The Difference Between a General Contractor and an Architect

Often, people get confused by the many terminologies utilized by professionals when building a construction project. Amid a busy and chaotic schedule, you might not recognize the different roles and functions of the people involved in the process. Sometimes, an architect and general contractor might seem similar, but here's why they are different:

What is a General Contractor?

What is a contractor? A general contractor is an entity or party that oversees a construction project and signs the prime contract with the property owner. They are in charge of supervising a construction site daily, managing suppliers and trades, and communicating information to all parties involved during the length of the project.

A general contractor is in charge of supplying all materials, personnel, equipment (including heavy machinery and tools), and other services critical for the project's completion. They frequently use specialized subcontractors to complete all or parts of the task.

When hiring subcontractors, they are responsible for ensuring the quality of all work done by all personnel and subcontractors. Despite many on-site project delays, the job site's safety remains their utmost priority. One example is that they ensure that the installation of all general-purpose access doors and panels is correct and in good order.

Applying for construction permits, informing the individual who hired them, safeguarding the property, providing additional utilities on-site, handling workers on-site are some of the obligations of a general contractor. Also providing engineering and site surveying, disposing or material recycling, tracking timetables and cash flows, and recordkeeping.

What is an Architect?

An architect is a professional that plans, designs, and supervises the construction of structures. Providing services in conjunction with creating buildings and the space inside the site surrounding the systems that have human occupancy or use as their primary goal is their primary focus when practicing such a profession.

Because an architect's discernment impacts overall safety, this person must complete specialized training that includes advanced study and an internship for hands-on exposure to obtain a professional license. Although the study of traditional architecture at institutions of higher learning played a crucial role in the evolution of the whole profession, the practical, technical, and academic prerequisites for becoming an architect differ by area.

Architects generally bid projects on their client's behalf, recommend the grant to a general contractor, and afterward facilitate and administrate a contract agreement between the contractor and the client. This contract is legally binding and encompasses a wide variety of topics, including all stakeholders' insurances and obligations, the state of the design papers, arrangements for the architect's access, and processes for monitoring the progress of the work.

Provisions for additional sub-contract tenders may be required depending on the type of contract used. The protection of certain aspects may be a guarantee that specifies the life expectancy and other attributes of the product, material, or work, as determined by the architect.

What is a Design-Build Firm?

A design-build firm offers a comprehensive project delivery method where both the design and construction phases are managed by a single entity. This approach streamlines the building process by integrating the roles of the architect and general contractor, ensuring a cohesive and efficient workflow from the initial concept to the final construction.

In the design-build model, the firm handles all aspects of the project, including design, permitting, construction, and project management. This integrated approach fosters better communication, faster project delivery, and often, cost savings. For projects like accessory dwelling units (ADUs), where maximizing space and adhering to local regulations are crucial, the collaboration between designers and builders under one roof can ensure that potential issues are addressed early, keeping the project on track.

Choosing an ADU builder with a design team provides the homeowner with a single point of contact and accountability throughout the entire process. This seamless coordination not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that the final product meets the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner.

Takeaway

The difference between an architect and a contractor is that architects produce designs while the contractors implement them. Architects make sense for larger-scale projects, including significant structural alterations to your home. When the project isn't as expensive and doesn't require extensive redoing, actively working with a skilled contractor stands to reason. The contractor you employ should also provide skip hire to keep the locations clean and safe while the job is still on.

Access Doors and Panels provide high-quality access doors and panels that will surely fit your project needs. You can shop by category, making it easier to select what you need and order it without much hassle. Call (800) 609-2917 for more inquiries, and our fantastic customer service representatives will guide you.