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Like a theater play or a movie, a construction project requires the collaborative efforts of many professionals to bring it to life. Within this pool of professionals lies the contractor who embodies a film director in a movie. They are tasked with planning, coordinating, and overseeing all the aspects of construction from start to finish but within the set time. And even though ensuring the project is completed on time is very important, the contractor is still tasked with sticking to the budget. One of the best ways they can do this is by making accurate estimates, and this article will shed more light on the same.
Role of Contractors in Construction Estimating
Accounting For All Materials
A contractor must be thorough and accurate when making estimates. They have to keep tabs on more than just the materials utilized in a construction project; they also need to be sure of the quantities and sizes of those items. Any error in the material count will throw off the overall cost estimate. They can rely on construction estimating software to do their heavy work.
Even with the help of estimating software, contractors still need to analyze the project from multiple angles to ensure they don’t leave out anything. In most cases, estimators will begin with the foundation and work their way up to the final number as they include extras like finishing touches and fixtures. Although not always the case, projects may include more than one structure or even more than one construction style inside a single building. In such a scenario, contractors will need to figure out the most efficient technique to analyze the designs for each kind of structure.
Coordinating All Other Parties
Sites often employ many subcontractors, each specializing in a particular aspect of the project. Other players include design consultants, construction equipment, aggregates suppliers, and more. The general contractor oversees and coordinates with all these individuals and organizations, ensuring everyone is on schedule and doing their bit in the building project. They also ensure that the services tenured by these parties are within the budget.
Source for Equipment and Materials
The contractor is required to provide all necessary construction materials and equipment in accordance with the requirements of the contract. The contractor is responsible for checking the legitimacy of suppliers and ensuring that all delivered materials are of good quality.
Contractors are also responsible for ensuring all necessary supplies make it to the construction site in good shape. If materials delivered are of poor quality, the contractor is responsible for inspecting and replacing them.
Adhering to the Law
Before beginning the project, contractors need to get the necessary permissions and business licenses. In addition, they must ensure that all aspects of the construction process adhere to state and regional building regulations. As such, contractors must do their due diligence in investigating the rules and statutes that pertain to building projects in the area. Failure to do so may attract fines, lead to stalling, or even worse, demolition.
The contractor is also responsible for ensuring the safety of the construction site’s workforce by implementing the necessary drills and procedures and raising awareness. They must also ensure that the essential tools and equipment are used safely. While preserving life and safety is its obvious motivation, doing so will also avoid possible litigation that can hike the budget.
Facilitate Changes
During the project’s lifespan, you’ll find certain clients or subordinates requesting or suggesting changes in the project. Before signing off on these changes, a contractor should confirm the viability of these changes and ensure the budget stays within the initial construction estimate.
Evaluation
A contractor must monitor the project and ensure it’s shaping up as initially planned. They are then tasked with reporting accurate findings to the client.
Behind every successful construction project lies a pool of professionals working tirelessly to guarantee its completion. And at the core of it is the contractor shouldering the burden and acting as the orchestra’s conductor. Undeniably all these responsibilities can be overwhelming to any individual, but tools like contractors estimating software exist to ease the burden. By utilizing such tools, you can ensure that you get the most critical construction part right, estimating.