{"id":4636,"date":"2017-08-02T06:00:10","date_gmt":"2017-08-02T12:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/?p=4636"},"modified":"2018-07-05T08:08:28","modified_gmt":"2018-07-05T14:08:28","slug":"the-many-responsibilities-of-general-contractors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/news\/the-many-responsibilities-of-general-contractors\/","title":{"rendered":"The Many Responsibilities of General Contractors"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Helping to Ease the Load for General Contractors<\/h3>\n<p>The duties and responsibilities of a general contractor (GC) are enormous, to say the least. The necessary expertise includes reviewing and producing project-specific documents and architectural drawings as well as hands-on construction and project management skills. The GC is responsible for all aspects of a construction project and coordinates all the facets of a wide range of commercial and residential construction projects.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3787\" src=\"http:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/heated-loading-ramp.jpg\" alt=\"Radiant snow melting system installed in a loading ramp\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/heated-loading-ramp.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/heated-loading-ramp-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>After reviewing upcoming projects, the GC begins the complex process of preparing the proposal and other necessary documents for the client while determining the material needs and hiring the appropriate subcontractors to successfully complete specialized aspects of the project in the time frame provided.<\/p>\n<p>The success of the contractor\u2019s business is dependent on acquiring the building materials that best meet the quality demands and client\u2019s budget criteria as well as hiring competent subcontractors who have proven to deliver quality work in a timely manner. It is the general contractor who is ultimately responsible for every aspect of a construction project, so teaming up with the right material suppliers and subcontractors is vital to the success of the project, the satisfaction of the customer, and reputation of the contractor.<\/p>\n<p>Finding the right suppliers and subcontractors can be a time consuming venture, so most contractors stick to using those whom they\u2019ve worked with before and have proven track records. Still,\u00a0the most successful contractors always keep an eye open for better prices, workmanship and turnaround.<\/p>\n<p>In the construction industry, word of mouth carries a lot weight, and many contractors benefit by asking other building professionals about their experiences with\u00a0suppliers or subcontractors. Looking for ways to continually improve one\u2019s business is the hallmark of successful companies. In today\u2019s competitive market, the businesses that survive \u2013 and flourish \u2013 are those that explore options and consistently seek to optimize efficiency or save money and time without sacrificing quality. And most builders agree that the most effective way to explore options is through word of mouth recommendations.<\/p>\n<p>While most contractors utilize familiar subcontractors for the standard construction needs of a project (framing, roofing, plumbing, etc.), the \u201cless-routine\u201d aspects of some construction jobs require expertise in which some GCs are less familiar. For example, not all contractors are experienced with radiant heat installations, so finding a proven supplier of radiant heat products may pose some unique challenges. As simple as it may sound to find a provider of radiant heat products, the discrepancies between companies can be dramatic, and oftentimes those discrepancies are not discovered until after the contract is signed, or after installation. And who takes the heat for an installation gone wrong? \u00a0The general contractor. Fortunately however, there are some telling indicators when it comes to comparing radiant heat companies, and it is this set of indicators that contractors should familiarize themselves with. In addition to word of mouth, use these criteria when evaluating various radiant heat providers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Installation Support Services by\u00a0a Dedicated Staff of Technical Experts<\/strong> \u2013 Many companies tout their technical services, when in fact, if installers are fortunate enough to talk to someone for technical support during the installation process, they\u2019re likely speaking with a salesperson and not an electrical expert or seasoned installation professional.<\/p>\n<p>ProLine backs up its products with a dedicated support staff. These technical experts understand all the layout and electrical aspects of a radiant heat installation and will take the time necessary to walk you through any issues you may have during the installation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Detailed System Design and Layout<\/strong> \u2013 The top radiant heat companies provide customers with comprehensive system design drawings. These professional layouts are computer assisted drawings (CADs) that should contain a detailed layout of the heat cable, cold lead and contactor panel. The document should also identify the proper layout and materials, load calculations, breaker sizes, and number of breakers. Essentially, all the technical specs and installation information should be contained in the document. When working with an industry leader, customers will understand how the automated system works and how it is expected to perform prior to any installation taking place.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wide Selection of Products<\/strong> \u2013 Check the product lines to make sure that products are available from more than just one manufacturer. You want to be able to select the best solution for your specific radiant heat needs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3990\" src=\"http:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/pl-sm-Heating_Cable_Tips-90_Degree_Turn_thumb22.jpg\" alt=\"Making turns with heating mats\" width=\"854\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/pl-sm-Heating_Cable_Tips-90_Degree_Turn_thumb22.jpg 854w, https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/pl-sm-Heating_Cable_Tips-90_Degree_Turn_thumb22-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/pl-sm-Heating_Cable_Tips-90_Degree_Turn_thumb22-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Installation Training<\/strong> \u2013 ProLine Radiant is one of the few \u2013 if not the only \u2013 radiant heat companies that offers several installation training courses \u2013 at no cost! To take a free course, customers can call or <strong><a href=\"\/omc\/training-pl.php\">signup on ProLine\u2019s website<\/a><\/strong>. Courses can be attended in person at ProLine Radiant\u2019s headquarters in Utah or attend online via WebEx.<\/p>\n<p>ProLine Radiant is an established radiant heat provider with a proven track record. Contact us today to learn more at <strong>866.676.9276<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Helping to Ease the Load for General Contractors The duties and responsibilities of a general contractor (GC) are enormous, to say the least. The necessary expertise includes reviewing and producing project-specific documents and architectural drawings as well as hands-on construction and project management skills. The GC is responsible for all aspects of a construction project &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/news\/the-many-responsibilities-of-general-contractors\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">The Many Responsibilities of General Contractors<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[61,67,59],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4636"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4636"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4658,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4636\/revisions\/4658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prolineradiant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}