The main individual or company hired directly by the client to deliver a completed building project. They hold the prime contract, pull the primary permits, manage the site schedule, supply materials, and hire specialized tradespeople to perform the actual construction work.
Heard on the job
The general contractor is pushing us to finish the rough-in by Friday so the drywallers can start on Monday.
Also heard as
- GC
- prime contractor
Related terms
Subtrader
A specialized contractor hired to perform a specific portion of the work on a construction project.
Punch list
A master document tracking minor defects and incomplete tasks that a contractor must fix before final payment.
As-built
A revised set of drawings submitted upon completion of a project to reflect all changes made during construction.