When undertaking a renovation and/or fit-out project, it's essential to understand the different players involved in the process. Two key roles to distinguish are those of the general contractor and the main contractor. Although they are often confused, they have distinct responsibilities.
The role of the General Contractor :
The general contractor, often referred to by the acronym "GC", is an entity that takes charge of the entire project, from conception to final completion. It acts as the main contractor, taking charge of coordinating all aspects of the project, including hiring subcontractors and managing the work.
The responsibilities of a general contractor include :
- Design and planning: The general contractor can be involved from the earliest stages of the project, participating in the initial design and planning of the work.
- Subcontractor management: He is responsible for hiring and supervising specialized subcontractors, such as electricians or plumbers.
- Project coordination: Responsible for coordinating all activities to ensure that the project progresses efficiently and to specification.
- Managing costs and deadlines: The general contractor must ensure that the agreed budget and deadlines are met. In short, the general contractor is the central pillar of the interior design/renovation project, managing it from conception to delivery.
The main difference with a prime contractor is that the general contractor is contractually committed to the price, quality and deadline of the work.
The role of the project manager
Unlike the general contractor, the main contractor, sometimes referred to as the "MOE", is generally an independent service provider who acts as the customer's representative during the design and implementation phase of the project. He or she plays a supervisory and advisory role, ensuring that the project is carried out in accordance with the customer's expectations and regulatory standards.
A project manager's responsibilities include :
- Design and coordination: The project manager often works in collaboration with the customer to draw up the customized project and specifications. He or she will help select the most competent participants, such as architects and engineers.
- Supervision: During the renovation/fitting-out phase, the main contractor supervises the work to ensure that it complies with the agreed plans and specifications.
- Contract management: The project manager may also be responsible for managing contracts with the various parties involved, and ensuring that payments are made in accordance with the established terms.
- Quality control: Ensures that the quality and progress of the project meets the required standards and the customer's expectations. In short, the project manager acts as the customer's representative, expressing his needs, requirements and concerns. As such, he or she acts as a "conductor", interpreting the customer's ideas to the craftsmen and workers, and ensuring that they are properly implemented.
In conclusion, the general contractor and the prime contractor play different roles: while the general contractor offers a turnkey solution, managing the entire project, the prime contractor coordinates the various service providers and ensures dedicated representation of the customer's interests.