What is a general contractor?

A general contractor's job is to handle a build job from start to finish.  Ordinarily they will not perform much of the work themselves, instead they will be the conductor of the subcontractors they hire to build your project. They'll schedule everything from the surveying crew to the carpet installer.  It is their job to make sure rock is delivered because there was too much rain.  It is their job to call the framing crew because the basement window is supposed to be 36" not 42".  If that pushes the schedule back, they'll need to call the window installers to reschedule.  They'll pull your building permits and schedule codes inspections.  They'll make sure your budget is met, and communicate any necessary changes to you.  A general contractor's job is to take a piece of land and turn it into the very facility you had envisioned.  It's not a position to be taken lightly and they do it so you don't have to.

When you hire a general contractor you are hiring a new temporary family member.   There will be a lot of communication between yourself and your GC.  Your general contractor needs to have your best interests in mind, and although it may be difficult to have the same enthusiasm as the owner of the new property, it's important to find a GC with something close.  General contractors often have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the homeowner and are the only line of communication between all the subcontractors and the homeowner.

Before you hire a contractor do your research.  Check out previous projects they've done.  Call several of their prior customers to hear their opinion.  Contact the Better Business Bureau.  Communication is the key to hiring a good general contractor.  You need to be comfortable with your GC.