General Contractors Lexington KY manage day-to-day operations, deadlines and quality control at construction sites. They are responsible for turning the visions and renderings of architects, engineers and interior designers into real-life structures.
A fully licensed, reputable and experienced GC is the backbone of any project. Their expertise is what makes or breaks your building plans.
Project Management
Project management involves the leadership and coordination of resources to bring about the completion of specific project goals and objectives. Project managers can be individual professionals or firms, and both GCs and construction management (CM) companies frequently employ them. They are responsible for creating and drafting the construction contracts with architects, suppliers and subcontractors as well as the overall project management strategy.
When a project kicks off, a GC or CM initiates preconstruction meetings with the owner and design team to review the plans and discuss their responsibilities in bringing them to fruition. They also spend this time securing any necessary permits and other regulatory approvals and establishing the project’s budget. Once these preliminary tasks are complete, they’ll set their crews up and order any materials or equipment required for their portion of the work.
Once the bid process has been completed, a GC or CM will negotiate contract terms with the selected contractor. This process can vary depending on the project delivery method, contract type and other factors. For example, public projects may involve competitive bidding, with the selected bid reflecting a balance of both cost and project expertise. On the other hand, private projects often feature a negotiated arrangement with a single contractor based on previous project performance or the contractor’s proficiency with a certain project type.
During the execution phase, a GC or CM will monitor progress against the project schedule and budget. They’ll keep close communication with the project owner to make sure the project stays on track. If it begins to slip, the GC or CM will take action and identify the cause of the deviation.
During this phase, a GC or CM may use Gantt charts to visualize the project timelines and the dependencies of each task. These tools are widely available in the industry and help a GC or CM manage the various components of the construction process, such as labor, material, and equipment.
Vendor Management
Vendor management is the process of enlisting outside vendors to complete tasks that your company cannot do in-house. This includes identifying potential vendors, performing due diligence chores, reviewing contract terms, and overseeing vendor performance to ensure that they are meeting your business goals.
A strong vendor management policy provides clear strategic frameworks that guide the procurement process. It should also include a list of approved vendors and the criteria for selecting them. This way, you can streamline the process and avoid wasting time with unqualified vendors. In addition, a vendor policy helps you set expectations for the work and performance that your vendors must deliver.
Selecting vendors is a crucial step in the project lifecycle. It requires a thorough evaluation of each candidate, including an assessment of their track record, reputation, and compliance status. You must also consider factors like industry experience, delivery times, and costs. It’s recommended that you seek out references from past clients to see how well a vendor performed. In addition, you should visit each vendor’s facility and review their quality assurance processes.
Once you’ve selected the right vendors, it’s important to develop a strong working relationship with them. This is critical for success because you will need to communicate with them on a regular basis. You should also negotiate with them to get the best price and terms for their services. Finally, you must be ready to walk away from a vendor if they’re not providing the services you need.
Effective vendor management can provide many benefits, such as improved customer satisfaction, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced product quality. It can also reduce costs by streamlining the procurement process and ensuring that contract agreement terms are mutually beneficial. In addition, it can also help you achieve compliance with organizational policies and regulations. It can also help you focus on your core competencies by letting you outsource non-core functions to reliable vendors. Finally, it can improve your competitive advantage by allowing you to focus on innovation and growth opportunities.
Communication
The role of a general contractor is an essential part of any construction project. They act as the go-between for the property owner and all other individuals who bring the project to life, including subcontractors, vendors, and craftspeople. They manage the entire construction site and ensure that work is completed to specifications outlined in the project design and blueprints.
They also determine whether the scope of work will be feasible within the budget parameters they are given. This involves estimating the costs of materials, hiring staff and paying for company overhead, then determining a mark-up that will allow them to make a profit. This is a complex task, but it allows the GC to deliver the project as promised to the client funding the project.
A great GC is able to communicate clearly with all team members and stakeholders. They are able to resolve conflicts, answer questions, and provide guidance when necessary. They also have an eye for detail, noticing problems in workmanship and taking the appropriate steps to remedy them. They also keep all stakeholders informed as the project progresses.
GCs often hire subcontractors to complete the hands-on labor needed for each portion of the project. This is often done to reduce the risk of liability and increase efficiency on the construction site. A good GC will communicate with the subcontractors to determine what the job is, how long it should take and then contract out the specific work that needs to be done.
Another critical aspect of a GC’s role is ensuring that all permits are obtained and that building codes are met. This is a crucial function, as it can have serious legal ramifications if not handled properly. The GC will work closely with the city to schedule inspections and obtain all required permits.
While the job duties of a GC are vast, they are not always easy to perform. Large projects often involve a lot of moving parts, and it is easy to lose track of the details. A good GC will be able to handle these tasks effectively while staying on schedule and budget.
Safety
When you’re working with contractors, it’s crucial that they follow all safety protocols. This will ensure that their employees stay safe while working and will keep the job on schedule. In addition, it’s important that you communicate with them regularly about the project and any issues that arise. This will help to prevent accidents from happening and can save time in the long run.
Contractors often have different safety rules than your employees, so it’s essential that you communicate clearly with them and that they listen to their employers when it comes to following the company’s safety policies. You should also have a clear contract that states the expectations of both parties regarding safety. For example, a contract could state that you require that contractors use personal protective equipment when necessary and that they don’t perform any work without a permit.
Depending on the project, it may be worthwhile to hold training sessions for your contractors to discuss the specific hazards that they will face while performing their tasks. These 10- to 15-minute meetings can be a great way for contractors to get the information they need to be successful. They’ll know that you value their safety and are invested in the success of their workers, making them more likely to adhere to your policy.
Many general contractors rely on subcontractors to perform work on their projects. The law holds them responsible for the actions and omissions of their subcontractors, so it’s essential that you draft contracts with strong requirements for insurance coverage. This will protect you from liability if the contractor is uninsured and someone is hurt on your property.
A safety consultant can help you implement a plan that will ensure that all of your contractors are up to date on their required safety training. These professionals are versed in new compliance requirements and will be able to help you develop a plan that fits your company’s needs and budget. They can also help you develop a culture of safety that will ensure that all of your contractors follow the appropriate safety procedures on site.