When you are ready to find a new home and begin building, you will likely encounter many different types of contractors. There are general contractors who specialize in designing complete structures from scratch and also those who specialize in renovations. There are also specialized home builders in Macon who focus on one area of the home building process such as roofing, drywall or plumbing. This can be overwhelming if you don’t know which type of contractor is best for you or your situation. Understanding the difference between these types of contractors will help you make an informed choice when looking for someone to build your new home in Macon. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, you can start applying for bids right away if your project is imminent or schedule an appointment to discuss your plans in more detail if you’re not quite ready to start yet. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may need to hire more than one contractor for certain elements. The following is an overview of some of the more common types of home builders available to you as well as the pros and cons of each type.
General Contractors
A general contractor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project from start to finish. They typically work with you to determine the scope of your project, select architects and engineers, hire and oversee subcontractors for specific elements, and ensure everything is completed according to the design plans. A general contractor is also responsible for obtaining all the necessary permits and inspections for your project. If you hire a general contractor, you’ll be able to remain hands-off throughout the building process as they manage everything on your behalf. You’ll also receive one point of contact for all communication and updates.A general contractor might not be the best choice for certain types of buildouts that involve specialties such as plumbing, electrical or roofing, but they are a great option for most projects and especially for first-time builders.General contractors are often required to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. The amount of coverage required depends on your state, your contractor’s experience and the type of work they perform.
Architectural/Engineering/Architectural Consultants
An architectural consultant is someone who designs buildings but doesn’t actually construct them. They will meet with you to discuss your needs, review the site, and create a design plan. Once you’ve approved the design, they’ll be responsible for getting the building permit and overseeing the construction process from start to finish. An architectural consultant is excellent for new construction projects where you have a specific design in mind but aren’t sure if the builder can actually achieve that. An architectural consultant can also be brought in to redesign an existing building.Architectural consultants are more expensive than general contractors but much less expensive than full-service architectural firms. They typically charge around $150 to $250 per hour.
General Contractors: The Good
A general contractor is a great choice for new construction projects where you know exactly what you want and can provide them with detailed design plans. They are responsible for managing the entire building process and can be brought in at any point in the process to correct or change things as needed. They are also excellent for renovations and repairs where you don’t have a specific design in mind.General contractors can be hired for hourly or flat-rate fees, so it’s easy to estimate the cost of your project. They provide a written scope of work that details all the services and materials included in their quote.
General Contractors: The Bad
A general contractor is not a good choice for new construction projects where you don’t have a specific design in mind. They can help you design a building, but they aren’t responsible for overseeing the entire building process. This can lead to communication issues and delays in the project.A general contractor can also be hired for hourly or flat-rate fees, so it’s easy to estimate the cost of your project. They provide a written scope of work that details all the services and materials included in their quote.
Full-Service General Contractors
A full-service general contractor is someone who provides both design and construction services. They can be hired for either hourly or flat-rate fees, and they provide a detailed written scope of work that details all the services and materials included in their quote.Full-service general contractors are excellent for new construction projects where you have a specific design in mind and can oversee the entire building process. They also provide excellent value for renovations and repairs.
Partial-Service General Contractors
A partial-service general contractor provides design services but doesn’t actually construct the building. They can be hired for hourly or flat-rate fees, and they provide a written scope of work that details all the services and materials included in their quote.A partial-service general contractor is a good option for new construction projects where you don’t have a specific design in mind. They can review your design plans and make adjustments as needed, but they aren’t responsible for overseeing the entire building process.
Final Words
It can be overwhelming to choose the right type of contractor for your project. Understanding the different types of home builders available to you can help you make an informed decision that’s right for your situation. Once you’ve narrowed your list, you can start applying for bids right away if your project is imminent or schedule an appointment to discuss your plans in more detail if you’re not quite ready to start yet.