If you are looking to complete a home improvement project that is above your skill level, you may need to look into hiring a general contractor. Hiring a general contractor could save you money on mistakes you may have made on your own. 

What Is a General Contractor?

A general contractor may also be referred to as a construction manager. They are in charge of overseeing the construction sites. They will supervise the entire project they have been hired for to make sure it is up to code. 

What Does a General Contractor Do?

On top of overseeing the construction project, general contractors have a lot of responsibilities. 

Those responsibilities can include:

  • Hiring subcontractors (e.g. plumbers, electricians, etc.)
  • Getting permits
  • Ensuring product warranties are not voided during installation
  • Ensuring construction crew wears proper protection gear
  • Handling and fixing accidents on site

The general contractor will be required to carry some type of liability and/or workman's compensation insurance. The requirements may vary depending on the location. This means if there is ever an accident and someone is injured, the contractor has the proper insurance to handle it. 

When to Hire a General Contractor

A general contractor is not necessary for every home improvement project. There are smaller remodels that may only require a handyman or a subcontractor (e.g. carpenter). For example, if you are swapping out the cabinets in your kitchen or building a deck, you do not need a contractor for that. Hiring a contractor for simpler tasks may cost you more money in the long run. If you're planning an entire kitchen remodel and turning your unfinished basement into a finished basement, this is when you will want to look into hiring a contractor. 

How to Become a General Contractor

To become a general contractor, you only need to have graduated high school. Although, you can continue your school in construction management or another related field. The requirements vary depending on your state, but most states, if not all, will require you to pass an exam before becoming licensed. Always check your state's requirements before applying to become a general contractor. 

Salary of a General Contractor

The average general contractor in the United States makes around $123,467 per year. This equals about $59 per hour. Depending on your experience in the field, the salary could increase to around $150,000 per year. Being a general contractor is not always an easy job and the salary reflects that. 

For more information, contact a general contracting service such as Burrini and Sons Contracting LLC.

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