Why Choosing the Right GC Matters

Whether you are building a barndominium or a commercial building, your project will likely need a general contractor to help you manage all the subcontractors for your pole-building project. 

Some people want to general contract their own project, however, they do not always understand what goes into general contracting. Having a reputable general contractor is important for mak​​ing your project to go smoothly.

In this blog, we will define a general contractor what to look for when picking one, and discuss the benefits of hiring one for your project.

FBi Buildings can assist with general contracting services, assisting you in the post-frame building process at every step and ensuring a seamless and efficient construction process from start to finish.

What is a General Contractor (GC)?

A general contractor is a construction professional who has experience in the process of constructing a building. A general contractor has connections with electricians, plumbers, land excavators, framers, drywallers, and other construction professionals.

A general contractor hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work. They help manage the project schedule to ensure your project stays on time and help pivot when change orders or delays arise.

Unlike a project manager who manages ordering materials and coordinating the construction crew for the shell portion, a general contractor hires specialized subcontractors for all stages of the construction process and orders additional materials.

What Are the Risks of Hiring the Wrong General Contractor (GC)?

We’ve all heard horror stories of a friend or neighbor hiring a contractor who leaves mid-project or builds incorrectly, thus costing them more time and money. 

Do your homework to find a reputable contractor. A good general contractor has six main responsibilities.

1) Design & Engineer

A GC coordinates the design from structural, utility, site access, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, ensuring everything is code-compliant. They will facilitate permitting coordination and approval. Establish finish floor elevations and work with the design team for the general building layout.

The risk of being your own GC or hiring an inexperienced general contractor is not having the knowledge of the codes, permits, and building requirements, which can cause your project delays and increased costs. In addition, there are possible legal ramifications in the future if things are not done properly.

2) Procurement

The next thing a general contractor facilitates is procuring materials. To prevent delays, doors, windows, and longer lead-time items must be ordered as soon as possible. They are responsible for designating a staging area for materials and managing additional equipment for site needs.

The wrong GC may not know that windows can take 4-8 weeks or have the site organized with a staging site and necessary equipment.

3) Communication & Coordination

Communication is one of the biggest factors that makes a general contractor stand out. Everyone communicates differently, so having a GC that can answer any time of day and effectively communicate with their client and contractors is key to a successful project.

Image this: Your builder shows up, and there is a discrepancy between the prints and what is ordered. Was a change order not communicated? Were they sent the incorrect item? Having a general contractor who can answer the crew quickly ensures that the job can continue, thus resulting in less of a delay.

A good general contractor will be the information hub for subcontractors, post-frame builders, and property owners. They will work closely with all contractors to inform them, manage change orders, and be available on-site to answer questions.

A bad general contractor is someone who is not readily available to take calls or show up to the job site to discuss a discrepancy. They do not answer calls or texts in a reasonable time or fail to communicate between the builder and the client. Another red flag to watch for is someone who provides unrealistic timelines. While FBi can put the shell up in as little as a few days, a project typically takes six months to a year when all stages are complete.

4) Construction Management

A construction site can sometimes seem like a circus. A good general contractor will know how to juggle the numerous responsibilities that need to be managed with a construction site.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage staging zone
• Dumpster 
• Port-a-john
• Get temporary utilities
• Manage equipment travel pathways
• Coordinate sequencing of trades
• Manage delays (weather, inspections, etc)

The wrong general contractor could result in a muddy site with debris and vehicle ruts. As well as having your electrician show up too early. They also may not have been clear in your contract that you will need to cover expenses regarding the site (dumpster, port-a-potty, etc.).

5) Safety Enforcement

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set standards for construction. A knowledgeable general contractor knows these standards and ensures that contractors wear gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and are tied off when necessary.

The wrong general contractor might forget to provide builders with risk insurance or not enforce a clean and safe work environment, which could lead to delays or injuries on the job site.

6) Cost Control

Most people have a set project budget that general contractors must adhere to. When planning your post-frame project, you will set allowances for cabinets, flooring, fixtures, etc.

The wrong general contractor might have promised to be significantly cheaper than other GCs. They may not have the knowledge of various steps and could put your project over budget, hire poor contractors, or not be aware of delays that may drag out costs. Cost discrepancies can make or break your project and overall satisfaction with your general contractor.

What to Look for When Hiring a General Contractor

When it is time to start looking for a General Contractor, word of mouth generally is best. Our Project Sales Consultants have worked on various projects with numerous general contractors over the years. They can help connect you with someone in your area. You can also ask in Facebook groups, check Angi’s list, google reviews, or Yelp.

5 Factors to Consider When Hiring a GC:

Try to find a general contractor well versed in construction industry knowledge and experience with local regulations.

Look at reviews of the GC’s track record with similar projects. Is this contractor more familiar with stick-frame homes, steel-framed commercial buildings, or post-frame construction?

What is the GC’s reputation? A contractor’s reputation can give insight into reliability and quality of work.

It is important to check reviews, testimonials, and references from past clients. Sometimes, you must take the negative reviews with a grain of salt, but how does the company respond to negative comments? Is there a common trend or issue?

If a general contractor is not forthcoming in providing past clients testimonials, this can be a red flag for their experience and reputation.

The key role of a general contractor revolves around communication. Ask your contractor how they communicate with their clients and set an expectation for response time. 

Clear expectations, timelines, and budget transparency are key to setting your project up for success.

Is this GC licensed, bonded, & insured? These credentials are crucial for protecting your investment. Ensure a general contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, which negates future legal compliance and coverage in case of accidents.

Most construction projects cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Involving a GC with solid financial standing helps avoid project interruptions.

Ready to Hire a General Contractor for your Pole Barn Project?

A general contractor typically costs 7-20% of the total project cost. While it may be tempting to tackle being your own general contractor, there are several areas of expertise that a general contractor provides.

Hiring the right general contractor can help you complete your project on time, prevent cost overruns by effectively managing budgets, ensure quality workmanship and reduce stress.

When hiring a GC, it takes time to vet multiple potential candidates. Ask for a detailed proposal, check for certificates and insurance, visit past job sites, and review online reviews for each.

Ready to get started? Download our FREE General Contractor Checklist!