What are the primary responsibilities of a general contractor?

The primary responsibilities of a general contractor encompass overseeing construction projects and ensuring compliance with local building codes, safety regulations, and contract specifications. This role involves coordinating various aspects of a construction project, such as managing subcontractors, scheduling inspections, and ensuring that the work is completed on time and within budget. A general contractor is also tasked with monitoring the quality of work to ensure it meets the required standards, creating a comprehensive plan that aligns with the client’s vision while adhering to legal and safety considerations.

While managing finances is an important part of construction project management, it is just one aspect of the broader responsibilities that a general contractor holds. Providing design solutions can be a function of some contractors, particularly those with design-build capabilities; however, it is not universally applicable to all general contractors. Handling office paperwork is certainly part of their duties, but it is not the primary focus of their role, which is more centered around the operational and compliance aspects of construction management.