What Does a General Contractor Do?

Ever wonder who makes sure a home renovation happens the way it was imagined: on time, within budget, and with the quality homeowners expect? That’s the role of a general contractor (GC). 

Unlike large, commercial contracting firms, working with Liberty Renovation offers a personal, hands-on approach to guiding projects. We act as the central hub of your renovation project, coordinating every detail and making your vision the top priority. Skip the formal business partnerships and distracted project managers. We’re a family-run business, and our husband-wife contractor team is easy to reach and directly involved in the work. We treat each home renovation just like our own! 

Wondering what a general contractor does to keep your project on track?

Budgeting & Cost Control

General contractors are responsible for establishing the budget for a construction project. Budget planning includes:

  1. Cost analyses
  2. Labor estimates
  3. Historical data
  4. Quantity and material takeoffs
  5. Damage ratio

We bring extensive experience in managing home renovations. While our initial budget is typically accurate, it’s prudent to set aside an extra ±10% from the total estimate. This buffer accounts for unforeseen circumstances such as unexpected structural issues, changes in material costs, or minor scope adjustments that may arise during the course of the project.

We work closely with homeowners to explain budgeting, timelines, and potential adjustments up front, so you can plan with confidence.

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Subcontractor Coordination

Most renovations require more than one type of expert, including plumbers, painters, carpenters, and electricians. Instead of leaving homeowners to track down and manage each expert, our general contractor brings in trusted subcontractors and coordinates the workflow between each professional.

The advantage of hiring a general contractor is that they can recommend reliable subcontractors. With proper oversight, each phase of the project stays on schedule and meets the required standards.

Material Procurement

A general contractor oversees the entire renovation project, including sourcing the materials needed to complete each task. This involves demand forecasting, collaboration with subcontractors, and comparing potential suppliers for the best pricing, delivery schedules, and service levels.

By taking on these tasks, we save you tons of effort and time. Your GC will take care of any shortage, disruption in the product delivery, or other unforeseen circumstances. In short, we handle everything and deliver the promised results on time.

Compliance With Local Building Codes

General contractors are responsible for making sure renovations meet local building codes and pass inspections. We monitor work closely to catch potential issues early and maintain safety standards on-site.

The whole process includes understanding the local construction codes, which, let’s be honest, most homeowners don’t. Effective site supervision involves identifying issues promptly, minimizing delays and expenses, and ensuring that the final build meets all quality and code standards.

A local general contractor, rooted in the community, understands the local building codes, weather conditions, and unique challenges that can affect a renovation project. Liberty Renovation is a family-run general contractor in East Tennessee that understands the local safety codes and community values that shape every project.

Ensuring Safety & Quality

Just like building codes, a general contractor understands the safety standards that make a construction project successful. Our experience allows us to head off potential damage, reduce waste, and catch human errors that could lead to injury or negatively affect the project. 

A general contractor manages the complex details required to bring your project to fruition. We ensure that everything complies with local safety regulations, so your project is completed quickly, safely, and with the highest degree of quality.

Communication & Client Alignment

Clear communication is the foundation of a successful client relationship. When you and your general contractor truly connect, expectations align, confusion fades, and the entire experience becomes more pleasant. When we fully understand your needs, we can offer valuable guidance to ensure your vision becomes reality.
Homeowners working with a local general contractor often benefit from direct, consistent communication. We take the time to explore your space, understand your practical needs, and learn your unique, personal style to make your renovation truly one-of-a-kind.

Problem-Solving at the Job Site

In home renovation, challenges are inevitable. It’s the GC’s job to manage every aspect of the renovation process and make sure everything goes according to plan. This means resolving any issues that may arise on-site, ranging from property damage to issues with materials to worker safety concerns.

A good GC will anticipate potential issues during the planning phase and develop contingency plans to mitigate risks. When unforeseen problems occur, we coordinate with the client, adjust schedules, and manage resources to find effective solutions without compromising the project’s quality or timeline. GCs maintain open lines of communication with both homeowners and subcontractors, ensuring that everyone is informed and aligned.

Smaller, community-based contractors often shine in this area because they’re flexible and hands-on. They can adjust schedules, coordinate subcontractors, and solve problems without letting the project derail, all while keeping the homeowner informed.

Conclusion

When it comes to home renovation, a general contractor is basically your project’s quarterback. They take care of the tough stuff, from scheduling subcontractors to sourcing materials, so you can focus on the fun part: seeing your dream space come to life. In short, they’re the ones who turn renovation chaos into a streamlined process, and that’s worth every penny.

For homeowners, working with a small contracting team like Liberty Renovation offers an added benefit: personal attention, community values, and a dedication to quality that goes beyond the typical contractor-client relationship.

Renovations can be stressful, but with the right GC, the process becomes manageable , and even enjoyable, as dreams take shape step by step.

Build Smarter, Build Better with Liberty Renovation

Your home deserves more than a patchwork of contractors and DIY stress. That’s exactly what we do at Liberty Renovation. Our home construction & renovation services make your life easier while delivering exceptional results. 

And the best part? You don’t have to stress over juggling multiple contractors or wondering if things are on track — we keep you updated every step of the way, so you always know what’s happening. Contact us now!

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