Jun 15, 2019
The meaning of General Contracting
The construction world consist of various types of generalists, project managers, experts and commercial like people. Construction projects present challenging deliverables and, as a result, general contractor companies play a crucial role as a representative to the main client. The general contractor company appoints the subcontractor experts who deliver on plumbing, painting, roofing, installation of air conditions, solar panels, glass, or heating equipment.
General Contracting and the Role of a Contracting Company
A contracting company becomes the middle representative between the client and the subcontractors to assist with the commercial, project timelines, budgets or human resources issues typical to arise during large-scale construction projects. You can work with focus, or another similar company for these needs.
Key Deliverables Carried by a Contracting Company
The general contractor plays an important part in ensuring that the different construction phases align with project management delivery. Key to any construction project is the budget, schedule, and timeline. To allow compliance with the project requirements to contract, the following key deliverables form part of the general contractor’s responsibilities:
- The overall construction management plan.
- During some instances, the general contractor can assist with the completion of the BID processes required.
- Management of client relationships between the subcontractors and the main clients.
- Preparation of a schedule aligned with key tasks and delivery dates.
- Set-up of a payroll system.
- Management of building material purchasing.
- Supplier management.
- Planning and engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure on-time application for relevant permits or licenses.
- Set-up of a legislative unit or team who can review any dispute or legal related matters and advise when required.
- The planning and development of a change management system, required during all phases of a construction project. The construction environment experiences constant changes that can influence the project timelines and the budgets provided.
- The general contractor must assist with preparing a risk management plan to ensure that the project and the subcontractors realise certain risks. The general contractor manages these risks throughout the project.
- Lastly, a formalised pricing schedule developed by the cost engineers should allow for budget alignment and other responsibilities the project may carry.
Education Levels and Experiences of a General Contractor
A general contractor normally requires the following education levels:
- Bachelor’s Degree in construction technology
- Civil engineering or construction management
- Master’s in Business Administration
- Passed the relevant country construction qualification exam
- Some instances project management can be to the advantage of the individual or persons operating in the field
- The general contractor should present an in-depth knowledge in supplier development, especially if upliftment of local subcontractors maybe required
Types of General Contracting Projects
The general contractor can become involved in contracting to look at different angles of the construction environment. For example, an engineering company representing the client can formalise a BID and general contractor take part. Normally, the general contractor who carries the most experience with an acceptable price range wins the work.
Other forms of contracting relate to an all-inclusive team consistent with the architect, the engineers, designers and the general contractor, where all responsibilities fall under one roof.
To conclude, clients appoint general contractors to manage risk and to ensure that the responsibilities carried by the execution team follow the correct project fundamentals. It removes the supervision component from the client’s responsibility.
Works Cited
https://www.construction.com/business-types/general-contractors
http://www.degreesfinder.com/information-online-degree-programs/engineering/general-contractor/
https://learn.org/articles/What_is_General_Contracting.html
https://www.slideshare.net/hammonsassociates/general-contractors-duties-and-responsibilities
http://rbstx.com/commercial-construction/types-construction-projects/
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