Before a general contractor can start working on a construction project, he or she must first submit a project proposal. A proposal is a detailed outline of the project’s specifications, and submitting a well-crafted bid is critical to the success of the project. The proposal requires significant effort on the part of the contractor, including a material and quantity takeoff from the project specs. This proposal also lists billing for materials, equipment, labor, insurance, and worker’s compensation. If you are looking for more tips, check out Preserve Services.
In addition to overseeing the construction process, a GC must ensure that all parties involved in the project are on the same page and working to a high standard. It is essential to know what language to use when speaking to different audiences, from subcontractors to construction laborers. Construction laborers, for example, need clear guidance on project stages and budgets, while a subcontractor doesn’t need to know about bidding processes or material acquisitions.
The main duty of a general contractor is to coordinate all construction activities and project management, obtaining permits, hiring construction professionals, and enforcing local building regulations. The contractor will oversee the project from beginning to end and ensure that the project meets or exceeds quality standards. Most general contractors have in-house design teams, which can help with unexpected changes in a project. Before hiring a general contractor, make sure that he or she is licensed and registered in your state. Some states require a contractor to provide proof of liability insurance, a tax ID number, and a business address.
It’s important to know what education and training a general contractor needs. Usually, a general contractor needs several years of experience to become licensed. In some states, a general contractor must also pass proficiency tests and carry liability insurance. Many general contractors choose to take training courses offered by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA).
With a good job outlook and increasing job security, a general contractor can earn an average of $57,000 annually. This equates to approximately $28 an hour. However, if a general contractor takes on the role of a construction manager, they can earn a much higher annual salary: $169,000 per year! It’s not uncommon for a general contractor to also be a construction manager. The average salary for a construction manager is $97,000, with the highest paying contractors making $169,000+.
The license for a general contractor must be renewed every two years. During the application process, general contractors must show proof of insurance and a bond of $12,000, which is required by law. In addition, contractors are required to show that they have insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and an active wage bond. A general contractor’s license is issued by the Department of Licensing and Insurance in Tennessee. While it’s not mandatory, many cities have their own requirements, so it’s worth checking out the licensing laws of your jurisdiction.
North Carolina courts have focused on whether a general contractor’s contract is with the owner to erect improvements on the owner’s property. They have also focused on whether the contractor possessed a license before the construction began. In some cases, contractors who had not renewed their license at the time of the contract had substantial compliance with licensing requirements. In other cases, a contractor’s license was expired during the construction phase, but it subsequently corrected the mistake and renewed the license.