While all general contractors are part of the construction industry, not all construction companies are general contractors. A construction company is a broad term encompassing various roles, while a general contractor specifically manages and oversees entire construction projects from start to finish.
While general contractors and construction companies are often confused, they serve distinct roles. Stronghold Engineering offers expertise in both areas, providing clients with flexibility and comprehensive solutions for their construction needs.
What Is a General Contractor?
A general contractor is the primary point of contact and management for a building construction project. Their responsibilities encompass the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning to final completion. This includes developing detailed project schedules, procuring materials, hiring and managing subcontractors, ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations, and maintaining open communication with clients and stakeholders. General contractors act as the bridge between the project owner and the various trades involved, coordinating efforts to deliver the project on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.
What Is a Construction Company?
What does a construction contractor do? A construction company (a.k.a construction contractor) specializes in executing specific aspects of a building project. Unlike a general contractor who oversees the entire project, a construction company focuses on their area of expertise, such as concrete work, electrical systems, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, and others. They work closely with the general contractor to ensure their portion of the project aligns with the overall plan. Construction companies bring specialized skills and equipment to the project, contributing to its successful completion.
Construction companies offer a broad range of services encompassing many phases of a building project. This can include design and engineering services, providing comprehensive solutions from conceptualization to completion. Beyond design, construction contractors may specialize in various trade areas, such as plumbing, renewable energy, masonry, steelwork, etc. The scope of services offered can vary widely between companies, so it’s essential to clarify their specific capabilities when selecting a partner for your construction project.
General Contractor Vs. Construction Company
Let’s compare the scope of services, project size, and level of client involvement of a general contractor vs. a construction company.
General Contractors
- Scope of Services: General contractors typically handle the entire project lifecycle, from pre-construction planning to project closeout. This includes budgeting, scheduling, permitting, subcontractor management, quality control, and client communication.
- Project Size: General contractors often manage larger, more complex projects that require extensive coordination and management. They have the resources and experience to handle multiple trades and subcontractors.
- Client Involvement: General contractors act as the primary point of contact for the client, managing expectations and providing regular updates. While client involvement is important, the general contractor handles most of the day-to-day decision-making.
Construction Companies
- Scope of Services: Construction companies specialize in specific trade areas or project phases. Their services are typically focused on the execution of their particular trade, such as concrete, electrical, or roofing.
- Project Size: Construction companies can work on projects of various sizes, from small renovations to large-scale commercial or civic buildings to infrastructure improvements for government entities. However, their involvement is often limited to their specific trade or phase of the project.
- Client Involvement: Construction companies typically have less direct interaction with the client compared to general contractors, meaning the client’s primary point of contact is the general contractor or project manager who then communicates with the construction subcontractors.
In essence, general contractors oversee the entire project, while construction companies focus on specific components. The level of client involvement is generally higher with general contractors due to their broader role in the project.
The Role of the Independent Construction Manager
While both construction management and general contracting involve overseeing a project from inception to completion, the key differences lie in financial risk, client involvement, and flexibility.
An independent construction manager focuses on advising the project owner, providing expertise in planning, budgeting, and scheduling. Typically an independent consultant, the construction manager is brought in early in the process to oversee the design and budgeting phases, manage risk, and ensure the entire project is successful. They can act as liaison between project owner and construction site, offering independent viewpoints.Â
Construction contractors may provide a project manager to oversee their projects in the field, managing the job site on a daily basis. This individual may be referred to as a construction manager which is a different role from the independent construction manager.
Construction Management vs. General Contractor
Independent construction managers bear no financial risk for the project and typically charge a fee for services rendered. This structure often leads to greater client involvement as the owner works closely with the manager to make decisions. Construction management offers more flexibility as the manager can adapt to changing project requirements and explore various options without the constraints of a fixed-price contract.
Focused on execution of the build, the general contractor provides a bid for the project and may be awarded the contract, assuming the financial risk. The general contractor manages subcontractors, procures materials, and oversees construction. While client communication is essential, the general contractor has more autonomy in decision-making due to the financial and operational responsibility.
Choosing the Right Construction Professional
Deciding to hire a general contractor, construction company, or construction manager depends on various factors, including project size, complexity, and client preference. You may work with one, two, or all three on your project, depending on the size and scope.
For projects that require complex design, particularly government engineering projects, a general contractor is often the preferred choice. GC’s provide a single point of contact and manage the project from start to finish.Â
When assistance is needed in the design, budgeting and scheduling phases, the project may benefit from the services of an independent construction manager as well. Construction managers bring specialized expertise to complex challenges.Â
Construction companies excel in specific trade areas. While they are typically part of a general contractor or construction management team, they can also be engaged directly for specialized work. For example, a project requiring extensive concrete work may benefit from hiring a specialized concrete construction company.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific needs of the project. A thorough evaluation of project scope, budget, timeline, and client preferences will help determine the most suitable approach. Consulting with industry professionals can also provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Why Choose Stronghold Engineering?
Stronghold Engineering is your ideal partner for commercial and governmental construction projects of all types. For over three decades, we’ve been a leading force in California’s construction industry. Our extensive portfolio includes ground-up facilities, complex renovations (both historic and modern), substantial seismic upgrades, and large-scale civil, infrastructure, governmental, and electrical projects totaling over $3 billion. Our comprehensive suite of services, coupled with a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, sets us apart.Â
With a proven track record in both general contracting and construction, and on average, we self-perform anywhere from 30% to 100% of the work on any given project. Our in-house teams excel in a wide range of trade areas, ensuring seamless project execution. From the initial concept to project completion, we provide tailored solutions that align with your specific needs and budget. Whether you require a full-service general contractor to manage your entire project or specialized construction management services, Stronghold Engineering delivers exceptional results.
Our commitment to quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction is unwavering. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our clients, and we strive to exceed expectations on every project. Choose Stronghold Engineering for your next construction project and experience the difference firsthand.
Ready to transform your construction project? Contact Stronghold Engineering today for a complimentary consultation. Our experts will assess your specific needs and provide tailored solutions to bring your vision to life. Let’s build something extraordinary together.