Home » Home Improvement
Category Archives: Home Improvement
Services Offered by a General Contractor
A general contractor oversees construction projects from start to finish. They may be responsible for buying materials, obtaining permits, and complying with local building codes.
A general contractor must be able to manage client expectations and changes in project scope. This requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Click here to Learn More.
![](https://www.atexhomeinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-4-300x200.png)
The planning services offered by a general contractor are critical to the success of any construction project. They help to prevent cost overruns by dividing the large construction process into manageable parts and establishing deadlines for each part of the plan. They are also responsible for preparing and providing the team with all the materials and supplies needed to implement the plans. This requires good knowledge of the material and equipment used in construction. A good general contractor can also find qualified subcontractors capable of carrying out the tasks within the set time.
GC are also responsible for creating and managing the budget for the entire construction project. They will work with the owner and architect to develop a realistic construction timeline and a detailed estimate for all the costs involved, including building permit fees, labor costs, and construction materials. They will then use their years of experience to help customers understand what is and isn’t possible for their budget.
In addition to establishing the timeline and budget, a GC will provide the customer with a comprehensive breakdown of all the construction phases. This will help the customer better visualize how the building will come together and make any necessary changes to the design or layout. The GC will also be able to explain the different options available for construction materials and how they will impact the final project.
A general contractor can also handle any issues that arise during the building process. They will resolve any conflicts among construction team members and maintain discipline on the construction site. They will also ensure that all work is performed according to the contract specifications. This is important to avoid problems that can lead to delays in payments for all parties involved in the construction project.
Scheduling
Contractor scheduling translates the project planning strategies laid out during the planning phase into an actionable plan for specific timelines and resource allocations. It also includes identifying potential risks and developing helpful mitigation strategies.
A well-planned construction schedule will help ensure that the right personnel are available when they are needed, and that each task is completed in a timely manner. It will also allow subcontractors and suppliers to plan delivery times and arrange deliveries accordingly. In addition, a construction schedule will prevent delays by clearly defining the work required and identifying critical paths, or a set of activities that must be completed before the project can move forward.
To develop a construction schedule, the general contractor will review past projects and conduct interviews with other project stakeholders. They will then collect detailed data on the cost, availability, and lead time of every item needed for the project. It is important to get these quotes as soon as possible, as the price and availability of materials can change rapidly during the construction process.
One of the most effective construction scheduling techniques is called “critical path method” (CPM). This approach determines the minimum amount of time needed to complete a project by connecting all of its tasks in a sequence based on their predecessors and successors. For example, drywall installation must precede insulation and priming in order to complete the wall assembly.
CPM is a common technique in project management, and it helps to reduce risk by clearly establishing a minimum completion time for the entire project. However, it is not foolproof, as it can be influenced by factors outside the control of the project team.
Budgeting
General contractors work with clients to craft a project budget, including both material and labor costs. A well-crafted budget will help prevent unforeseen expenses and ensure that the final product meets or exceeds expectations. Typically, clients will pay contractors in a series of disbursements, usually on a monthly or incremental basis as the project progresses.
To manage costs effectively, a general contractor should track each cost and compare them to actual costs to ensure that they are within the budget. Additionally, they should identify any costs that are significantly higher than expected and communicate them to the client so that they can seek alternatives.
It’s also important for a general contractor to communicate openly and honestly with the client throughout the process. This ensures that the contractor is aware of any challenges and is able to make informed decisions about how to address them. For example, if the contractor is building a home in an urban area with strict city regulations and limited space, they should clearly convey this to the client so that they can find creative solutions.
The general contractor should also provide an accurate estimate of the total cost of the project. This helps clients understand what they can expect from the contractor and makes it easier for them to determine whether the proposal is worth the investment. A general contractor’s fee is usually either a flat rate or a percentage of the total project cost, which is generally negotiated with the client before the start of construction.
It’s essential to review each contractor’s bid thoroughly, ensuring that the proposed costs are consistent and accurate. This will help you determine the most qualified candidate for your project and avoid costly mistakes. During your search, remember to consider your project’s location, service needs, and timeline when choosing a general contractor.
Supervision
GCs oversee teams of subcontractors who handle the many specialized aspects of construction projects. This involves managing schedules, procuring materials, ensuring permits and obtaining necessary insurance. They work closely with clients and architects to ensure that a project is completed as planned. And they always respect the cleanliness and safety of clients’ homes and personal belongings during the construction process.
A reputable general contractor will also have a team of professionals to handle financial management, accounting and bookkeeping. They’ll make sure all payments are made on time and that the project stays within budget. In fact, most GCs have teams dedicated to just this part of their business because the ability to manage cash flow and track expenses is one of the core skills that sets them apart from all other companies in the construction industry.
Depending on the delivery method for the project, the GC will either work with an architect or design team to create and finalize designs, or take on a design-build role. They’ll then build the structure as outlined in the contract documents. For negotiated contracts, the GC will determine a bid value, and within that, factor in overhead and profit to turn a profit.
GCs spend hundreds of hours on site each week, supervising all aspects of construction and working with other project team members to complete a project on time and on budget. Their supervisory skills are crucial to the success of every project.
Contract Negotiation
In construction, contract negotiation is a key service offered by general contractors to their subcontractors. Negotiating a fair contract can save time and money, prevent disputes and delays, and protect the integrity of the project. It is also an opportunity for contractors to showcase their skills and abilities. A well-planned contract can help a contractor win the bid and maintain its profitability on the job.
For example, it is important for contractors to negotiate clear and concise language that defines the scope of work. This ensures that both parties are on the same page and reduces confusion and misunderstandings. It is also beneficial to include a glossary of terms if the contract uses construction jargon. This way, the client can avoid costly legal action due to an ambiguous agreement.
Another important issue that needs to be addressed during contract negotiations is risk allocation. Most projects involve risks, and it is important to negotiate an acceptable level of risk for each party. It is also a good idea to incorporate insurance clauses in the contract to protect workers and insurable items. Not all contracts automatically include these clauses.
Finally, it is a good idea for subcontractors to negotiate clear and comprehensive payment provisions. This includes a “pay when paid” clause rather than a “pay if/when paid” clause. It is also helpful for subcontractors to request access to the AIA A101 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor so they can review the payment terms.
Additionally, subcontractors should ask their GCs to negotiate very clear and specific language regarding force majeure delay compensation. Many contracts provide only vague language for these situations, and the case law and statutes regarding this issue vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Types of Flooring
Anyone who has ever had to replace an outdated floor knows there are many options to consider. Whether you are looking to update that ugly brown ’70s linoleum or just want something a bit more durable, there is a flooring material out there for everyone.
Hardwoods elevate living spaces and match almost any design style. Choose solid wood milled from a single piece for supreme quality or engineered hardwood with plywood or HDF cores topped with a hardwood veneer layer for a budget-friendly option. For more information, click the Precision Hardwood Flooring LLC to proceed.
![](https://www.atexhomeinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-300x169.png)
Wood flooring has always been a popular choice for those looking to bring warmth and natural beauty into their home. With many options available in both solid and engineered hardwood, there is sure to be an option to meet any style or budget. Hardwood can be installed in almost any room of the house and is a great compliment to both modern and traditional decor.
Solid wood floors can be sanded and refinished several times over the years to refresh their appearance or to change the color scheme of a room. This type of flooring can be found in a wide range of colors and species. Popular choices include red oak, maple, and hickory.
Hickory is one of the hardest and most durable of all wood flooring types. It is able to stand up to heavy traffic and the rigors of children and pets. Its grain pattern helps hide scratches and dents well. It is also a good choice for high humidity areas as it can withstand greater fluctuations in moisture levels than other hardwoods.
Cherry has a warm hue that can lean towards red or orange depending on the stain used. It has a medium durability that makes it suitable for most areas of the house and is also easy to clean.
Softer woods such as Pine have a more traditional look and gorgeous grain patterns but can dent and scratch easier. They require more care and skill to maintain and refinish but can look beautiful in older homes.
Engineered hardwood, or manufactured wood planks, have a top layer of genuine hardwood that is adhered to multiple layers of plywood. This construction allows the floor to withstand higher humidity levels than solid wood and still be sanded and refinished a number of times over its lifetime. This type of flooring is also available in a wider variety of widths than solid wood.
Factory-finished hardwood is pre-stained and sealed at the manufacturer and comes in a wide variety of finishes. Some manufacturers offer handscraping to give the floor a more worn look that can not be achieved by sanding alone.
Tile
Tile flooring is a versatile and affordable choice that can add a sophisticated look to any room. It’s also durable, easy to clean and a great option for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and entryways. While there are many different types of tile available, the two most common are ceramic and porcelain tiles. The former is a hard and durable material that can be glazed to add color, texture or luster. The latter is a versatile product that is able to mimic the appearance of wood, stone or even concrete.
One of the most significant advantages of tile flooring is that it is fairly water resistant, making it ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens. This makes it a good choice for families who are prone to spills or who have young children. Additionally, tile can withstand a lot of foot traffic and is generally long-lasting, though the grout will need to be replaced regularly.
Another benefit of tile is its design flexibility, which allows you to create a bespoke aesthetic. There are endless options for color, pattern and shape, allowing you to transform the look of any space. You can also pair tile with other materials to create a more unique look, such as adding natural stone to your floor for added elegance or incorporating glass tiles into a mosaic pattern to create a contemporary and modern look.
Before installing your tile, you should prepare the area by cleaning it thoroughly. Apply a layer of adhesive to the floor and lay your tiles in a grid pattern, using spacers to ensure even spacing. After a period of time, the tiles should be grouted and sealed to protect against staining.
The primary limitation of tile is that it can be cold and uncomfortable underfoot, especially for those who prefer to walk barefoot. Luckily, this can be mitigated by the addition of radiant heating or soft, warm area rugs. Tile floors also don’t do a good job of muffling noise, so you may want to consider other options for bedrooms and living rooms.
Stone
Stone floors bring the natural colors and textures of the outdoors into a home. They are primarily available in tile form, though some types of stone can be made into slabs or even a poured installation. Stone floor types include igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic stones, all with unique characteristics due to their formation and geological history.
Most stone flooring types are durable and easy to maintain. The level of maintenance required depends on the type of stone and its use. Granite, for example, is a popular choice for kitchen floors because it is resistant to wear and scratching. It can, however, be damaged by water intrusion, so it should be sealed to prevent staining and other damage.
Other popular choices for stone floors include limestone and travertine. Limestone is a common building material that is composed of calcium carbonate formed at the bottoms of lakes and seas. It is often enriched with fossil inclusions that make it attractive for decorative applications in interior flooring. Limestone has a vitreous absorption rating and is suitable for low to medium traffic areas.
Travertine is a type of limestone that has been shaped by hot springs or other flowing water. It has a cleft or pitted appearance that gives it a rustic charm and makes it suitable for walls, showers and some outdoor patios. Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic stone that has great strength and versatility. It is commonly used as roofing tiles, but can also work well for kitchen floors and bathrooms.
All stone flooring types require some degree of regular care and maintenance. Most are vulnerable to staining and may require periodic sealer application. To minimize stains, avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring powders. Instead, wash stone floors frequently with a neutral pH detergent or soapless cleanser. It is important to blot spills as soon as they occur to help prevent moisture damage.
A key advantage of most stone types is their heat resistance, which can be beneficial in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom. However, it’s important to keep in mind that stone tends to stay cool to the touch and can feel chilly on bare feet.
Cork
Cork is an eco friendly, sustainable flooring option that has gained popularity recently. It is soft & warm underfoot & helps to regulate temperature by insulating against cold & hot floors. Its natural cell structure makes it resilient & able to bounce back after being dented by lightweight to moderately heavy furniture (though we always recommend the use of pads on the feet of heavier pieces).
Cork floor is made either as solid slices of agglamorated cork – ground cork pressed with resins into blocks then sliced – or as engineered cork planks that are ‘floating’ and click together without glue, much like laminate or luxury vinyl planks do. Both types of flooring can be installed over concrete or plywood. If you are installing it over existing flooring, it is important to get the subfloor very clean and dry, sanding any rough spots to help with the adhesion of the new cork flooring.
The benefits of using cork include a reduced carbon footprint, as no deforestation is required to harvest the material. It is also renewable & can be harvested many times over. In addition it is a good insulator, keeping your home quieter & warmer.
It is easy to maintain and will last a long time with the proper care, including dust mopping & vacuuming (preferably with a hard surface setting that doesn’t engage the beater bar). Regular polyurethane refinishing (about every 5-10 years) will keep it looking great.
One thing that can be challenging with cork is that it takes a while for the flooring to dry after being wet from cleaning or spills. If you have a large area that gets wet often, it is a good idea to place fans around the area to speed up the evaporation process and prevent warping.
Refinishing cork is a fairly simple DIY project, but if you are not familiar with working with a belt sander and applying polyurethane, it is best to hire a professional. It is best to sand the old finish off before starting to ensure you have a smooth, even surface to apply the new polyurethane.