Hiring a general contractor can feel overwhelming, but tackling a construction project without one can be even more stressful. While there is a cost involved in hiring a contractor, this expense covers the crucial responsibility of handling the day-to-day operations necessary to complete your project. With a general contractor in place, you can focus on the important aspects of your life while they ensure the construction runs smoothly.
Our general contractor and owner, Cliff Joyner, has been in the construction industry for most of his life (learn more on our About Us page). With hundreds of projects completed over the decades, he has seen it all. Let’s take a closer look at a typical day for Cliff to give you an inside look into the world of a general contractor.
A Busy Morning: Preparing for the Day Ahead
Many of the subcontractors on Cliff’s projects like to start their workdays early. For that reason, Cliff’s days often start around 7:00 AM. He checks his calendar to see which subcontractors are scheduled for which tasks. If the project site is accessible and the subcontractors have been cleared for early work, some may already be at the job site, which is perfectly fine. Cliff ensures the subcontractors are organized and aware of their responsibilities for the day.
If there are no scheduled meetings, Cliff heads to the office. But today, he has a meeting at 8:00 AM with the plumber at a worksite. He discusses the tasks that need to be completed. A plumbing inspection is scheduled for later that day, and the plumber needs to wrap up a few critical tasks. Unfortunately, a part required for the job hasn’t arrived yet—it’s still at the distributor’s warehouse downtown.
To keep the plumber on track, Cliff hops in his truck and heads to the warehouse to pick up the part. On the way, he calls his office manager to go over the day’s tasks and address any emails that have come in. They also discuss the schedule for the plumbing inspection. Cliff’s office manager confirms the inspection is the 12th of 18 scheduled for the day. With this information, Cliff also prepares for next week’s tasks while on the road.
Problem-Solving on the Go: Unforeseen Delays and Communication
By 9:00 AM, Cliff picks up the part from the warehouse. As he’s leaving, the tile subcontractor calls with a problem. One of the key trim pieces for the project has been backordered and won’t be available in time for installation. Cliff immediately contacts his office manager to check if other suppliers can meet the demand so that the project stays on schedule. His office manager takes the task on and begins looking for alternatives.
Cliff then heads back to the job site, delivers the part to the plumber, and gets the project back on track. As soon as that’s done, he returns to the office to check his emails and follow up on the tile trim situation.
Client Communications and Estimating: The Administrative Side of Being a General Contractor
At 10:00 AM, Cliff reviews a couple of new emails from potential clients. Both are interested in getting estimates for their projects. One of the homes is a more recent build (early 2000s), and Cliff finds a full set of blueprints online, which will make estimating much easier. The other home, built in the 1970s, has no blueprints available, which means Cliff will need to do more detailed drafting. He responds to both clients, updating them on the next steps.
By 11:00 AM, the office manager reports back with an update on the tile trim. The only supplier who can overnight the required pieces has quoted a price that’s three times higher than expected. Since the trim pieces are directly paid for by the clients, this extra cost needs their approval. After reviewing alternative options that are more affordable and easier to source, Cliff and his office manager prepare a proposal with two options to present to the clients.
Midday Break: Staying Productive on the Go
At noon, Cliff grabs a quick bite to eat while reviewing more client information. The clients with the 1970s home found some old rolled-up architectural plans in their basement and offer to let him come pick them up for the estimate. Cliff arranges to head over to their home that afternoon to collect these valuable documents.
However, just as he’s getting ready to head out, the plumbing inspection alert pops up on his phone, reminding him that the inspector is due on-site in 60 minutes. Cliff jumps into his truck and heads back to the job site.
The Afternoon: Managing Inspections and Client Needs
By 2:00 PM, the plumbing inspection is complete, and the inspector has passed all rough plumbing work. However, the inspector points out that the gas line to the house is not adequate for the specified hot water heater. Cliff, the inspector, and the plumber discuss possible solutions, including alternative water heater options and the need for a gas line upgrade.
Once the plumber provides cost estimates for these upgrades, Cliff will review how they will affect other elements of the project and then update the client. With this in mind, Cliff heads back to the clients’ home with the 1970s blueprints. After collecting the plans, he stops by an office supply store to get them digitized before delivering them back to the homeowners.
Wrapping Up the Day: The Final Touches
At 3:30 PM, Cliff finally sits down at his desk to catch up on emails and work on the new estimates. He also needs to review the gas line adjustments before contacting clients. With two sets of plans now on his desk and a number of new emails, Cliff dives into the remaining tasks for the day.
By the end of the day, Cliff has made sure all parts of the project are moving forward, from dealing with subcontractors to resolving client concerns. The next day’s tasks are also lined up and ready to go, and that’s Cliff’s day as a general contractor.
The Multifaceted Role of a General Contractor
This example may sound like a busy day, but it’s just one snapshot of a general contractor’s job. From managing subcontractors to handling unanticipated issues and maintaining clear communication with clients, a contractor coordinates every aspect of a project. No two days are ever the same, but with experience and dedication, general contractors like Cliff make sure everything runs smoothly.
At Joyner Construction, we understand that every project is unique, and we treat each one with the care and attention it deserves. Even if you don’t see Cliff on-site at all times, rest assured he’s working behind the scenes to ensure your project is completed on time, within budget, and built to last.