What is a general contractor?
A general contractor is a type of construction professional that typically manages and oversees projects.
The job duties for this type of contractor may include:
- Hiring and overseeing the work team.
- Managing subcontractors.
- Protecting company interest during bidding negotiations.
- Assembling project documents to support time records and deadlines as well as ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
When contacting a general contractor or other reputable construction professional for your project, you will find it beneficial to ask them about their particular experience with this type of work.
What is a roofing contractor?
A roofer is a construction professional that specializes in roofs. In some areas, the term “roofer” may be used interchangeably with “commercial roofing contractor.”
Roofers install and repair single-ply roofing systems such as shingle, asphalt, and membrane. They also remove old roofs and install protective coatings and linings to deflect ultraviolet rays or other destructive environmental elements.
A specialized commercial roofer is a solar panel installation company that installs photovoltaic panels on non-solid surfaces such as metal roofs or carports instead of relying exclusively on expensive central power plants for electricity needs.
Solar panel installation companies provide their equipment to generate hot water, heating, or electricity without consuming an ounce of fuel or generating any pollution.
What is an independent contractor?
An independent contractor contracts to provide their services through a third party, such as an employer, yet that organization does not technically employ them.
For example, a graphic designer may contract with an event planner and work freelance. The event planner would need to pay them for their work and then withhold taxes and provide benefits such as insurance.
The difference between them is their type of construction professional. General Contractors usually oversee projects and manage subcontractors, while Roofers only install roofs.
These differences may cause construction professionals to take on different responsibilities. For example, it may be necessary for a roofer to write up their contract, whereas a general contractor usually does not have this responsibility.
What is a concrete contractor?
A concrete contractor installs and repairs concrete. A “concrete contractor” is someone that specializes in this trade and may work as part of a larger construction team or as a one-person company.
Concrete contractors install (and sometimes repair) sidewalks, curbs, driveways, parking lots, etc. They also pour foundations and other types of concrete work such as tanks and sewer pipes for homes and businesses.
Some concrete contractors specialize in waterproofing, paving methods like asphalt and cement, and precast panels installed with various ground surfaces such as tiles or stones.
These differences may cause construction professionals to take on different responsibilities. For example, it may be necessary for a roofer to write up their contract, whereas a general contractor usually does not have this responsibility.
What is an electrical contractor?
An electrical contractor installs, repairs and services anything related to the wiring and circuit breakers for buildings, homes, and businesses.
They can provide a complete wiring package for new construction, install security systems and HVAC units, troubleshoot and repair faulty circuits, and install power systems such as backup generators or solar panels.
Many of these contractors also offer other services such as dishwasher installation, heating system installation or maintenance, doorbell installation, lighting fixtures installation, and removal of old ceiling fans.
What is a painting contractor?
A painting contractor can be described as someone who specializes in the installation of paints. They provide the supplies and equipment necessary to complete the job, usually with supervision from a project manager or general contractor.
The main goal of a painting contractor is to produce a coat of paint on your house or building. The difference between this type of contractor is that they specialize in all types of paintwork instead of just residential or commercial.
What is a masonry contractor?
A masonry contractor is someone who installs bricks, blocks, and mortar mixed with sand and water. These materials are used to construct walls, floors, and other structures with similar characteristics. Some people may refer to them as bricklayers or masons.
Masonry contractors also work with concrete blocks, natural or synthetic stones, ceramic tile floors, stone roofs, stucco surfaces for homes or commercial buildings. They can install decks on top of existing structures such as homes or mansions.
What is a demolition contractor?
A demolition contractor is a company that provides demolition services to dismantle something. They have the skills and equipment needed to break down a building not to cause any damage to the surrounding area or environment. It includes the removal of hazardous materials and any disposal. A demolition contractor is also responsible for cleaning up and restoring any ground that might be affected.
What is a fence contractor?
A fence contractor is a company that specializes in installing and repairing fences. A fence surrounds or confines an area, typically made of posts and wires or wood.
A good fencing contractor will have years of experience installing fences in residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural settings. They should have a strong knowledge of local fencing regulations and codes and a working knowledge of different fence materials.
A fence contractor will work with homeowners, businesses, and other organizations to determine the project’s exact specifications before beginning construction. The contractor may install prefabricated fences – those that are already made – or he may build the fence from scratch.
What is a flooring contractor?
A flooring contractor specializes in installing materials on the floor of your home. The most common types of flooring contractors are hardwood flooring, tile installation, and vinyl flooring.
A flooring contractor can help you decide which types of flooring will work best for your home, and they can also install these materials in your home. Some flooring contractors will also offer home decorating services, including installing cabinets or other pieces required to complete a room renovation.
What is a remodeling contractor?
A remodeling contractor is a type of home improvement contractor that specializes in long-term projects that may include new construction, repairs, and renovations on existing structures.
They usually work with the client to design their desired outcome and then provide a detailed quote for labor and materials. They ensure that any renovation project maintains the building’s style and design.
Is a contractor a person? Or a company?
Contractors are not people. They’re businesses that provide a service for a set amount of time and charge a specific price, typically measured by the hour or the project.
It’s common to hear someone say, “I’m hiring a contractor to install this floor.” For many homeowners, every handyman they’ve ever called is a contractor. But not all handymen are contractors.
Some might be employees of a larger company, and others might work as freelancers or as part-timers to supplement their regular jobs.
Many small business owners hire people they know to work for them, but those workers have the protections afforded employees, not independent contractors.
What does a contractor do?
A contractor helps with projects or repairs on your home. They are responsible for getting the materials for the project, hiring subcontractors, and ensuring that all the work is done correctly. They usually work on a set time frame and charge you based on how long they work.
What are the pros and cons when hiring a contractor?
Hiring a contractor is beneficial because they have experience working on similar projects and will usually know where to find the materials needed for the job, even if your project requires something uncommon.
Another advantage of hiring a contractor is that they usually have liability insurance if anything goes wrong during the job.
A contractor will also advise you about how much time and money each project step will require. It can help you determine whether or not the project is feasible for you, especially if it’s an extensive renovation or repair that needs to be done.
Experienced contractors are professionals who know what they’re doing and can help you get the job done faster and with higher-quality results.
The downside of hiring a contractor is that they cost more money than doing it yourself. They usually charge an hourly rate, so if your project takes them more time than expected, there’s no option to pay less for the time they spent over their estimated amount.
There are specific skills and tools that a contractor should have because they’re performing a job that’s beyond the capabilities of an average homeowner.
Another thing to consider is that fake contractors know very little about what they’re doing. If you hire such a company, then your renovation or repair project may not get done correctly, or it may end up costing more than expected.
