When building or fixing things, you might have heard people talking about a general contractor in Burlington VT, and a project manager. But what do they do? And how are they different from each other?

Well, don't worry! In this blog, I'm going to explain everything super easily—as if I were explaining it to a friend. So, let's jump in and figure out what makes these two jobs unique and why both are so important for making construction projects successful.

What Does a General Contractor in Burlington VT Do?

Imagine you're building a treehouse with a bunch of friends. One friend takes charge, makes sure the tools are ready and tells everyone what to do—like who's hammering nails and bringing the wood. Moreover, that's like what a general contractor does on a construction site.

A general contractor is the person who is in charge of actually getting the work done. They don't do everything themselves, but they make sure everyone who's supposed to work (like painters, plumbers, and electricians) gets the job done. Here's what else they do:

• Hiring workers: The general contractor hires other people (called subcontractors) who know how to do special jobs, like wiring the house or putting in pipes.
• Managing the site: They also ensure everyone is working and the project is on track. They make sure the construction site is safe, too!
• Staying within budget: It's their job to ensure the project doesn't exceed the money set aside. If things get too expensive, they find ways to make it work.
• Fixing problems: If something goes wrong, like a delay or something breaks, the general contractor figures out how to solve the problem.

So, think of the general contractor as the person who makes sure everything gets done on time and in the right way—like a play director, ensuring all the actors do their part.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Let us now consider a project manager. The employment of a project manager is quite different. They also ensure the entire project goes without hiccups from beginning to end, not on building anything personally. The Project Management Institute claims that 75% of effective building projects feature a dedicated project manager supervising the whole process, guaranteeing seamless operations and timely completion.

So, consider a project manager as the treehouse party planner. Though they ensure everyone knows when the party is, who is bringing what, and everything goes according to plan, they do not climb the tree and pound nails.  Here's what they do:

• Planning everything: The project manager helps determine the whole plan, like when things need to be done and how much it will cost.
• Tracking progress: They also check in to ensure everything goes as planned. If the treehouse building is falling behind, they help fix things.
• Talking to everyone: They talk to the general contractor, the workers, and the people who hired them. Moreover, they ensure no one is confused, and everyone knows what to do.
• Fixing any issues: If something's wrong, like if the wood isn't coming on time, the project manager helps find a way to fix it.
• Making sure the project is finished: At the end, the project manager also checks that everything is done just as planned.

In a way, the project manager is also like the party planner who ensures everyone has a good time and the treehouse is built just as it was supposed to be.

Key Differences Between a General Contractor and a Project Manager

Now that we understand both jobs, let's clarify the differences. So, let's see a simple table to help you compare what a general contractor in Burlington VT, and a project manager do:

As you can see, the general contractor handles the actual building of the project, while the project manager makes sure everything else is happening on time and smoothly. They both play big roles, but their jobs are very different.

Which One Do You Need for Your Project?

You might wonder, "Do I need a general contractor in Burlington VT, or a project manager?" Well, it also depends on how big or small your project is!

• You might only need a general contractor for small projects (like fixing up a room in your house). They can also handle everything on the job site, from hiring workers to ensuring the job is done right.
• You'll probably need both for bigger projects (like building a new house or office). The general contractor handles the building, while the project manager ensures everything stays on track and everyone works together.

How Do They Work Together?

Even though they have different jobs, a general contractor and a project manager often work side by side. The general contractor does the actual construction work, while the project manager oversees the whole process.

If the project manager notices that things are falling behind, they'll talk to the general contractor to see how to fix it. They might also add more workers or change the schedule, and the general contractor will adjust their plans to make it work.

Together, they also ensure that everything goes according to plan from start to finish.

Conclusion: Understanding the Roles

So, what's the bottom line? A general contractor in Burlington VT, and a project manager play important roles in a project. While the project manager guarantees the project is on schedule and under budget, the general contractor handles the whole construction.

Knowing the differences between these two positions can also help you to better choose someone for your next building project. The general contractor and the project manager will assist you in realizing your goal, whether for a little house restoration or a large new construction project!