authentic materials. - Three procedures distinguish modern stamped concrete: base color, accent color, and stamping a pattern. - Base color is chosen to reflect the color of the natural building material. - Accent color is used to produce texture and show additional building materials. - Stamping a pattern creates the shape of the surface of the stamped concrete. - Stamped Concrete: How to Stamp Concrete. Adding Color to Stamped Concrete - Base color is the primary color used in stamped concrete. - Color hardener is added to the concrete to produce the base color. - Integral color dyes the entire volume of concrete, while cast-on color dyes the surface. - Concrete can be colored using various methods, such as integral liquid or powder. - Dry shake color hardener is another popular way to color concrete. - Adding accent color. - Color release is applied to produce texture and prevent stamps from sticking. - Color release can be in powdered or liquid form. - Cast-on color release is spread on the surface of the concrete before stamping. - Spray-on color release is sprayed on the bottom of the concrete stamps before stamping. Stamping Patterns in Stamped Concrete - Pattern is the shape of the surface of the stamped concrete. - Concrete stamps are used to make the pattern. - Most modern concrete stamps are made of polyurethane. - Concrete stamping is made to look like ordinary building products. - Stamped concrete can resemble flagstone, brick, and natural stone textures. Additional Resources and Categories - See also: Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stamped concrete, Brutalist architecture, Concrete, Decorative concrete, Where Britain's wealthiest live. - References: City of Walla Walla, Washington City Commission Chambers city clerk records of Tribou & Blackman Co. bid, Sidewalk Contractor Stamps: Take a Walk Back in Time. - Stamped Concrete: Costs. - Categories: Concrete, Materials, Building materials, Hidden categories: CS1: Julian-Gregorian uncertainty, Articles needing additional references from May 2022, All articles needing additional references, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2022, Commons category link from Wikidata.