A General Contractors Job Looks Easy
I've heard this for years and sometimes it rings true but
for when it doesn't, some of the problems that these guys have to deal
with, makes them wish that they never took certain jobs. Most of the
time, the general contractor's job does look easy, but it's the behind
the scenes stuff that make the difference between a good general
contractor and a poor one.
Most of the time, the home owner, subcontractors and laborers get to see
the general contractor show up on the job early in the morning or some
time in the afternoon, drinking a cup of coffee or just getting back
from lunch with a client or other professional, in the business. This
never looks good, but if this is how you perceive your general
contractor, I would like to share something with you that might change
your mind.
I'm a general contractor and have worked with and for other general
contractors. When I'm the general contractor on a project, I'm usually
working on the job and when I'm not working at the job, I need to make
phone calls to material suppliers and other professionals. Nowadays,
this is usually done while you're driving around from job to job or on
your way home, while everyone else is simply relaxing listening to music
and enjoying the scenery.
I often hear people referred to me as easy money, but those who do,
often have no idea what's involved with running a construction company.
Whenever someone tells me that I have it made and my job is easy, I look
them square in the eye and tell them that they shouldn't be working for
me or anyone else. They should start their own construction company and
that would give them all of the free time that they feel I have.
I've noticed that, when ever someone is good at what they do, their job
looks easy. However, you don't know what these people have done to get
to that position in life. Never assume that someone else's job is easy
until you've walked a mile in their shoes.