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Are you searching for a general contractor job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a general contractor. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a general contractor.

 

Who is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is a construction project manager who is in charge of overseeing a construction site daily, managing suppliers and trades, and informing all parties involved of developments as they occur. The supervising task carried out by a general contractor is referred to as the act of general contracting. This manager is in charge of overseeing and constructing a project that was designed by an architect. The general contractor organizes and employs subcontractors and other labourers in construction projects, as well as key rehabilitation and building projects.

The general contractor oversees the entire project and makes sure that all subcontractors are performing their duties and getting paid accordingly and as when due. General contractors serve as the main point of contact for clients in the construction industry while managing and hiring subcontractors. Additionally, they employ experts to handle the project’s roofing, painting, heating, and air conditioning needs. A large number of construction projects, including those for offices, factories, and homes, are partially or entirely supervised by general contractors. When a building project necessitates a specialized skill, such as plumbing, heating and air conditioning, painting, or roofing, general contractors employ subcontractors to complete that specific task. Generally, everything associated with constructing a new home or another sort of building, as well as renovating an existing one, is covered in the general contractor job description.

General contractors are responsible for making budgets and schedules, working with subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, and interior designers, managing staff, and acquiring the right building. Other responsibilities include controlling client expectations, responding to crises, obtaining required building licenses, and guaranteeing that every component of the development complies with building codes. These functions are required whether a contractor is in charge of all aspects of construction or simply a specific project, like roofing or electrical.

Depending on whether a general contractor only manages a project or additionally takes part in construction, the job description can change. Whether a general contractor only works on commercial projects, residential projects, or a combination of both, he/she falls within the general contractor category. Although a college degree is not compulsory for general contractor duties, practical experience is. Additionally advantageous are excellent computer skills, and a solid foundation in arithmetic, carpentry, and other building trades. A lot of general contractors start as construction workers and pick up the necessary skills while working. Even an experienced general contractor can take you on as an apprentice.

A construction science, construction engineering, or building science associate or bachelor’s degree is frequently obtained by general contractors who decide to attend college. In some states, a general contractor additionally needs to have a license. One needs to be a strong leader with keen attention to detail to succeed as a general contractor. He or she must be a diligent worker who can function under duress. He or she needs to be familiar with the rules, legislation, and licenses required to develop the infrastructure.

 

General Contractor Job Description

What is a general contractor job description? A general contractor job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a general contractor in an organization. Below are the general contractor job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a general contractor job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a general contractor include the following tasks:

• Plan and coordinate all phases of the building process, including purchasing and delivering materials, selecting and managing subcontractors, and acquiring required permissions and licenses.
• Read and analyze technical drawings and blueprints to ascertain requirements and ascertain specifications.
• Review the project’s specifications, organizational structure, cost projections, and completion dates.
• Review the plans and predictions for potential clients.
• Discover and evaluate subcontractors to provide essential services.
• Give projects the appropriate equipment they need, including leases, to stay within their budgets.
• Recruit every worker and crew member that is available for the project.
• Make sure that all inspections are planned out and scheduled on time.
• Maintain the project budget and inform the client regularly of the status.
• Maintain a safe and organized workspace.
• Observe all safety regulations and laws in whatever way.
• Give daily project updates that are simple for the staff and the clients.
• Reduce waste as much as possible to cut expenses and improve performance.
• Show an unrestricted general understanding of best construction techniques.
• Stay informed with all construction trends.
• Meet or exceed all code requirements.
• Study, assess, and identify all duties and hazards before submitting a bid, during project implementation, and after the project.
• Examine and evaluate site activities.
• Prepare budgets, cost analyses, and cost estimates for a project with anticipated predictions.
• Consider independent estimates and the available data when evaluating and assessing bids and project expenses.
• Prepare the necessary paperwork for subcontracting and vendors for various activities and projects.
• Evaluate and appraise the equipment, and then suggest ideas that incorporate safety features to the project team.
• Analyze, assess, and start implementing viable energy-saving solutions while carrying out a project.
• Create, develop, and implement a site-specific safety plan that includes an environment that is safe and accident-free.
• Review, assess, and approve expenditures on a regular and timely basis for ongoing initiatives.
• Create thorough, accurate, and timely project reports that include work schedules, implementations, deviations, changes in subcontractors, customer complaints, and other relevant concerns.
• Update and document all project timetables, including the phases of implementation and administration.
• Establish and put into action best practices, policies, and guidelines that are compliant with the company’s laws.
• Keep excellent commercial ties and bring in new clients.
• Create material, equipment, or labour cost estimates to assess the viability of a project.
• Negotiate contracts to obtain advantageous terms.
• Oversee on-site construction and keep an eye on adherence to construction and safety requirements.
• Interact with the nature of the work to clients.
• Verify that the completed job has been done by the agreed-upon standards.
• Resolve disputes that occur during construction projects.
• Maintain communication with clients, architects, engineers, and other experts to ensure the project’s smooth progress.
• Follow new advancements in the construction sector to spot possible areas for development in upcoming projects.
• Prepare reports outlining the status of ongoing initiatives for upper management.
• Observe all statutory requirements and safety guidelines.
• Carry out any additional tasks that the organization assigns.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction science, building science, surveying, engineering, architecture, or any related field
• A minimum of 5 years experience in the field of construction.
• Master’s degree in construction management or an equivalent discipline.
• Professional certifications such as OSHA, LEED AP, etc.
• Experience in project management.
• In-depth knowledge of construction procedures and materials.
• Practical knowledge of types of construction equipment and tools.
• Outstanding time management and organization skills
• Communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent maths skills.
• Excellent leadership skills
• Attention to detail skills.
• Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Valid license, insurance, and bond.

 

Essential Skills

• Communication skills: Communication skill is essential because clients, both residential and commercial, are closely associated with general contractors. It’s crucial to have good listening skills and the ability to deliver precise instructions because they also interact with designers and construction workers. The job will be executed appropriately and safely as a result of this. Maintaining client satisfaction throughout the construction process will be easier with effective communication skills and solid customer service abilities.
• Site inspection skills: An essential component of the general contractor’s duty is site inspections. They guarantee that a project and its components are completed to the client’s satisfaction and that the building is secure for the purpose for which it is intended. Although they may also conduct final inspections before turning the property over to the owner, general contractors frequently conduct site inspections throughout the construction phase.
• Safety management skills: A crucial aspect of general contracting is safety. To protect the health and well-being of their staff, clients, and any individual who might be impacted by construction projects, general contractors must be able to recognize and reduce any safety concerns. For general contractors to be able to create safe working conditions that limit dangers and lower the likelihood of accidents happening on the job site, it’s also crucial that they gain occupational safety management skills.
• Change orders skills: Clients regularly issue modification orders to general contractors. These are requests to change a project’s original plans, like adding an extra room or switching the style of flooring. For the building’s design to be modified as needed, general contractors must be able to read and comprehend these instructions. To ensure that everyone is on the same page, they also need to understand how to convey the changes to their team.
• Decision-making skills: Choosing how to execute a job is a challenge that general contractors frequently face, and to do well in this, good decision-making skill is required. They may choose the building materials to utilize, the construction techniques to employ, and whether to hire subcontractors to complete particular tasks. They can complete projects on schedule and within their set budgets by making the proper decisions. Throughout their working days, general contractors must also make a variety of smaller decisions, such as where to install electrical cabling or how to handle disputes with clients and subcontractors.
• Problem-solving skills: On construction projects, difficulties frequently arise, therefore you’ll need sound judgment to deal with them and come up with answers. If a vendor runs out of supplies, the general contractor will have to find a solution by either getting materials from a different supplier or reallocating workloads until the primary supplier receives an order that can meet the project’s requirements.
• Attention to detail skills: General contractors must be knowledgeable about building procedures and pay special attention to building codes. They must ensure that all of the employees they are in charge of are abiding by the rules and regulations. Therefore, strong attention to detail will enable these, and also guarantee that projects are completed correctly and safely.

 

How to Become a General Contractor

Step 1. Education

Studies for a college degree typically last four years and may cover topics like structural science, building, economics, statistics, and other financial topics. Different degrees in development and management are offered by some institutions. To become a more competitive job applicant or to rise to more senior-level positions, some general contractors may choose to earn an advanced master’s degree. Gaining a master’s degree in construction management might enhance your job opportunities, particularly in lean periods for the sector. The financial, organizational, and technical skills required to manage a project or run a construction company are improved by master’s degree programs. Advanced courses like bidding, negotiation, labour relations, conflict resolution, and business plan implementation are studied in programs. Most master’s degree programs last two years to complete.

Step 2. Work experience

If you lack a formal degree, having related work experience will be beneficial. Each state has a minimum amount of experience needed to become licensed. Working with qualified contractors is crucial for meeting state standards. Depending on the state, a construction-related job or apprenticeship has a three-year minimum requirement. Typically, general contractors learn on the job from their past jobs. Their present bosses might also provide them with further training so they can understand the specific policies and procedures of the business.

Step 3. Certifications and Licensure

All general contractors ought to obtain contractor licenses, and contacting the contractor licensing board in your state is the first step in this procedure. Consult your state department’s website to learn where to find the contractor licensing board in your state. You can discover the license requirements there. The majority of states need that you pass a test to get licensed. Make sure you are knowledgeable about state laws governing construction and contracts, current building codes, and business management courses. State, county, and even local licensing regulations might be very different. Some authorities require passing a licensing test. Others restrict eligibility to contractors who work on projects with budgets of more than a certain amount. Some solely license HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors, or residential or commercial builders. Some list the number of years of job experience and educational levels.

Step 4. Apply for jobs

Apply for positions in the industry after completing the education and training required to pursue a career as a general contractor. Consider the region you want to live and work in, the income you want to earn, and if you want to work as a general contractor for a home or commercial project. It’s crucial to create a well-written Résumé that shows your general contracting education, skills, and experience.

 

Where to Work as a General Contractor

General contractors are typically employed by construction companies. A general contractor can work on a wide range of projects in diverse settings, such as new residential or commercial structures. He or she can decide to remodel or refurbish in addition to working in a physical construction function or supervising one. Every industry that involves construction employs general contractors. Although they have a primary office, many general contractors visit one or more building sites daily to make sure everything is going according to plan. To respond to emergencies, delays, or tight deadlines, general contractors typically work full-time and put in extra hours.

 

General Contractor Salary Scale

Many factors such as work location, years of experience, additional skills, type of construction company, etc can determine the salary scale of a general contractor. In the US, the average general contractor salary is $87,047 per year. The salary scale typically ranges from $53,565 to $132,500 per year.

In the UK, the average general contractor salary is £66,442 per year. The salary scale typically ranges from £46,369 to £82,599 per year. In Canada, the average general contractor salary is $68,250 per year. The salary scale typically ranges from $48,263 to $130,000 per year. In Nigeria, the average general contractor salary is 3,350,000 per year. The salary scale typically ranges from 1,705,000 NGN to 5,824,000 NGN per year.

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