Term: General 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
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A general contractor, main contractor, prime contractor, builder (UK/AUS), or contractor (US and Asia) is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and the communication of information to all involved parties throughout the course of a building project. In the USA a builder may be a sole proprietor managing a project and performing labor or carpentry work, have a small staff, or may be a very large company managing billion dollar projects. Some builders build new homes, some are remodelers, some are developers.