3
Jan

Construction Management vs General Contractor

I
January 3, 2023

Construction management is a process of overseeing the design, construction, and commissioning of physical infrastructure projects. 

Construction management is typically divided into two main categories: general contractor management and construction management. 

General contractor management involves contractual relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, while construction management focuses on overall project supervision.

What Is Preconstruction? 

Preconstruction is designing and constructing a building or structure before it is ever built. This can be done in a variety of ways. Still, the most common practice is to have a team of engineers produce detailed drawings and specifications for a proposed project long before construction begins. This allows for better planning and coordination of resources and more accurate estimates of costs and timeframes.

What Is Construction Management? 

Construction management (cms) is a process that helps manage the construction of a project from start to finish. It includes planning, organizing, managing, and supervising the activities involved in the construction project. 

Construction management is a critical part of any large project, as it ensures that all aspects of the construction are completed on time and within budget.

What Is A Construction Manager? 

A construction manager is a specialized position that oversees the construction of a building or large-scale project. This position is responsible for coordinating the work of many different contractors and managing the project delivery on time and within budget. The construction manager may also ensure that workers are adequately trained and supervised.

What Is Construction Manager General?

Construction manager general (CMG) is a position that has existed for over fifty years. The CMG oversees the construction project from start to finish, ensuring that all aspects of the construction process run smoothly. 

This includes overseeing the hiring and supervision of contractors, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. A CMG also plays a vital role in stress management during construction projects.

What Are Managers

Managers help direct, coordinate, and oversee the work of others in an organization. They are critical in ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget. Some of the responsibilities of a manager include developing and implementing policies, assigning jobs, forming teams, and providing training.

What Is A General Contractor 

A general contractor is a business that provides construction services, such as building construction, renovation, and repairs. General contractors also offer specialized services such as landscape architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting. General contractors typically have a wide range of capabilities and can handle small and large projects.

General contractors can be found in both the private and public sectors. General contractors often work for individual businesses or corporations in the private sector. 

General contractors may work for government agencies or municipalities in the public sector. Regardless of where they are found, general contractors must meet specific requirements to be licensed and/or registered with specific regulatory bodies.

General contractors typically have extensive knowledge in construction techniques and materials.

What Is an Architect General Contractor?

An architect general contractor is a professional specializing in designing and constructing buildings, structures, and other physical projects. 

They have a degree in architecture, although not all architects are willing to become general contractors. It’s important to note that an architect general contractor is not the same as an architectural designer. 

An architect general contractor typically will have more experience in construction than an architectural designer, which can be helpful when negotiating with clients and subcontractors.

What Is Owner General Contractor?

An owner general contractor (OGC) is a tradesperson who primarily performs construction work on their behalf. This includes everything from designing and building a single room to renovating an entire property. 

OGCs are unique in having complete control over the project from start to finish. They can also take on projects that other tradespeople may not be able to handle, such as repairs or renovations that need to be done in a particular order. 

Because of this flexibility, OGCs are often hired for larger jobs requiring a high degree of precision.

What Is General Contractor Construction?

General contractor construction is the umbrella term for various construction projects that one or more contractors carry out. General contractor construction refers to most construction projects, which typically require multiple contractors and coordinated efforts to complete on time and within budget.

Some common types of general contractor construction include new home construction, renovations, additions, repairs, replacement, and retrofitting of buildings and infrastructure, large-scale commercial projects like stadiums or office complexes, and even large-scale public works like bridges or highways. 

The diversity of these projects makes general contractor construction an ideal option for a wide range of businesses and individuals looking to get involved in the construction industry.

General contractor construction can be lucrative with many specialization and growth opportunities. Many successful general contractors started as small contractors before expanding into larger projects.

What is the difference between construction management and general contractor?

Construction management (CM) is the umbrella term for various disciplines and professions that manage a building or project from commencement to completion. 

CM professionals typically have a degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field and are responsible for conceiving and managing the entire construction process from start to finish.  

General contractor (GC) is typically used for businesses that primarily build structures, such as homes, offices, factories, schools, and hospitals. 

GCs have extensive experience designing, constructing, and managing projects from inception through completion. 

However, unlike CM professionals, who are focused on managing every aspect of construction from start to finish (albeit with varying degrees of emphasis), GCs focus primarily on the design phase of a project and subcontract out most of the work necessary to complete it.

Benefits of Construction Management

Here are a few benefits to keep in mind: 

  • construction management is generally a more collaborative relationship than that of general contractor
  • construction management services contract with the owner for a fixed fee
  • construction managers are more office-based and corporate in nature
  • construction managers differ in their organizational structures

Saving time

Construction management is the process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the construction of a project. It helps to speed up the construction process by ensuring that all aspects of the project are coordinated and managed efficiently. 

Many different methods can be used to achieve this goal, including scheduling, estimating, cost control, quality control, and communication. By using these methods correctly, construction managers can help to save time and money on projects.

Money

Construction management is the process of overseeing and managing the construction of a project. It includes planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the construction process to achieve desired results. Managing finances is essential to effective construction management because it ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget.

There are many factors to consider when managing a construction project, including budget, schedule, personnel, materials, and safety. A well-organized construction management system will allow for accurate tracking and forecasting of expenses, which can help ensure that funds are available when needed.

Manpower

Construction management is a process that helps ensure a project's safe, on-time, high-quality completion. The process begins with pre-construction planning and ends with post-construction verification and closure. Throughout the process, construction managers rely on human resources to complete tasks as efficiently and safely as possible.

Insurance

Construction management is a specialized field that oversees the construction of physical products. Insurance is an important part of any construction project; the manager must know insurance policies and procedures. 

Bond (Surety Bonds)  

Construction management is a field of knowledge and practice that deals with the construction process's coordination, control, and optimization. It encompasses all aspects of project management, from initiating and funding the project through its completion. 

Bond is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not a construction project will be successful. A bond is a financial guarantee from the municipality or other entity contracting for construction services to the contractor. 

Bonds must be sufficient to cover any costs incurred by the contractor in completing the project and any penalties or fines levied by government inspectors. 

The bond premium reflects public confidence in the contractor and our faith that he/she will complete work according to plan and on time.

Advantages of using a General Contractor

More experience

A general contractor is someone who specializes in completing construction projects on a large scale. They have more experience and knowledge than most other types of construction professionals, making them better equipped to handle difficult tasks and deadlines.

Larger project scope

A general contractor takes on a much larger project scope than the average individual, whether it be remodeling an entire home or constructing a large building. 

This type of contractor has years of experience working on various types of projects and can handle any unforeseen problems that may arise. 

A general contractor typically charges a higher rate than an ordinary builder or home renovator, but this is often worth the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your project will be completed correctly and on time.

More control

One of the main benefits of being a general contractor is that they can set their own schedule and work with whomever they want on their team. This allows them to ensure their projects go smoothly without worrying about someone else's deadlines.

Similarities Between General Contractors and Construction Managers?

Construction managers and general contractors have a lot in common. General contractor and construction are specialists who oversee the construction of physical structures. 

They have different roles, but general contractors and construction managers share many similarities. 

Here are some of the most important ones for general contracting and construction management: 

  1. They both have a deep understanding of construction processes and materials.
  2. They must be able to manage multiple projects at once while keeping track of budgets and deadlines.
  3. They must be able to work with other professionals, such as engineers and architects.
  4. They must be able to keep their worker's safe while on site.
  5. They must be able to communicate with their clients and stakeholders effectively.

Which is better for your project?

Regarding construction projects, there are a few different options available to you. You can either manage the construction yourself or hire a general contractor to take care of everything for you. 

Which option is better for your project depends on many factors, including your experience and budget. 

Here are some key things to consider when deciding which route to take:

Managing Construction Yourself

If you have experience working on construction projects yourself, managing the process may be your best option. This can be a great way to learn about construction and get hands-on experience. Plus, handling the entire process yourself can save you money.

Hiring a General (GC)

Hiring a general contractor may be the wiser choice if you don't have any experience working on construction projects yourself, or if you're not confident in your ability to handle them.

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