Category: General Contractor

What Does a General Contractor Do?

Jennifer Harrell General Contractor , , , ,

Contractors in Lawrenceville GA take a set of plans and turn them into a reality. They work with project teams and subcontractors to meet deadlines and ensure the building meets city specs.

Insurance is important for contractors as they carry significant workers’ comp and liability exposures for heavy machinery and tools. Asset tracking systems and secure storage are essential to avoid theft and loss of equipment.

When it comes to construction, a lot of work must be done before the actual building can begin. In some cases, the general contractor will take part in the design process and work closely with the architect and engineers. This is sometimes called Design-Build.

During the pre-construction phase, the project team meets with the client to discuss needs and wants. Often, this is also the time when a budget is determined. Depending on the type of project, different methods may be used to reach an agreement on the price for construction.

Another important aspect of pre-construction is planning the schedule for construction. The contractor will work with the client and architect to develop a timeline for the construction process. This includes determining what materials will be used and what equipment will be needed for the job. This will help to avoid any delays or misunderstandings during the construction phase.

If there are any long lead-time materials required for the project, they will be identified in the pre-construction meetings and plans made to ensure their timely delivery. This will save valuable project time and money and reduce the risk of delays caused by unforeseen circumstances.

Large projects require the use of many different vendors for materials and supplies. GCs will evaluate these vendors and determine the best ones to work with on the project. They will look at their capacities, quality of work, turnaround times, and invoicing. GCs will then work with the vendor to establish a procurement schedule that fits in with the overall project schedule.

Safety is always a top priority for any construction site. GCs will assess the project site and make sure all construction activities are carried out in accordance with local and national safety standards. This will protect everyone involved in the project, including the GC, subcontractors, and workers.

It is also the GC’s responsibility to ensure that all construction is carried out as per the design specifications mentioned in the blueprints and designs. They will evaluate all the work that is being done to determine if it is in line with what was specified in the bid documents and contract.

On-Site Work

There are many different types of contractors that work on construction projects. There are electricians, carpenters, painters, and even general contractors. General contractors have a lot of duties when it comes to overseeing construction work on-site. They are in charge of scheduling work, making sure the project stays on schedule, and working with other team members to make sure everyone knows their role in the project. They are also responsible for preparing quotes and estimates for clients, obtaining required permits, and handling job site inspections.

GCs will often collaborate with other professionals who are specialized in their field of expertise. For example, if the project requires an architect, the GC may contact a design firm to get a quote for their services. They will then work with the design firm and other contractors to complete the project in a timely fashion. Throughout the process, they will check in with the client to make sure everything is going according to plan and that the quality of work meets expectations.

In some cases, a GC may need to hire a project manager who will handle the day-to-day tasks on the jobsite. The CM will make sure the GC is getting the right supplies and hiring the appropriate people for the specific jobs that need to be done. In addition, the CM will ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

Depending on the type of construction, a GC may also be in charge of overseeing different aspects of the project. For instance, a commercial contractor will be in charge of building hotels, shopping centers, and other retail buildings. A residential GC will be in charge of remodeling homes and other types of building structures for homeowners.

When looking for a General Contractor for your project, it’s important to find one who has a proven track record. Look for a company that has experience in your specific area of construction, is licensed and insured, and can provide you with references. Sweeten makes it easy to meet qualified and trusted contractors who have the right experience, are local to your area, and are available for your project.

Post-Construction Work

A general contractor is responsible for a lot of tasks, from building the actual project to ensuring its quality once it’s finished. They’re also responsible for maintaining records, accounting, and financial management throughout the project. This is important because it helps ensure that the overall construction process stays within budget.

Another important part of a GC’s job is to determine the best materials for the project. This isn’t just for aesthetics, as using durable materials can save money on maintenance costs once the premise is fully operational. Additionally, a GC’s role is to help resolve any disputes that may occur on the construction site. This will help prevent delays and prevent expensive rework down the road.

Lastly, a GC is responsible for demobilizing the construction crew once the project is finished. This includes securing lien waivers and making sure all payment requirements have been fulfilled. They should also be ready to offer continued support and training once the building is handed over to the client.

The construction process is a lot of work, but a general contracting company can take on the responsibility and make it more manageable. They’re skilled at transforming construction visions into realities and providing expert coordination for projects of all sizes. Additionally, they can help ensure that all the work on a project is completed correctly, efficiently, and on time.

Having an experienced team of professionals on board can be the difference between a successful and a failed construction project. Whether it’s a small home renovation or a large commercial build, the right team can make all the difference in the outcome of the construction. In addition to providing expertise on the technical side of the project, a general contractor can also assist with sourcing and obtaining necessary permits, negotiating prices with subcontractors, coordinating workers, scheduling jobs, conducting inspections, preparing impact studies, and developing organizational plans. They’re also knowledgeable about local building codes, regulations, and other laws that affect the construction industry.

Maintenance Work

Every organization uses contract workers to varying degrees and these workers may be contracted to carry out maintenance work in a variety of areas such as cleaning, repairing machinery or even to help with construction. These maintenance contractors will generally come with professional experience and a vast knowledge base that can save an organization valuable time and resources, especially when it comes to issues that require a quick response.

The GC is responsible for managing virtually all aspects of renovation projects including sourcing and coordinating subcontractors who are specialists in specific fields of building and construction (like painting, landscaping or plumbing). They are also typically licensed and insured. GC’s are able to coordinate the varying needs of the project team and client in order to deliver the project on time and within budget.

They are often experienced in working with local building codes and regulations and they are familiar with the different types of materials and techniques required to complete a particular project. A GC can also be very helpful when it comes to planning a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Another great benefit of using a general contractor is that they will usually take care of the paperwork and administrative tasks associated with a project. This can save a lot of time for the project manager and reduces the amount of stress that is often associated with this type of work.

A GC can be hired via a negotiated contract whereby the property owner selects a GC based on past work, reputation and quality of service. In this case the GC will review the project plans and requirements, collect quotes from qualified specialized subcontractors, add their own overhead costs to produce a quote and then negotiate with the property owner for the final price of the contract.

Regardless of the way in which a maintenance contractor is engaged by an organization it is important that they receive appropriate training regarding emergency procedures and hazards at all times. This will help to prevent accidents and injuries that could be caused by unfamiliarity with the work environment or an unawareness of health and safety precautions.

What You Need to Know About Dock Construction

Jennifer Harrell General Contractor , , , , , ,

Docks are a structure that allows boats and other watercraft to be secured when not in use. They are often built at lakes for recreational, residential and commercial purposes.

The first step in building a dock is creating the frame, which is then covered with decking material. Typical decking is Southern Yellow Pine, which is durable and low-maintenance.

When it comes to building a dock on your lake property, there are several different types of pilings you can use. The type you choose will depend on factors such as the weight of the dock, whether a boat lift is going to be added and how much traffic the dock will receive. The type of piling you select will also impact how long it will last. While traditional wood was the main choice for many dock projects, other materials are now becoming more popular, particularly concrete and steel.

Foundation pilings are the essential support structure for docks and piers, carrying the full weight of the structures and withstanding the force of waves, wind and other weather elements. They are often called piled foundations as they are driven, or “piled,” into the water bed, sometimes to a depth of three times their width.

The most common type of piling used in marine construction is wooden, with choices ranging from cedars to redwoods and cypress. These wooden pilings are typically treated with preservatives to extend their lifespan and prevent rot and other structural problems. They can be shaped into straight lines or into more creative designs depending on the design of the dock itself.

Another option is concrete, which has the advantage of being less costly than wood. However, it is prone to corrosion and may not be as strong as wood when subjected to the constant stress of being in a marine environment. It is important to consult with a professional when choosing this material.

Steel and concrete are more durable than wood, but are not as flexible as their wooden counterparts. These types of pilings are used more often in commercial and industrial applications as they can withstand the weight of large ships and other structures. They are also easy to repair and maintain. However, they can be expensive for residential applications and are usually only available from specialized marine suppliers. A newer option that combines the best of both worlds is composite piling, which combines wood and fiberglass to create a durable pile that can withstand the harsh conditions found in marine environments while offering the cost-efficiency of wood.

Decking

Choosing the material for your dock’s decking is one of the most important decisions you will make. The type of decking you choose will impact the overall look and long term performance of your dock, as well as the type of maintenance and care it will require.

There are a wide variety of wood and plastic options available for dock planking. Some of the most common choices are pressure treated lumber and composite. While many people prefer the natural look and feel of wood, it is often not as durable or resistant to the elements as other materials.

For the past several years, many owners and contractors have been shifting away from pressure treated wood dock planking due to its limited durability and poor performance around water. While a dock is typically located directly over the water, prolonged exposure to sun, heat, freezing temperatures and ice can quickly cause traditional pressure treated wood to warp, crack or rot.

Composite and plastic decking are a great choice for docks, because they offer superior durability and low-maintenance. They are also a sustainable alternative to wood, because they are made from recycled and/or virgin plastics. However, some of these materials can still splinter and are prone to cracking. Another downside is that these materials can have a “plastic” or fake looking appearance and feel, which some people dislike.

Cedar is a popular softwood option, as it is both attractive and durable. It is naturally aromatic and rot and insect resistant. If cedar is regularly stained and sealed, it will maintain its beautiful appearance for many years to come.

Hardwoods, such as ipe, are another great choice for decking and docks because of their strength, abrasion resistance and density. Hardwoods are generally more expensive than softwoods, but they can be a very cost effective choice for those who want a luxurious, natural looking and long lasting dock planking material.

Regardless of the type of decking you choose, it is important to use an environmentally safe preservative. Many companies now use a preservative called ACQ, which is much safer for the environment than chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Although CCA treated wood has been a popular choice for docks in the past, it has been discontinued due to its toxic arsenic content.

Structural Components

When it comes to dock construction, there are many different parts that come together to create the sturdy platform. The most important component is the decking, which can be made of wood, aluminum or no-maintenance plastic. It’s important that the decking be slip-resistant and tough, especially if you’ll be parking your boat on it. Another key component is the frame and substructure. These structures hold the dock up, and they are crucial in preventing water damage from storms and fluctuating lake levels. If you’re planning on building a floating dock, the flotation support is also an important part. These drums, which can be either foam-filled or filled with air, provide buoyancy and help keep the dock afloat when not in use.

Another critical component in dock construction is the mooring poles. These are fixed into the bottom of the body of water with an auger and then attached to the dock. Mooring poles are usually positioned so that boats can moor to them using cleats. They also help prevent moored boats from shifting and bobbing in the water, and they are essential for safety and security.

Dock pilings are often made of steel, which provides strength and stability for the dock. The most common type of piling is a H-pile, which has a large diameter and a shallow depth. This makes it ideal for pier and wharf projects. Other options include pipe piles and concrete-filled piles. The design of dock piles must consider factors such as moments and shears on the pile caps, elastic shortening and the impact of soil deformation.

Wood is a popular material for building docks because of its natural beauty and durability. However, it can be damaged by the elements and insect infestation, so it requires regular maintenance and inspections to keep it safe and functional. Steel offers an excellent alternative, as it is resistant to decay and can withstand the wear and tear of heavy usage. It’s also an environmentally friendly option when compared to other materials, particularly when it’s fastened with blind bolts. This method allows the installation of steel piles from a single side, which reduces the risk for workers on the job site.

Accessories

The type of accessories your dock construction will require depends on how you plan to use it. Your contractor will be familiar with local water conditions and able to advise you on what types of accessories are best for your specific needs. The most important are safety items such as cleats and bumpers. Floating docks should be equipped with sturdy cleats to support boat lines and help them stay in place, while bumpers protect the dock from damage by trucks or other vehicles.

Ladders are another essential safety feature. Installing them on a pier or dock makes it easier and safer for swimmers to get in and out of the water, encouraging more frequent swimming and aquatic activities. Storage areas are also popular dock accessories, allowing swimmers and boaters to keep all their equipment organized. They can also double as benches, adding extra seating for outdoor gatherings and late-night stargazing.

Dock lighting is another essential accessory, particularly if you plan to use your dock at night. A good quality lighting system will make the area more welcoming and prevent accidents due to lack of visibility. If you choose to use electricity, a power pedestal is a convenient choice that will allow you to avoid having to run a dozen extension cords all over the deck.

Piling caps are a great way to improve the look of your pilings while protecting them from sun and water damage, as well as warding off perching birds. These may seem like simple additions, but they can greatly extend the lifespan of your dock and reduce maintenance costs.

Other useful accessories include a truck or vehicle restraint system, dock seals, and a dock leveler. A truck or vehicle restraint system is a device that attaches to the dock and hooks to the frame or bumper of the truck, preventing it from rolling away during loading operations. Dock seals are used to create a barrier between the truck and the dock, providing additional protection from weather and debris. A dock leveler is a height-adjustable platform that can be operated via mechanical (spring), hydraulic, or air powered systems and can be used to assist the driver with backing up.