Do you need a developer, builder, or contractor? If you are thinking about building a home, you want to find the best professionals in the industry. It can be hard to find the right company or person for the job. A developer, builder, and contractor do work in similar ways, but they have separate responsibilities on the job site.
The General Contractor
When you need someone to manage the big picture of the job, you must hire a contractor. The contractor is responsible for the day-to-day work on the job site. This person handles all the vendors and tradespeople, including communicating with all the parties involved in the building’s project.
What Does A General Contractor Normally Do?
The contractor will hire a crew or subcontract other companies to complete the work. These general contractors often maintain and operate their own construction business. In some cases, the contractor is hired by the project’s architect or engineer. During the first visit, the contractor will review all the project’s documents, including the bid, tender, and proposal documents. If you are looking to renovate the building, the contractor will make a visit to the site to get a better understanding of the project’s scope.
How Do I Select The Right Contractor for The Build?
When you have decided on a contractor, this professional will estimate the total cost of the construction project. These costs will include all the fees for the subcontractors and the home’s material charges. Many plans require the use of subcontractors, and the contractor is responsible for hiring those companies. After the subcontractor finishes the work, the contractor is also liable for all the work performed by those hires. In most cases, the general contractor needs to keep all parties focused on the job and maintain a schedule to complete the job on time.
Before any work begins, the contractor must secure permits for the worksite. This individual must be knowledgeable of all building code requirements in your city or state. You don’t want to hire a contractor that doesn’t understand the codes and causes a delay in your project. All contractors will secure the right materials and equipment for the job. That job responsibility will also include the disposal or recycling of worksite materials.
For all job sites, the contractor’s top priority is worksite management. If you need to know specific details of the job, you must keep an open line of communication with the contractor. The contractor is also responsible for cash flow on the job as well.
For those looking to hire a contractor, you want to review their references. A good contractor will have an excellent working relationship with reliable subcontractors. You can visit former clients and ask about your potential contractor. It is essential to find out if the project schedule was met and completed within the budget.
Difference Between Developers and Builders?
Real Estate Developers
The line between builders and developers can be a little murky. Developers can act as a builder and build in your neighborhood. However, in most cases, the developer is the company that has purchased the land. This company is developing the property. For residential developers, they buy the land and plan communities within the area. The developer is responsible for surveying the land, zoning, planning, clearing vegetation, and positioning the home. They also outline the streets, driveways, sidewalks, and street lights, along with installing sewers, electric, and water lines. After the developer is finished, the lots are sold to buyers, and a builder comes in to build.
New Home Builders
The builder works the same way as a contractor. From the foundation to the roofing, the builder is there to handle every stage of the construction. Other companies often complete plumbing, heating, and electric wiring, but the builder may finish these items in the home. A builder will usually work on the home from the ground up, and they tend to build a single dwelling. The developer will develop several houses at a time and make planning a subdivision their main priority.
What is The Difference Between a Production Builder and a Custom Builder
Production Builder
A production builder is a large company. They often construct a large number of homes throughout the year. In some cases, they work in several locations and markets.
Custom Builder
A custom builder works differently than a production builder. This builder will build according to a specific design of a designer or architect. People who work with a custom builder want a unique house that cannot be duplicated by other builders.
Which Building Professional Should I Choose?
Whether you need a contractor, developer, or builder, you want to find a person that understands your project. This person should have the skills to help you build the home of your dreams. Along with that, you want to hire someone with the expertise and talent to make your vision come true.
Communication is key to any job site. From the budget to the schedule of your project, you want a building professional who is upfront and honest about the project. Before you decide on a professional company, you should do your research. You can find past clients and get their opinion on the professional’s work. Any reputable builder will have many clients willing and able to give you an honest review of their work.
Building a home can be a challenging and exciting experience for you. You want to make sure to have the right people to complete the project for your home. Whether you need a builder, developer, or contractor, you can assemble the best team to make your dream house a reality. Southdown Homes is an excellent choice for a home builder in the Chester County PA area. Feel free to contact us online.
