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General Contractor vs Construction Manager: What’s the Difference?

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General Contractor vs Construction Manager: What's the Difference?

Are you trying to decide whether to hire a general contractor or a construction manager… Or maybe you just need help working out the difference between the two.

The construction industry is massive and full of jargon. If you’re looking to build or renovate a property, you may be confused about which job title you need for what job.

To help you, we’ve put together this article comparing the roles of general contractors vs construction managers.

Hopefully, you can use this information to make an informed decision when it comes to appointing professionals to work on your project.

Let’s get started!

What Is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is a professional who specializes in constructing various types of building projects. It is often in a variety of settings. It ranges from residential to commercial. General contractors typically partner with the following experts in order to complete a project:

  • engineers
  • architects
  • surveyors

General contractors also play an essential role in obtaining construction permits. They ensure the job is done in accordance with regulations.

What Is a Construction Manager?

A construction manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the entire construction process of building projects, from start to finish. They are responsible for doing the things below to all the elements of the construction process:

  • planning
  • organizing
  • directing
  • controlling

They do this so that the project is completed within budget and on time. They also ensure that safety regulations and building codes are being followed.

Their Difference in Jobs

The main difference between general contractor jobs and construction manager jobs is in their scope of work. General contractors are responsible for overseeing all phases of a construction project.

From hiring subcontractors to ensure materials are ordered on time. You can view more contractor supplies at this link. Also, they provide the labor, manage the budget, and coordinate the schedule.

Construction managers, on the other hand, are involved in the planning and management phases of building projects. They help clients select construction teams, schedule contractors, and develop project documents.

Their Difference in Salary

A general contractor typically charges per job according to their estimated time to complete the work. A construction manager charges a set amount for each hour of work they complete.

On average, a general contractor may make slightly more money per job than a construction manager. Though, the total salary for each role varies significantly.

In addition, a construction manager typically has more responsibility than a general contractor which can lead to higher pay. The amount of experience also greatly affects the salary of each role. More experienced contractors are able to command higher salaries.

A Contrast Between General Contractor vs Construction Manager

Overall, the differences between general contractors and construction managers are relatively easy to distinguish. It is important to have a clear understanding of these differences when selecting a team of professionals for any construction project.

If you would like to learn more about general contractors and construction managers, contact a local construction specialist.

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