Construction is one of the most important aspects of the world’s economy. From new buildings to expansions to remodels, the general contractor industry builds the businesses and homes we rely on. As the name implies, a general contractor works in a much wider scope than many other industry experts, but that means their knowledge and expertise has to fill this wider scope too!
Read on to learn more about the general contractor industry, including information on how Adrian Steel helps improve efficiency throughout the work day for general contractors.
What Type of Work to Expect in the General Contractor Industry
As the name implies, a general contractor is in charge of several different aspects of contracting work. Here are the primary roles you’ll fill working in the general contractor industry:
Leading Construction Projects
A major part of being a general contractor is being overseeing projects. From residential to business, general contractors stand at the head of every task. While other tradespeople are focused on specific areas of the project, the general contractor must have a firm understanding of the larger picture.
During the course of the project, the general contractor acts as a liaison between the client and the rest of the tradespeople working on the project. Whenever there are questions, emergencies, permits needed or other situations that affect the overall project, the general contractor will need to work within their means to answer or solve these problems.
In some cases, the general contractor may also directly participate in aspects of the project depending on their skills and expertise. However, not all general contractors actively work on construction projects throughout the timeline, instead they focus on their duties of project management.
Hiring Subcontractors
The second most important aspect of anyone in the general contractor industry is the hiring of subcontractors. General contractors are considered the “resource gatherers” for any project, large or small. For major projects, they won’t be the only contractor needed. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists and more are all part of the building process.
It’s up to the general contractor to find and hire these specialists when they’re needed. And, when hired, the general contractor is responsible for directing and planning their work.
Acquiring Necessary Materials & Permits
The last major role of a general contractor is providing everything necessary for the construction project. This includes materials, equipment and permits necessary for completion.
Major construction jobs can all take a significant amount of materials, and it’s challenging to plan exactly what you’ll need. Adjustments on the job, mistakes, and the skill of those involved can all change the exact amount of materials needed. It’s up to the general contractor to ensure the project has what it needs to be completed in a timely manner.
Likewise, different localities have different requirements for permits. The general contractor should be familiar with the permits needed in the area where a construction job is being completed, and capable of getting them to ensure all work is done with the appropriate permits.
Adrian Steel Upfits for the General Contractor Industry
General contractors, due to their role, need to be prepared for almost anything on the jobsite. That means a van upfit for general contractors must be as flexible as their role. Adrian Steel has several vocational upfits designed for general contractors, and can design a custom upfit that includes critical additions to their vehicle, such as:
- Adjustable Shelving Units – You can never have too many shelves as a general contractor. From setting up bins to small cabinets to store paperwork and smaller tools or consumables, there’s a lot to keep organized.
- JD Shelving Units – Adrian Steel’s larger and toughest shelving units, these are designed to hold all your heavy or bulky items from bags of concrete to fastener boxes and even toolboxes!
- Composite Partition – No work van should be without a partition. In addition to keeping you safer, it minimizes cab sound to help you stay focused on the road. When conducting business on a mobile phone while traveling, a partition can be an invaluable asset to avoid distracting noises.
- Storage Units – With lockable compartments, a full suite of storage units gives you more room for tools and anything else you may need for the job site.
A custom upfit can include whatever you need. Adrian Steel’s products cover anything a work van or truck can need, with popular products like ladder racks and storage solutions. You can find a local Adrian Steel distributor near you to get started on your custom upfit!
General Contractor Industry Statistics
- Residential housing construction is continuing to rise, being up 4 percent over previous years
- Construction jobs in residential and commercial sectors accounted for 7 percent of the total GDP for the United States
- Job growth in general construction is expected to grow 10 percent over the next decade, making its growth faster than average compared to other industries
- The median pay for general contractors is over $95,000 per year
- Spending on home improvement projects increased 5 percent over previous years
General Contractor Industry Trends
New Construction Continues
The most important trend for the general contractor industry is the continued growth of new construction. Both in residential and commercial sectors, individuals and companies are investing in new construction leading to plenty of work for general contractors and their sub-contractors.
New construction provides a major boon to the general contractor industry. Each month, millions of permits for new construction are acquired by those looking to expand into new offices or new homes.
Incorporating Drones in Construction
Like all industries, incorporating new technology can improve efficiency and safety. Drones are one such technology that is playing a major role for general contractors. A drone can help in a variety of ways for the construction site:
- Aerial Photography
- Mapping Large Areas
- Real-time Monitoring
- Instant Access to Challenging-to-Reach Areas
By utilizing drones, general contractors can get information necessary to move forward on a project in less time, with less needed manpower, and greater safety. All of these play a role in completing projects on time and within the budget!
Green Construction
It’s no surprise that the general contractor industry is seeing the same eco-friendly focus that many other industries are seeing. When it comes to new construction, homebuyers and commercial businesses want sustainable features that lower their carbon footprint or increase long-term savings.
The modern general contractor should be familiar with green technology to help meet the requests they may receive from their clients. One of the biggest aspects of the new focus on “green construction” is the inclusion of renewable energy in buildings, primarily solar panels.
About Adrian Steel & The General Contractor Industry
Adrian Steel manufactures contractor-grade products and storage solutions including shelving, cabinets, partitions, ladder racks, aluminum toolboxes, and accessories. Our work with the general contractor industry is aimed at improving efficiency and reducing common headaches in your workday for all types of general contractor work.
As the general contractor industry evolves, Adrian Steel is always evolving with you. Adrian Steel can help keep you moving forward with the right upfit solution with every shift of the industry.
Our network of highly qualified distributors can help you create the ideal upfit for your vehicle.
Find a distributor near you to get started today!
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