If you want to build a home or renovate one and you are looking for a general contractor, this is the article for you. In it, you will learn all the important things you need to know about general contractors including when you should hire them.
Let’s begin.
The definition of a general contractor
A general contractor is an individual who gets building projects done. There are two major types of general contractors – residential general contractors and commercial general contractors. In this article, we will be focusing on residential general contractors. Because you will need to hire a residential general contractor Ottawa if you want to build or renovate your home.
A residential general contractor by definition is an individual who oversees home building or renovation projects by organizing trades and the actual work. For example, if you are planning a major home renovation and you need different types of trades, hiring a general contractor will ensure everything gets done because they will hire subcontractors/ trades to get the job done. Generally, residential general contractors plan projects, hire subcontractors, buy needed materials, pay everyone, and handle everything else on your behalf. They ensure every stage of your renovation project is done on budget and on time.
What general contractors do
General contractors generally oversee projects to make sure they are done on time and on budget. In other words, they make sure your project is implemented and completed just like you imagined it. For example, if you want a total kitchen renovation, you should call a general contractor Ottawa such as CP & Son to supervise/ oversee the project for you. The company’s expert will talk to you to understand your vision, assess your kitchen, check what is needed and what kind of trades/ subcontractors are needed, hire the people needed, supervise the job, pay everyone, and handle any other issues related to the project. Once you hire a good contractor, you simply just sit back and wait for the complete project.
Many homeowners can do many of the things that people hire a general contractor for. However, most homeowners do not have the experience and the keen eyes of most general contractors. Because of their experience in doing the same types of jobs over and over again, general contractors know the best trades to hire, the fair prices to pay, the right building codes to follow, the right safety hazards to look out for, and the right way to coordinate and get things done on budget and on time. They also know how to get permits and insurance for subcontractors/ workers to get things done.
Moreover, general contractors also know how to investigate completed projects to ensure everything is done the right way and to standard. So if you are a homeowner, instead of doing things yourself, you have a million and one reasons to hire a general contractor to help you. Moreover, general contractors usually give a one-year warranty for completed projects. This means that within one year, you can call them back to fix anything that goes wrong in the renovated kitchen for free.
Why general contractors are important
A general contractor Ottawa is important because he or she will take the work from your hands. So if you have a renovation project that you need to be done, you simply need to call one and explain to them everything. They will draft a plan, show it to you, and then complete your project. All you will have to do is to pay them their dues as you will agree on the contract you will agree with them.
General contractors are also important in the sense that they have a lot of experience and knowledge. This makes them very capable of handling different types of renovation projects and any challenges that come along. General contractors also happen to know building codes and standards better than most homeowners.
When should you get a general contractor?
Many small renovation projects do not need a general contractor. You can complete them by directly hiring a subcontractor. You should only get a general contractor if you have a major renovation or building project. You should also get a general contractor if you have a project that will reasonably last for more than a week or you have a project that needs someone who knows building codes and standards.
How much does it cost to hire a general contractor?
Most general contractors charge between 10 and 20% of the job cost. So if you can approximate the cost of hiring subcontractors, paying for permits, and buying materials, the cost of hiring a general contractor should be between 10 and 20% of that amount.
If you have any job that you feel will benefit from being supervised by a general contractor, you should contact CP & Son today. The company has a great reputation for completing various types of renovation projects to the satisfaction of clients.
