Most larger construction jobs are handled by general contractors (GCs). General contractors are often called builders, remodelers, or building contractors. What makes them GCs is that they enter into contracts with owners to complete work within a certain time. GCs with Ruhl Construction buy materials, hire tradespeople, and call in subcontractors to get the job done.
Managing Subcontractors
General contractors are very busy people, and much of their energy goes into subcontractor management. Smaller companies rely on staff members while large companies use subcontractors to get electrical, roofing, drywall, painting, and electrical work done. Some companies use in-house crews for finish work and special details that aren’t the domain of a specific subcontractor.
Choosing a Contractor
If a property owner is working with an architect, that person will likely recommend a few contractors. Recommendations are a good place to start, but whether an owner follows them or starts out on their own, the hiring process is the same. The larger the job, the more effort should go into finding a building contractor. Property owners can ask the following questions:
* How many jobs has the company completed?
* What’s the per-square-foot cost for a similar job?
* Who supervises onsite work?
* Which jobs are handled in-house, and which are done by your subcontractors?
Benefits and Disadvantages of Hiring a Building Contractor
Hiring Building Contractors in Tulsa OK, without outside help has its pros and cons. It can help property owners get work done quickly, and it’s often the least expensive option based on competitive bids. Contractors handle workmanship, materials, scheduling, and budgeting, and they have reliable subs that show up on time and do the job correctly.
However, there are drawbacks to consider. Property owners hiring on their own have to put all their trust in the GC and, if there are problems, there’s no one to mediate them. It can be difficult to evaluate plans if the GC writes them on their own. Whichever path is chosen, there are no guarantees, even with an onsite inspector. To have a successful construction project, property owners have to hire Building Contractors in Tulsa OK, they can trust.