A Practical Guide to Construction Managers and General Contractors

When a business owner or developer prepares to launch a new construction or renovation project, one of the first decisions they face is determining who will lead the effort. In many cases, that role is filled by a general contractor; in others, it is managed by a construction manager.

The terms may sound interchangeable, and from a distance the roles can appear similar. Both guide the project forward, both coordinate multiple moving parts, and both aim to deliver a finished space that meets the client’s needs. But a closer look reveals important distinctions in structure, responsibilities, and relationship to the owner differences that directly influence the project’s outcome.

What Do General Contractors Do

Every construction project needs a central point of coordination. Someone who ensures the right trades are on-site, the schedule progresses, and the work meets the required standards. That’s the role of the general contractor.

General contractors oversee the day-to-day execution of a project. They hire and supervise subcontractors, coordinate material deliveries, maintain site safety, communicate with the client, and often self-perform certain trades such as carpentry, concrete, or demolition.

A GC is typically engaged after design documents are completed, then takes responsibility for bringing those plans to life. Their core responsibilities include:

• Conducting pre-bid site surveys to anticipate complexities or constraints
• Managing and adjusting the construction schedule as challenges arise
• Ensuring compliance with codes, regulations, permitting requirements, and inspections
• Coordinating equipment, material procurement, and vendor relationships
• Hiring and supervising specialized subcontractors
• Executing quality-assurance measures to confirm work meets specifications
• Providing closeout documentation and warranty information at substantial completion

Example: If you’re remodeling a veterinary clinic, the GC will coordinate all phases – demolition, framing, MEP trades, equipment installation, finishes – while keeping the clinic informed about schedule impacts and ensuring animal-care regulations are met.

What Do Construction Managers Do

A construction manager represents the owner’s interests throughout the planning and building process. Unlike a GC, whose contract is typically lump sum to deliver the work, the CM works as an extension of the owner providing oversight, guidance, and coordination to keep the project on schedule, within budget, and aligned with quality goals.

A CM may be brought in early – sometimes even before an architect is hired – to guide budgeting, feasibility assessments, design alignment, and bid evaluations. Responsibilities may include:

• Developing bid packages and presenting competitive options to the owner
• Interviewing and evaluating general contractors or trade contractors
• Creating and monitoring project schedules across all phases
• Serving as the liaison between the owner, architect, engineers, GC, and consultants
• Reviewing plans and specifications to ensure constructability and cost alignment
• Tracking budget changes and advising the owner on cost-saving alternatives

Example: If you’re building a new office or retail space, a CM might evaluate multiple design approaches, compare construction methods, run cost estimates early, and help the owner select the GC that provides the best value not just the lowest price.

Wojcik Builders Delivers Both

Wojcik Builders provides clients with both general contracting and construction management services – a level of flexibility that allows businesses to choose the structure that best matches their project type, complexity, and experience level.

Because Wojcik Builders can perform the work, manage subcontractors, advise clients during planning, and oversee the process from concept through completion, clients benefit from holistic coordination, transparent communication, and strong cost-control discipline.

Seeing the full project lifecycle enables Wojcik Builders to stay ahead of challenges, maintain schedule momentum, and ensure a finished product that meets or exceeds expectations whether the team is serving in a GC or CM capacity.

Ready to Build for What’s Next?

Let’s talk about how Wojcik Builders can bring flexibility and future-readiness to your next commercial construction project.

Call Wojcik Builders today at 440-786-1776 to start a conversation.