Every once in a while, someone comes along and tries to downplay the role of a general contractor on a major construction project. They will talk about how all a general contractor really does is manage the construction process, implying that they simply make a few phone calls to schedule subcontractors—something almost anyone can do.
We’re here to tell you that being a general contractor is much more than that. It’s a complex job that requires someone to be extremely organized—managing budgets, timelines, as well as people. It also requires someone to have a good understanding of all the trades that go into a construction project.
If you’ve ever thought about serving as your own general contractor in Aliso Viejo, here are some of the things it will involve:
Research, Hire, and Supervise Multiple Subcontractors
If completing a construction project was just a matter of calling in a bunch of subs to do the work, then yes, just about anyone could serve as their own general contractor. But if you aren’t experienced in the construction industry, how do you know which subcontractor to call? Do you contact the one who shows up first in a Google search? The guy who was recommended on your neighborhood’s Facebook page? Your neighbor’s son-in-law who does plumbing on the side? You might get lucky with one of these options, but there is definitely no guarantee. There are a lot of great subcontractors out there, but there are also many you would never want working on your home!
During our decades of experience in the construction industry, we’ve developed a network of reputable subcontractors in the area. They are licensed tradespeople who are great at what they do and stand behind their work. They show up when they say they will and complete the job for a fair price.
Even though we have a lot of confidence in the subcontractors we use, we still oversee their work to make sure it is up to our high standards. We are able to do this because we know what good work looks like in the various trades. If you were to serve as your own general contractor, would you be able to tell if a subcontractor did a subpar job, or would you just have to trust that they did the job right? Do you even have the time in your schedule to supervise every subcontractor who comes into your home?
Complete Everything in the Right Order
If you want your building project or remodel to be successful, things need to be completed in a certain order. The order of certain tasks is fairly obvious, like having the electrical and plumbing installed before you put in the drywall, but other things might not be quite as clear. Should your new cabinets be installed before your flooring or vice versa? At what point should you have the walls painted? When do things need to be inspected before you can move on?
A good general contractor knows the answers to all of these questions, and unfortunately, the “experts” on Google don’t always get them right.
Manage Complex Schedules
Some subcontractors are busy and are scheduled out for weeks, or even months—especially the good ones that you probably want working on your project. Unless you want your project to take forever, you need to know how to schedule subcontractors so your project doesn’t come to a standstill while you’re waiting for the next subcontractor you need to become available.
For example, if you want custom cabinets built for your kitchen, all the reputable woodworkers probably won’t even be able to get to your project for a few months, and then they will still need to construct your cabinets before they can be installed. In this case, you would need to reach out to a cabinet maker long before you actually need your cabinets. You would likely need to check in with him or her regularly to make sure the project is still on schedule. If it’s not, you would need to adjust the schedule of the subsequent projects, such countertop and backsplash installation, accordingly.
A good general contractor will know how to schedule the subcontractors on a large project so everything keeps moving forward without delay—much like you would line up dominos in a row, and then push one over to start a chain reaction that doesn’t stop.
Work with the City of Aliso Viejo
Working with the Building Department in the City of Aliso Viejo is another job you’ll have to take on if you choose to serve as your own general contractor. You will have to get your plans approved, obtain the necessary permits, and also undergo regular inspections throughout the building process. City inspectors are not going to go easy on you simply because you are not a professional contractor. In fact, they may use a little extra scrutiny if they know you are acting as your own general contractor to make sure everything has been completed according to the building code.
Hiring a Professional General Contractor in Aliso Viejo
Everything mentioned above isn’t even all inclusive. There is a lot more that goes into being a good general contractor. The team at Scott McKee Construction has dedicated ourselves to this profession for many years in order to become one of the top general contracting companies in the area.
You are certainly welcome to try your hand at being a general contractor on your own project, but most homeowners who have worked with an experienced general contractor will tell you that they are worth every penny!
Contact us today to discuss your upcoming project and how we can help!
