In the construction industry, general contractors play a central role in bringing any building project to life. Whether it’s a residential renovation or a large commercial construction project, the general contractor is responsible for overseeing every stage to ensure the project is completed safely, on time, and according to specifications. Understanding a general contractor’s responsibilities will help any property owner plan their next project successfully.

What Is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is a construction professional or company responsible for managing the entire construction process on behalf of a project owner. Acting as the prime contractor, they coordinate all construction work on site, manage subcontractors for specialized tasks such as electrical work or plumbing, and ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards.

There are two main types of general contractors:

• Residential general contractor: focuses on home building projects, renovations, or multifamily construction.
• Commercial general contractor: manages commercial construction projects such as offices, schools, and retail centers.

Both types require specialized knowledge and the ability to manage complex construction schedules efficiently.

What Jobs Does a General Contractor Look After?

A general contractor is responsible for managing a wide range of construction jobs, ensuring each is completed to the highest standards. Some of the specific tasks and jobs they oversee include:

Site Preparation and Demolition

Clearing the construction site, grading, and preparing for foundation work.

Foundation Construction

Managing excavation, concrete pouring, and footing installations.

Framing and Structural Work

Overseeing carpentry crews to build the structural framework for the building.

Roofing Installation

Coordinating roofing subcontractors to install or replace roofs according to project specifications.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

Hiring licensed subcontractors to complete electrical work, plumbing systems, and HVAC installations safely and to code.

Exterior Work

Managing siding, windows, doors, and exterior finishes.

Interior Finishes

Coordinating drywall installation, painting, flooring, cabinetry, and millwork.

Specialty Installations

Overseeing installation of elevators, specialized medical equipment, or commercial kitchen systems where required.

Landscaping and Site Cleanup

Ensuring the final site grading, landscaping, and debris removal is completed for handover.

By managing these diverse construction jobs, general contractors ensure the entire construction process flows smoothly, subcontractors complete their specialized tasks on schedule, and the project owner receives a finished building ready for use.

General Contractor’s Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction Responsibilities

During the early stages of a construction project, general contractors are responsible for:

• Reviewing contract documents and project plans.
• Creating a detailed construction budget and schedule.
• Managing the bidding process to hire subcontractors for various specialties.
• Securing permits and approvals to begin construction work.
• Planning construction sequences for efficient project delivery.

Responsibilities During Construction

Once construction begins, general contractors manage the job site by:

• Overseeing daily operations and ensuring all construction work aligns with project goals and specifications.
• Coordinating subcontractors and construction professionals to maintain quality control.
• Monitoring safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Managing change orders and ensuring accurate, detailed descriptions for any scope changes.
• Communicating progress to the project owner and stakeholders.
• Ensuring construction is completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Post-Construction Responsibilities

After the construction process ends, the general contractor:

• Oversees final inspections and ensures compliance with all code requirements.
• Manages payments to subcontractors and vendors, protecting lien rights.
• Closes out permits and ensures all contract obligations are met.

Example: General Contractor’s Project Lifecycle

Before Construction: The general contractor works with the project owner to plan budgets, review designs, obtain permits, and hire subcontractors for specialized tasks.

During Construction: The GC coordinates several subcontractors, manages the construction schedule, and ensures the project progresses efficiently.

After Construction: They finalize inspections, complete punch lists, and ensure the property owner receives a fully compliant, high-quality building.

Why You May Need to Hire a General Contractor

Hiring a general contractor ensures:

• Professional project planning and management from start to finish.
• Compliance with all local building codes and licensing requirements.
• Cost savings through efficient subcontractor management.
• The project is completed safely and on time, meeting all construction goals.

Benefits of Hiring a Licensed General Contractor

Working with licensed contractors offers:

• Liability insurance protection for the project owner.
• Access to a network of trusted subcontractors with specialized knowledge.
• Compliance with formal education and licensing requirements ensuring expertise.
• Peace of mind knowing the construction project is managed by qualified professionals.

Qualifications and Licensing Requirements

Generally speaking, becoming a general contractor requires:

• Formal education in construction management, civil engineering, or related fields.
• Practical work experience on construction sites or in project management roles.
• Passing state-specific exams to obtain a general contractor license.
• Carrying liability insurance and maintaining licensing compliance for lien rights.

Types of Construction Contractors and Their Differences

In the construction industry, there are several types of contractors, each with specific roles, responsibilities, and scopes of work. Understanding these differences helps property owners hire the right professionals for their construction projects.

1. General Contractors (GC)

• Role: Responsible for overseeing the entire construction project from start to finish.
• Scope: Manages subcontractors, coordinates schedules, obtains permits, and ensures compliance with building codes and safety standards.
• Example Work: Residential builds, commercial construction, and large renovation projects requiring multiple trades.

2. Subcontractors

• Role: Hired by general contractors to perform specialized tasks within a construction project.
• Scope: Focus on specific trades such as plumbing, electrical work, roofing, HVAC, drywall, and flooring.
• Example Work: Installing electrical systems, laying tile, or constructing cabinetry under the supervision of a GC.

3. Specialty Contractors

• Role: Similar to subcontractors but often operate as independent contractors hired directly by property owners for specialized projects.
• Scope: May include niche areas like fire sprinkler systems, elevator installation, or custom millwork.
• Example Work: Installing commercial kitchen ventilation systems or specialized medical equipment.

4. Prime Contractors

• Role: Holds the main contract with the property owner for the entire construction project.
• Scope: In some delivery methods, the general contractor is also the prime contractor. In others, a construction manager or design-build firm may act as the prime contractor.
• Example Work: Managing the overall contract while subcontracting construction work to a general contractor.

5. Construction Managers (CM)

• Role: Acts as the owner’s representative throughout the construction process.
• Scope: Provides project planning, cost estimating, scheduling, and coordination, typically hired early in the project under a fee-based structure rather than a lump-sum contract.
• Example Work: Overseeing construction from pre-construction planning to final handover, often without self-performing construction work.

Key Differences

Contractor Type	Hired By	Main Role	Payment Structure
General Contractor	Property owner or prime contractor	Manage entire construction process	Lump sum or cost-plus contracts
Subcontractor	General contractor	Perform specialized tasks	Contract with GC
Specialty Contractor	Property owner or GC	Perform niche specialty work	Direct contract or subcontract
Prime Contractor	Property owner	Holds main contract	Varies by project
Construction Manager	Property owner	Project oversight and management	Fee-based or fixed fee

By understanding these types and their differences, property owners can make informed decisions about who to hire for specific tasks, ensuring their building project is managed efficiently and completed safely by qualified professionals.

A general contractor’s responsibilities span every stage of construction, from pre-construction planning and permitting to overseeing construction work and final project completion. For any property owner planning a renovation project or new construction, hiring a general contractor ensures the project is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.