A building contractor has many responsibilities to perform with the other main participants – the management team and the client. The tasks of a building contractor are thus cover a wide range of scope and are enormous. Generally, the contractor supervises, inspects, and directs a construction project from the beginning to the delivery stage. This means that the building contractor is responsible for the entire construction process and determines the best methodologies to be used to complete the project within the timeframe and budget set. He does this by applying the relevant skills and expertise to ensure that the project complies with the specifications and standards at every phase of construction.

Specific Responsibilities of a Building Contractor

Though the roles and responsibilities of a building contractor are quite numerous, they can be combined into the following.

• Project planning and execution

The contractor works with a schedule drawn for the project. The schedule, which may be updated as required, spells out all activities to be carried out, timeframe for completion of each task, and the budget planned for each. The schedule also has a completion date for the entire construction; the contractor’s duty is to ensure that the completion date is met, except delay is caused along the line by external factors. The contractor also creates a project plan which is expected to help deliver the project on time. They plan all crucial project development and implementation details; determine the material and equipment requirements and plan their procurement; predict possible changes and create risk mitigation strategies; meet all legal and regulatory issues, as well as establish effective communication among all project participants.

• Project Monitoring and Management

Another duty of a building contractor is to supervise every member of the team and ensure that they carry out their specific tasks efficiently and in line with the timeframe stipulated in the schedule. In carrying out their management responsibilities, the contractor ensures that funds are available to keep the project moving; purchases materials with enough anticipation for them to reach the site when needed; purchases or rents the construction equipment required for the project; hires subcontractors to complete specialized work, and creates progress reports to justify intermediate payments.

• Tracking of Project to Maintain Quality

The contractor also tracks the construction project in order to prevent disruption and ensure that it meets specifications and schedules set in the contract. The contractor also deals with quality control, uses cost-effective construction methods, and ensures a constant supply of materials, and scheduling purchases well in advance.

• Regulatory Responsibilities

The building contractor makes sure that the project complies with all the legal and regulatory requirements, conforms to building codes, and meets all safety standards. They are in charge of acquiring all necessary construction permits and licenses needed before the commencement of the project. They also settle all the fees and taxes applied to the type of project being constructed in terms of designs, products, and processes. This duty must be properly and timely carried out to forestall disturbance and ensure smooth running of the project.

• Adherence to Safety Measures

The contractor must incorporate safety policy in the project planning as they are in charge of guaranteeing health and safety of all workers. They do this by implementing the safety policy and creating awareness among the workers. This can also be done through appointment of qualified and experienced safety personnel who will often go round to make sure that all the safety procedures and standards are met. The contractor also ensures proper operation of all construction equipment and prevents accidents that may arise from misuse. In case accident or an emergency occurs, the contractor deals with it appropriately before it escalates.

• Evaluation of Outcome

The contractor reviews the progress of the project at every phase, notes any deviation from the original plan and implements changes. By doing this, they ensure that the project meets its objectives.

Final Words

A building contractor is an important link in the chain of experts required to successfully execute a construction project. Though the tasks of a building contractor are quite wide, he generally supervises, inspects, and directs a construction project from the beginning to the delivery stage.