Hiring a General vs. Specialized Contractor

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Date

March, 2021

Category

Blog

When requesting the services of a contractor, there are a few variations of the profession that are important to be aware of. The first, the general contractor, offers more commonly used services and advises workers on how best to complete them, whereas specialized contractors serve customers with more niche needs. Today, let’s explore different contractors in more detail to help you decide which is the best pick for your situation.

Types of Contractors 

There are several types of contractors that you can hire for a specific project. A general contractor is the most well-known, as the job requires them to organize and take responsibility for everything to do with the project. A specialty contractor takes on more specific tasks and parts of the project, including certain rooms and design services. 

To complete a certain project, you may need both on the job site to ensure that everything goes smoothly. A general contractor oversees the entire job whereas specialty contractors bring a team with them to start on a kitchen, bathroom, and more. You may also need a contractor for installations. Typically, you may find installation contractors being serviced by companies, as it’s not as big of a role as other contractors. 

Where Specialty Contractors Fit into the Job

Specialty contractors are essential to any project. As their name suggests, they specialize in certain areas that make their skill unique and admired. You will often see specialty contractors in teams, as each one has its own area of expertise. However, this specific contractor can have a dual license, making them equipped to handle multiple projects. 

Specialty contractors can help with areas including HVAC, painting, concrete, electrical, carpentry, masonry, and more. Hiring these specialized contractors will make sure the job is done correctly and in a timely manner. 

General Contractor Tasks

Now, let’s list all the common duties of a licensed general contractor:

  • Material and worker sourcing, and any required training to do the job right
  • Provisioning, testing and usage of their own equipment, vehicles, and other tools
  • Site surveys and coordination of construction/renovation teams
  • Schedule and budget monitoring
  • Coordinating with and utilizing services of subcontractors (specialty contractors)
  • Enforcement of safety standards as well as logging all progress/setbacks

Specialty Contractor Tasks

Next, let’s explore various elements of the role a specialty contractor plays:

  • Obtaining full certification for all aspects of their work/field, including annual testing
  • Regular training and skills refinement along with keeping up with industry trends
  • Utilizes their own specialized equipment and apprentices for the job at hand
  • Informs/guides the general contractor/team on optimal approaches, complications, etc.
  • Completes the required work under pre-established budgetary and time constraints

Consider the Work You Need Done

A general and specialty contractor are both needed on a job site, as they both play important roles. The two contractors work together to make sure the project is being done correctly and can suss out any issues and come up with the correct solution. 

No project big or small is too much for any type of contractor. With years of experience and training, general and specialty contractors know what to do in any given situation. 

Would you like help from an experienced general contractor who offers reliable, quality-driven service? We at Brawn Construction are here for you, and happy to get to know your needs as a client. For more information about our available services, or to request a quote, contact us today. From commercial and government to retail jobs, we can ensure long-lasting, optimal results regardless of what project you need us for. 

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