What Does a General Contractor Do?
General Contractors work for construction or development companies organizing and implementing construction projects for certain properties. They often arrive at the construction site each day to help the employees complete tasks and to ensure everyone follows proper safety guidelines. General Contractors may also be responsible for staying within a strict budget for hiring employees and purchasing construction materials.
They also act as the main point of contact between the client and Construction Workers. If the client has important updates about their goals or needs for the project, the General Contractor communicates these preferences to their crew.
General Contractor Skills and Qualifications
The General Contractor is in contact with the project from the initial planning stages through completion. They must be able to maneuver through the entire process, working with all parties and ensuring timely completion. Some helpful skills include:
- Building skills: A General Contractor is best equipped with some building skills, whether carpentry, electrical, plumbing or roofing. This enables them to perform the work while overseeing the project at the same time.
- Communication skills: As the contact between the project and the client, the General Contractor should be adept at communicating. Email, text, phone calls and face-to-face communication should be professional and appropriate. The individual in this role should be able to deliver bad news while highlighting the positive and sharing progress.
- Multitasking: The General Contractor is the lead of the project and will have to maneuver the work at hand while also fielding calls and emails from related parties. They should be able to function efficiently while completing more than one task at a time.
- Problem solving skills: While working on a construction project, there will be unexpected issues. People may get hurt or deliveries could be delayed. A General Contractor must take action in these situations, whether they need to assist with a first aid kit or they have to cancel a contract with a vendor and reorder supplies to keep the project on schedule. Resolving problems is a key piece of this role.
General Contractor Salary Expectations
The average salary for General Contractors is $72,781 per year. This figure can be lower based on geographical region, the years of experience the General Contractor has accumulated and the project contracted. If a contractor identifies as a Residential Contractor, the pay can also differ as these projects are not always on the same scope as commercial projects.
General Contractor Salary Expectations
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Common salary:
25.25 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -73.55 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
General Contractor Education and Training Requirements
Many larger companies require a bachelors degree in construction science but a formal education is not always necessary to become a General Contractor. To become licensed as a General Contractor, a formal exam must be passed. Some locations require proof of financial solidity, references from previous clients, employers and associates and a set level of insurance prior to licensure approval.
Job Description Samples for Similar Positions
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