Roles

General Contractor

The party responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site and the management of trade contractors.

What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor (GC) is the party responsible for the day-to-day management of a construction site, including:

Hiring and managing subcontractors
Ordering materials
Scheduling inspections
Maintaining safety
Communicating with the owner and architect

GC vs CM

A GC is contracted to deliver a project at a guaranteed maximum price or lump sum. A construction manager (CM) is contracted to manage the process on behalf of the owner, often with a fee structure rather than a fixed price.

Related Terms

Construction Management
The planning, coordination, and control of a construction project from inception to completion.
Subcontractor
A trade contractor hired by the general contractor to perform a specific portion of the work (e.g., electrical, plumbing, framing).

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