General Contractor Services

General Contractor Services Los Angeles, CA

What is a General Contractor?

General Contractor Services Los Angeles, CAWhen you're looking for General Contractor Services Los Angeles, CA offers, it can be beneficial to know how the process works. The general contractor hires specialty contractors or sub-contractors to perform certain portions of the construction work, or sometimes all portions.  The role of the building contractor is that of a manager and sometimes a tradesman, employed by the client and usually referred by the advice of the architect, engineer or the client him/herself acting as the manager. The GC must first assess the project documents, with a basic knowledge of the architect's process for creating drawings and specifications (plans and specs). This includes why both drawings and specs are needed and how they complement each other, as well as an understanding of the contents of, and how to read, a specification. Building contractors need to understand what drawings and specs are needed to make a complete and accurate bid. In addition, they must know how to correctly submit questions during the bid period (RFI's).

A general contractor (sometimes referred to as a general constructor) is responsible for providing the following:

  • Materials
  • Labor
  • Equipment
  • General Conditions
  • Building Permits
  • Securing the Property
  • Providing Temporary Power Utilities
  • Managing Personal on Site
  • Providing Site Surveying
  • Engineering
  • Disposing or Recycling of Construction Waste
  • Monitoring Schedules
  • Cash Flows

Creating Drawings and Specs

Who creates drawings?

  • Architect
  • MEP Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Landscape Architect
  • Security Consultant
  • Audio/Visual Consultant
  • CM / GC

Who creates specs?

  • Architects and Consultants
  • In-House Spec Writer
  • Professional Spec Writer
  • Product Manufacturer

Bidding

Basic Contract Documents

  • A-101: Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor…
  • A-201: General Conditions
  • A good contract to reference: B-141, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect…Nielsen (or other General Contractor) Subcontract Agreement
  •  “Boiler Plate” Subcontract Form, Standard Provisions, and other Exhibits
  • Additional Provisions (Scope of Work)

Understanding Drawings

  • Understanding Specs:
  • General Conditions
  • Front End (Division 1)
  • “Specific Conditions”
  • Divisions 2 and Higher
  • Materials
  • The parts of a spec section:
  • General
  • Products
  • Execution

Know the Applicable Jurisdictions
A jurisdiction is a:

  • Code
  • Department
  • Entity
  • Civil Rights Act

Know the Applicable Energy Requirements
Title 24 (Part 6):
California Code of Regulations, Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings
www.energy.ca.gov/title24/
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) - optional

RFI's: The correct way to ask a question
Addendums: The way questions are answered

The Bid Review Process
What to do when your bid is accepted (besides celebrate)?  Sit back and let the Nielsen Environmental and their General Contractor Services Los Angeles, CA needs do the rest!

What Defines A General Contractor

Understanding the role of general contractor services is essential for anyone embarking on a construction or renovation project. A general contractor plays a pivotal role in ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. At Nielsen Environmental, we recognize the importance of choosing the right professional for your construction needs.

Role And Responsibilities

A general contractor is responsible for overseeing the entire construction project from start to finish. This includes planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of the project. They are the primary point of contact for clients and are tasked with ensuring that everything runs smoothly. This involves hiring and supervising subcontractors, ordering materials, scheduling inspections, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. Our contractors have over forty years of experience with general projects.

One of the critical responsibilities of a general contractor is to develop a comprehensive project plan. This plan outlines the scope of work, timelines, and budget. By having a clear plan in place, the general contractor can manage resources efficiently and address any issues that may arise during the construction process.

Coordination And Communication

Effective coordination and communication are at the heart of what a general contractor does. They must communicate with various stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. Ensuring that everyone is on the same page helps to prevent misunderstandings and delays.

General contractor services also involve coordinating the schedules of subcontractors. This is crucial because different tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, need to complete their tasks in a specific sequence. A general contractor ensures that these schedules are aligned and that each phase of the project is completed on time; our team specializes in multiple areas such as abatement, so our team is fully equipped to coordinate your entire project no matter what you need.

Problem-Solving

Construction projects often encounter unexpected challenges, such as weather delays, supply chain issues, or unforeseen structural problems. A general contractor's ability to problem-solve is essential in keeping the project on track. They must quickly identify solutions and make decisions that minimize disruptions and additional costs.

Additionally, general contractors must ensure that all work is performed to the highest standards of quality and safety. This involves regular site inspections and addressing any issues that do not meet the project's specifications. Their commitment to quality and safety is what sets professional general contractor services apart from less experienced providers.

Financial Management

Managing the financial aspects of a construction project is another crucial responsibility of a general contractor. They are tasked with developing and adhering to a budget, which includes estimating costs, securing bids from subcontractors, and purchasing materials. By closely monitoring expenditures and ensuring that the project stays within budget, a general contractor helps protect the client's financial investment.

Moreover, a general contractor handles payments to subcontractors and suppliers. This involves maintaining detailed records of all financial transactions and ensuring that everyone is paid on time. Effective financial management is key to maintaining good relationships with subcontractors and ensuring that the project progresses without financial disputes.

Legal And Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is an integral part of a general contractor's job. This includes obtaining the necessary permits, adhering to building codes, and ensuring that all work meets regulatory standards. General contractor services include staying updated on changes in laws and regulations that may affect the project.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in costly fines, delays, and potential legal issues. A knowledgeable general contractor helps mitigate these risks by ensuring that all aspects of the project are compliant from the outset. We have extensive records from all of our projects to ensure compliance throughout the years.

A general contractor plays a vital role in the success of any construction project. At Nielsen Environmental, we understand the importance of professional general contractor services in delivering high-quality, timely, and compliant construction projects. If you are planning a construction project and need reliable and experienced general contractor services, contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals.

General Contractor Services FAQs

When embarking on a construction project, understanding the role of Los Angeles, CA general contractor services is crucial. At Nielsen Environmental, we often receive questions from clients about general contractor services and how these professionals manage various aspects of a project. To help clarify these points, we have compiled answers to some frequently asked questions.

What Is The Difference Between A General Contractor And A Subcontractor?

A general contractor is responsible for the overall management of a construction project. This includes planning, coordinating, and overseeing the entire process from start to finish. They hire and supervise subcontractors, order materials, and ensure that the project adheres to schedules and budgets. Subcontractors, on the other hand, are specialists hired by the general contractor to perform specific tasks such as electrical work, plumbing, or carpentry. While the general contractor handles the broad scope of the project, subcontractors focus on their particular trades. We have over forty years of experience managing projects as a general contractor with many projects including subcontractors when needed.

What Are General Contractor Direct Costs?

Direct costs for a general contractor refer to expenses directly associated with the construction project. These costs include labor, materials, and equipment necessary to complete the work. Direct costs are distinct from indirect costs, which cover overhead expenses like administrative support, office space, and utilities. Understanding these costs helps in evaluating estimates provided for Los Angeles general contractor services, ensuring transparency in project pricing.

How Can I Verify A General Contractor's Insurance Coverage?

Verifying a general contractor's insurance coverage is a critical step before commencing any project. Start by asking the contractor for their insurance certificates, which should include general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. It's important to contact the insurance providers directly to confirm that the policies are current and sufficient for the project size. This verification process protects you from potential liabilities and ensures that the contractor is prepared for any unforeseen events on the job site. Our company has been licensed and insured for many decades, and we are always more than happy to share our information.

How Do General Contractors Handle Unforeseen Issues Or Delays?

General contractors are adept at managing unforeseen issues and delays, which are common in construction projects. They typically develop contingency plans and maintain open communication with clients and subcontractors. When issues arise, such as bad weather or supply chain disruptions, the contractor assesses the situation, adjusts the project timeline if necessary, and implements solutions to minimize impact. Regular updates and flexibility are key to maintaining project progress despite challenges. If you have questions about the progress of your project, feel free to reach out to your contractor to ask them about the delays.

What Safety Measures Do General Contractors Implement On Job Sites?

Safety is a top priority for general contractors. They implement a range of measures to protect workers and ensure compliance with safety regulations. These measures include conducting regular safety training sessions, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and enforcing strict safety protocols. General contractors also perform routine inspections of the job site to identify and mitigate potential hazards. By prioritizing safety, they create a secure environment for all workers involved in the project.

Understanding the role and responsibilities of a general contractor can significantly impact the success of your construction project. If you need professional Los Angeles general contractor services, consider reaching out to Nielsen Environmental. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and high-quality service to meet your construction needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your next project.