It’s safe to say that most people have seen one of the incredibly popular home design shows on television. Many of these shows focus on amazing home “makeovers,” where an old, outdated home is essentially torn down and rebuilt into a beautiful, modern home. The people shown make the decisions about which walls can be blown up and which should stay, usually they are contractors. These professionals play a very important role in the construction and remodeling of homes. But what exactly are contractors and what exactly do they do? Read on for a deeper look.

A general contractor is someone who is in charge of the entirety of a construction project. This can be commercial or residential. They are responsible for bidding on a job, obtaining it, providing the necessary materials, labor, and equipment to complete the project, and supervising it through to completion. Although these professionals are in charge of most of the work associated with a construction project, specialized jobs such as plumbing, electrical and mechanical work can be outsourced.

To become a general contractor, no degree is technically necessary. However, many professionals in this field earn a bachelor’s degree in construction science, especially if they plan to work for a larger company. Each state requires people in this position to pass an exam on construction laws and practices. Passing this test allows them to obtain a license to work.

The first thing contractors often do during the lengthy construction or remodeling process is to submit a construction bid to property owners to be hired to manage the project. They will estimate the cost of materials for the project and add the projected cost of labor. They will also add work that needs to be outsourced if necessary. All of this goes into a contract that is given to the owners for their approval.

Once the contract is signed and all the paperwork is done, the real work begins. From now on, the contractor is in charge of everything that is done on the property and oversees all aspects of the project. More importantly, they are responsible for any complications that may arise during construction. Delays or problems with the project may result in money out of your pocket unless specifically stated otherwise in the terms of the contract. Even if they have hired several different subcontractors, they are still ultimately responsible for both the timeliness and the quality of the work.

So if you’re in the market for a contractor, make sure you do your homework! These people are involved in almost every aspect of construction, so you want to know you’re working with someone you can trust. Get recommendations and reviews for each company you’re considering working with, paying close attention to any feedback on the timeliness and accuracy of a cost estimate. When you work with the right people, getting your dream home is easy!