What Services do General Contractors Offer?

General contractors in the commercial construction industry provide a wide variety of services. These services include turnkey projects, new construction, interior fit-outs, site improvements and renovations. On occasion, a general contractor even takes over a project that’s already underway. 

General Contractor Services

Some general contractors specialize in certain kinds of construction, like renovations or interior fit-outs. Others have the experience and resources to offer all of the general contractor services noted above.

Turnkey projects

General contractors can take a project from conception to completion, handing it in its entirety from the ground up. These turnkey projects are increasingly popular in new construction. Contractors also deliver certain renovations on a turnkey basis. When the facility is ready to occupy, the general contractor “turns the key over” to the client.

As these projects are streamlined, this approach is popular when deadlines are tight or resources limited. An owner/developer must value the expertise and integrity when assigning a complete project to one firm. Since the client cedes a certain amount of control in such an arrangement, trust is paramount. The right contract terms can increase transparency for the client and solidify that foundation of trust moving forward. 

New construction

In other instances, a general contractor is called upon to implement the design of an independent architect. Simply put, the architect designs and the general contractor builds. Sometimes the general contractor provides more comprehensive design-build services. The contractor coordinates all aspects of the project.

Either way, the general contractor enlists the services of specialty contractors to make the design a reality. The firm ensures compliance with local codes and zoning requirements. The contractor often has a say in which code-compliant building materials are used to construct the building.  

Interior fit-outs

Once a commercial tenant leases space, it’s time to build it out. The tenant typically gets a space with studded walls and functioning utilities. Drywall may or may not be covering the studded walls and there may or may not be finished flooring and a finished ceiling. To complete what is often called a fit-out or a build-out, the tenant enlists the services of its own contractor. Sometimes the tenant uses the same contractor the owner/developer used to erect the overall structure. 

The chosen contractor completes virtually everything that’s required before the inventory and tenant equipment arrives. An ideal general contractor possesses extensive knowledge of appropriate building materials. Access to skilled craftsmen and insight into efficient systems are other valuable qualities. When it’s a retail space, there’s often a grand opening once the space is fully stocked and equipped. 

Site improvements

Site improvements are another area of expertise for many general contractors. Information from the architect, engineer and landscape architect goes into the site plan. The contractor then makes the plan a reality. Sometimes, the general contractor provides certain design services in-house.

Site improvements change the property in ways that accommodate or contribute to the structure. Underground utilities are one example. Examples include electric, gas, cable, sewer and water. Site excavation, water drainage and retention ponds are other examples. Landscaping enhances the appearance of the site, so knowledge of hydrology and vegetation alternatives are important factors. Aesthetic appeal and privacy are common goals. Consideration of transportation route enhancements is also common. This often includes evaluation of passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle and pedestrian needs.

Site improvements also include parking, shelter and site lighting. Proper site improvements require attention to all applicable codes and land-use zoning requirements. Documentation is required to meet applicable building codes enforced by the city or county. Urban planning considerations often demand that the project mesh with surrounding physical spaces.

Remodels and renovations

Some contractors deliver general contractor services related to renovation and remodeling projects. They must deliver the trade skills needed for cost-effective, high-quality projects. Improvements accommodate growing businesses, refresh business images and upgrade employee morale. Sometimes they feature sustainable designs, enhanced wireless connectivity or energy-saving systems.

Businesses choose renovations for many reasons. Facilities age or a company needs a change. Color schemes and fixtures grow dated. High traffic areas show wear and tear. Outdated heating and cooling systems are incompatible with today’s higher utility rates. Annual maintenance expenses spiral upward. 

Perhaps a rebranding is needed, as a facelift can enhance a company’s image and a new office layout can help promote increased efficiency and collaboration. On other occasions, a natural disaster or the expansion of a retail space may require extensive work. 

In any case, a successful renovation balances owner resources, worker needs and customer appeal. Consider both re-branding and retail facelifts as effective forms of advertising. They evoke a feeling of being in touch with today’s consumers. In short, they convey success.

Take over projects already underway

Unfortunately, projects started by others can get off track. The potential reasons for this vary. There may have been quality concerns, financial difficulties, or a lack of proper management. The solution is often to assign the project to a new general contractor, and such a contractor must have capable construction managers. The construction management experts step in and get things back on schedule, helping to resolve challenges without further delay and move the project forward to completion.

For More Information

For more than 40 years, JRB Construction has delivered general contractor services essential for successful New Jersey commercial construction. The JRB team has the knowledge, experience and training to complete a wide variety of commercial projects. JRB is large enough to take on complex challenges while, at the same time, remaining devoted to the personal relationships key to construction success.

We’d love to hear more about your current or upcoming project and discuss how we can be of assistance. Contact us to get the conversation started and get your project one step closer to your goal.