Difference Between Construction Managers and General Contractors

Difference Between Construction Managers and General Contractors

Construction Management and General Contractors are two distinct roles within the construction industry, each with its own set of responsibilities, expertise, and functions. Here's a comparison of the two:

1. Role and Responsibilities:

- Construction Management (CM):

- Project Oversight: Construction managers oversee the entire construction project, including planning, design, procurement, and construction phases.

- Cost Control: They manage the project budget, tracking expenses, and ensuring cost efficiency.

- Schedule Management: CMs create and maintain project schedules, ensuring that work progresses on time.

- Quality Assurance: They ensure that the work meets quality standards and specifications.

- Contract Administration: CMs handle contract negotiations, change orders, and other contractual matters.

- Risk Management: They identify and mitigate risks associated with the project.

- General Contractors (GC):

- Construction Execution: GCs are responsible for executing the actual construction work.

- Subcontractor Management: They hire and manage subcontractors for specialized tasks like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

- Materials Procurement: GCs procure and manage construction materials and equipment.

- On-Site Management: They oversee day-to-day operations on the construction site, ensuring safety and efficiency.

- Scheduling: GCs coordinate the activities of various subcontractors to ensure work progresses according to the project schedule.

- Quality Control: They are responsible for the quality of workmanship and materials used on the project.

2. Expertise:

- Construction Management (CM): CMs typically have a background in engineering, architecture, or construction management. They focus on project planning, coordination, and administration.

- General Contractors (GC): GCs often have hands-on construction experience and may have started as tradespeople. They are skilled in managing construction activities on-site.

3. Contractual Relationship:

- Construction Management (CM): CMs typically work on behalf of the project owner (client) and may be hired as consultants or employees. They do not perform physical construction work but manage the project's various aspects.

- General Contractors (GC): GCs are typically hired by the project owner as contractors to carry out the actual construction work. They are responsible for executing the project according to the plans and specifications provided by the client.

4. Project Involvement:

- Construction Management (CM): CMs are often involved in the project from the earliest planning stages and continue to oversee it until completion. They have a broader role in the project's lifecycle.

- General Contractors (GC): GCs are primarily involved in the construction phase and are responsible for the physical construction of the project. Their involvement is more focused on execution.

5. Risk and Liability:

- Construction Management (CM): CMs often have limited liability for construction defects or delays since they are not directly responsible for the physical construction work.

- General Contractors (GC): GCs have more significant liability for construction-related issues since they are responsible for the actual construction and quality of the work.

In summary, construction management and general contracting are distinct roles in the construction industry. Construction managers oversee the entire project and focus on planning, coordination, and administration, while general contractors are responsible for executing the physical construction work on-site. The choice between the two depends on the project's complexity, the owner's needs, and the desired level of involvement in the construction process.