From securing permits and supervising workers to managing the day-to-day operations on-site, it is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that everything goes smoothly and according to plan. These are reasons enough to hire one of the longest-serving general contractor companies in Culver City to oversee the construction of your home or commercial property.

The crucial role of the contractor in any project is a job you’ll want to entrust only to the best professionals in the industry. Then why is it that we find that some people choose to proceed as Owner-Builder rather than hire a licensed general contractor?

In order to avoid the general contractor’s fees some courageous property owners choose to take on the role of contractor and all the responsibilities that come with it. Is this a smart choice, or is it setting oneself up for failure?

The crucial role of the contractor in any project

Now let’s look at the pros and cons of acting as Owner-Builder:

The Advantages

  • Savings – Off the bat, we can see that being your own contractor can help you reduce your expenses. You’re able to absorb the cost of hiring a professional contractor and divert the money on tools, better-quality materials, more workers, and so forth.
  • Faster approval process – Sometimes you have no choice but to modify your construction plans for one reason or another. It will save everyone a lot of time if you can verify the crew’s proposed changes then and there.

The Disadvantages

  • High potential for mistakes – Lack of experience can have dire consequences, from project delays to going over your budget and everything in between.
  • Sole accountability – As the contractor, the burden is on you. Even if an incident happened due to another person’s negligence, you’ll be the one accountable.
  • Experienced contractors have established relationships with subcontractors in each trade. This helps them to negotiate and secure more competitive pricing. You’ll likely find yourself paying more for the same work.
  • There are a lot of moving parts in every construction project. It is your general contractor’s full time job to coordinate all of this. Do you have the time to dedicate? If you don’t you’ll see that schedules can easily slip.

With these ideas in mind, make an honest assessment of whether you’re suited for the role of a general contractor, or perhaps it’s a job for a professional.

There are a lot of moving parts in every construction project.

Do You Have What It Takes?

A contractor’s job is seemingly endless, but all of their work often boils down to just one: the timely completion of the project without sacrificing quality. It’s a tough job that requires the following:

  • Experience of at least a few years in any given project type
  • An Associate or Bachelor’s Degree
  • A License depending on the project scope
  • Leadership, communication, analytical, and time-management skills
  • Connections with workers and artisans (e.g., masons, iron workers, heavy equipment operators)
  • Insurance and understanding of jobsite safety requirements

If you lack these skills and qualifications, we’d advise you to leave the job to a professional to avoid compromising your building’s integrity and, more importantly, the workers’ and future occupants’ safety. There’s a lot of pressure put on you, and very little room for mistakes.

Get general contracting, done right, by choosing LETTER FOUR, INC. Our 10+ years of experience providing construction services in Culver City can give you the advantage and peace of mind you need. You can look forward to high-quality services from our professional team.

Contact us today to inquire about our services.