Builder vs Contractor

This post is going to take a somewhat in depth look at the two duties, answering a question a lot of people have been asking: What are the differences between builders and contractors?

What Is a Builder?

Whereas the general contractor oversees the whole construction project, a builder manages the actual construction of the building. They either have their team or will hire personnel who are going to work on the construction project site.

Responsibilities of a Builder

A custom home builder manages all the responsibilities associated with the construction of your home. Many of these responsibilities comprise of laying the foundation, roofing, and framing.

• Preparation and operation of earth-moving equipment and machinery
• Piping and ducting laying
• Excavation and demolition duties
• Erecting or dis-mantling scaffolding
• Insulation and soundproofing duties

What Is a Contractor?

A contractor is an individual hired by a client or owner of construction projects to plan and coordinate all construction operations. They are responsible for the whole project, including establishing the best ways to finish it within the predetermined time and budget.

What about a building contractor vs. general contractor? Oftentimes, the contractor might not have the skill required to complete all the tasks. In these cases, they are going to appoint subcontractors to complete specific parts of the project. The general contractor then oversees a team of all the required subcontractors or building contractors.

Responsibilities of a Contractor

Below are the primary responsibilities of a contractor throughout the different phases of a construction project.

• Project Planning
• Project Management
• Project Tracking
• Regulatory and Legal Challenges

Whom to Hire – Builder or a Contractor?

Deciding between hiring a builder vs. a contractor can be difficult. Nevertheless, it all is subject to what your construction project involves. When beginning your project, assess all the specific needs to establish the most suitable option.

Because hiring a contractor might require hiring other professionals such as architects and designers, doing so is preferable for those wanting to simplify the entire construction process.