When one is interested in building or renovating multifamily housing, selecting a general contractor is one of the vital decisions to undertake. A developer, an investor, and others in multifamily construction projects are aware of the role of general contractors. The multifamily construction companies ensure to choose professional, qualified, and experienced contractors to get the work done perfectly.
Role in every building process
General contractors have their roles to play in single-family homes. Similarly, they are required in multifamily and commercial projects. They have significant roles to play in almost every stage of the building process whether it is the architecture of the project, supply purchasing, permissions for constructions, hiring subcontractors, and so on.
Architecture and design
A general contractor has a huge role to play in the architecture and designing of the projects. They work closely with the multifamily projects and suggest improvements and changes if required so that time and money can be saved. Furthermore, their suggestions can also help to reduce or eliminate risks and identify any safety hazards and address them.
Permits for construction
The multifamily construction companies simply cannot start with developing buildings. There are so many stages that come before the actual construction of the project starts. This is where a general contractor plays an essential role. He/she is responsible for acquiring all the necessary permits from particular city or county offices for the construction projects.
Hiring subcontractors
When a multifamily project is underway, there is a wide array of skilled and professional manual labor required. Starting from electricians, plumbers, to security installations firms, to floor specialists, they play vital roles in completing a construction project successfully. A general contractor bid such skilled professionals from several subcontractors personally. He/she does it so that the best combination of professionalism, quality of work, and the price is determined.
Purchasing of supplies and raw materials
When a general contractor hires subcontractors, they might purchase their supplies and raw materials for the project and bill them to the general contractor. In the majority of the cases, a general contractor takes the responsibility of purchasing the required supplies and raw materials himself/herself and then asks the subcontractors to function accordingly.
The building or zoning codes
It is necessary for the architectural plans for commercial and multifamily building projects to abide by certain building ordinances and zoning codes. Failure to follow the building codes will result in fines and penalties and even cancellation of project construction. Thus, it becomes even more important for general contractors of multifamily construction companies to ensure that the codes are followed as well as implemented while the construction process is underway.
Hiring a licensed general contractor
To ensure that a multifamily construction project is smooth and seamless, it is necessary to select contractors who are licensed by a state board or agency. Working with an unlicensed general contractor can be risky for the project. This is because there is no scope of getting any insurance if the need arises or incorporate any kinds of legal claims against. Along with the general contractor being insured, it is also important that the contractor is bonded as well.
Hiring a bonded contractor
A bonded general contractor has a surety bond, which is similar, but not the same as an insurance policy. The bond acts as a protection for the owners when a general contractor fails to complete a multifamily construction project on their own. For example, when a contractor has any financial problem, the surety company will help them lend cash to finish the project. In case, the general contractor abandons the project completely, the surety company will replace him/her with another contractor.
Hiring an insured contractor
Along with licensed and bonded contractors, an insured contractor with GL (general liability) insurance should also be taken into account. GL insurance helps to protect both general contractors and property owners in different scenarios. It is most helpful in personal injury lawsuits by subcontractors. Furthermore, the property owner suing subcontractors for poor work without putting the general contractor in jeopardy is another such scenario.
Conclusion
While choosing the general contractors for multifamily construction companies, it is vital to make wise decisions, or else there will be serious consequences. The companies must communicate and negotiate with the contractor regularly, based on the scope and size of the construction project. A good general contractor needs to be trustworthy, reliable, and financially stable. Furthermore, he/she should be able to become the bridge between city or county officials, architects, subcontractors, and lenders.