Construction Manager vs. General Contractor: Key Differences

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Construction Manager vs. General Contractor Key
Differences
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• In the realm of construction, the roles of a
  construction manager and a general contractor are
  both pivotal yet distinct. Each position carries
  unique responsibilities and skills that are
  crucial to the successful completion of a
  project. Understanding the key differences
  between these roles can help stakeholders decide
  who to hire for their construction needs.

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• Definitions and Core Responsibilities
• Construction Manager (CM)
• A construction manager is a professional who acts
  as the clients representative throughout a
  construction project, from initial planning to
  final touches. The primary role of a CM is to
  ensure the project meets the specified
  performance, budget, and time requirements. They
  are involved early in the project, often from the
  design phase, providing input on scheduling,
  pricing, and constructability issues.

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• General Contractor (GC)
• On the other hand, a general contractor is the
  main contractor responsible for the day-to-day
  oversight of the construction site, management of
  vendors and trades, and communicating information
  to all involved parties throughout a building
  project. The GC is typically hired after the
  design phase and is responsible for bringing the
  plans to life. They hire and manage
  subcontractors, procure materials, and ensure
  compliance with building codes and safety
  regulations.

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• Key Differences in Scope and Engagement
• Project Engagement
• Construction managers are involved from the
  projects conception, offering advice during the
  design and planning stages and moving forward
  from construction to completion. This early
  involvement allows CMs to manage project costs
  proactively and mitigate potential design issues
  that could impact the schedule and budget.

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• In contrast, general contractors are usually
  engaged after completing the project design. They
  are tasked with executing the plans, focusing on
  the sites physical construction and day-to-day
  management.
• Contractual Relationships
• Construction managers act as the owners agent,
  providing project oversight and representing the
  owners interests without typically performing
  any construction work themselves. They work on a
  fee-based service, which can either be a flat fee
  or a percentage of the project cost, depending on
  the complexity and duration of the project.

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• General contractors are directly involved in the
  construction process, working under a contract
  with the owner. They often bid on projects
  through a competitive process or are selected
  based on prior relationships or project-specific
  qualifications. A general contractors payment
  might be a lump sum, cost-plus fee, or a
  combination.
• Risk Management and Liability
• Construction Manager
• As advisors, CMs help manage the project risk by
  ensuring compliance with the project plans and
  specifications. They monitor timelines, budgets,
  and the quality of work, intervening when issues
  arise and coordinating between stakeholders to
  maintain project integrity.

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• General Contractor
• General contractors assume more direct risk than
  construction managers. They are responsible for
  the quality of all construction processes and
  adhere to the projects time frame and budget.
  They also handle legal issues like lien releases
  and labor disputes. Moreover, the GC ensures that
  all work is performed safely and complies with
  state and federal regulations.

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• Decision-Making and Control
• Construction managers provide broader strategic
  management and serve to guide decision-making
  processes without being directly involved in the
  craftsmanship. They facilitate communication
  between the owner and the contractors and often
  help with resource allocation, employing a
  comprehensive approach to project management.

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• General contractors control the actual build
  process, making day-to-day decisions on the
  ground. They must solve problems in real time and
  make quick decisions about construction methods,
  materials, and personnel, often with direct
  oversight once project milestones are assessed.
• Choosing between a construction manager and a
  general contractor depends largely on the
  projects specific needs, the expertise required,
  and the risk the project owner is willing to
  manage. While the construction manager offers a
  consultative approach, ensuring projects adhere
  to plans and budgets, the general contractor
  provides hands-on management of the actual
  construction. Both roles are essential yet
  distinct, each contributing differently to the
  success of construction projects.

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• RZ Construction Group Inc is one of the best
  fully inclusive general contractors in Queens,
  NY. From initial design to final clean up, our
  results speak for themselves. We are fully
  licensed, insured, and bonded to provide both
  commercial and residential construction services
  and apartment renovation in Queens NY and the
  surrounding area. Proud to serve New York State
  for 25 years. No job is too small nor too big. If
  you are looking for Queens general contractors or
  want to know more about our wide range of
  professional but affordable construction and
  repair services, reach out to us at (718)
  938-9887.