Are you in need of plumbing services and don’t know who to call? You may be wondering who’s suitable for the job, which begs the question: can a general contractor do plumbing? This blog post will discuss what a general contractor is, their responsibilities, and how they compare to plumbers. If you’re ready to learn more, then read on!
What is a General Contractor?
A general contractor, otherwise known as a GC, serves as a mediator during construction projects between the client and those involved in the building’s construction. They oversee projects from start to finish, even before building begins.
How to Become a GC
Not just anyone can become a general contractor. First, it is necessary to obtain a high school diploma or GED. On top of that, most GCs also earn a bachelor’s degree in a field like business or engineering, though this isn’t always necessary.
In most states, the next step is to undergo a GC training course and obtain a license. This gives contractors the knowledge they need to serve on projects. However, because training requirements vary by state, it is best to research contracting laws near you.
The last thing GCs must do before they start working is to invest in general contractor insurance, which often falls under the umbrella of general liability insurance. Having insurance gives potential clients peace of mind when they hire a GC.
GC Responsibilities
A general contractor’s responsibilities span the entirety of a construction project, and they tend to be highly collaborative. For example, the GC will talk to the architect before construction starts to finalize the building’s design and hire a team of subcontractors trained to perform more specific construction tasks.
Throughout construction, the GC manages the budget and ensures that the project stays on schedule. As such, they must be detail-oriented and well-organized in order to perform their jobs well.
After building is complete, the general contractor’s tasks mainly come down to managerial responsibilities, like ensuring that all of the subcontractors receive their wages, sorting out payment problems, and managing paperwork. Once more, organization becomes a priority as the GC’s project comes to a close.
GCs vs Plumbers: Similarities and Differences
Whereas GCs work in the construction industry as a whole, plumbers specifically work on plumbing. While they may help with installing new plumbing as a building is created, they can also work on pre-existing buildings that have plumbing problems.
How to Become a Plumber
Similarly to GCs, plumbers begin their journey by obtaining their high school diploma or GED. Since plumbing is quite mathematical, plumbers must have a strong foundation in algebra and geometry to perform their jobs well.
The next step is to attend a trade school and/or complete an apprenticeship. Both options provide ample opportunities for learning more about the plumbing industry. Whereas colleges typically focus on teaching through lectures, these learning options are much more hands-on in their approaches. Plumbers-in-training may complete one or both of these options as they prepare to earn their plumbing license.
In order to obtain a plumbing license, one must pass a licensure exam. When a plumber-in-training passes, they become a journeyman plumber, allowing them to complete residential and commercial plumbing jobs independently. Their license must be renewed every three to five years.
An optional final step in the plumbing journey is to become a master plumber, which certifies them to hire other plumbers for their business. In some states, you can only become a master plumber after serving as a journeyman plumber for a set number of years.
Plumber Responsibilities
Plumbers take care of any and all residential and commercial plumbing needs. The following are among their responsibilities:
- Drain cleaning
- Plumbing inspection and repairs
- Sewer services
- Leak detection
- Water treatment
- And more!
Because plumbers are well-educated in installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, they can install piping in brand-new structures and fix plumbing in older buildings. As such, while plumbers can be involved in the construction process alongside a GC, not all of their jobs are construction-related.
Can a General Contractor Do Plumbing: The Answers You Need
That brings us back to the original question: can a general contractor do plumbing? The GC must explicitly have a plumbing license to provide professional plumbing services to clients. Instead, they must hire a plumber to take care of any and all plumbing installations and repairs. This ensures that the plumbing will be high-quality and efficient, given that the plumber has undergone years of education in their field.
Finding a Reliable Plumber
Now that we have answered the question of “can a general contractor do plumbing,” a new question emerges: how can you find a helpful, reliable plumber near you? Here are some ways to find the right person for the job:
- Count on Goodbee: Goodbee Plumbing and Drains is a plumbing company based out of Covington, LA. We pride ourselves on treating our clients with care while providing them with exceptional, versatile plumbing services. Not native to Covington? No problem! Check out our complete service area here.
- Ask Friends and Family: If you are outside of Louisiana, you may have to rely on a plumber other than Goodbee. If this is the case, ask your loved ones if they have any favorite plumbers in your area. They may be able to recommend a service that has worked for them in the past.
- Take on a DIY Project: If you’re still struggling with finding plumbers near you and your plumbing project is relatively small in scale, consider trying out a DIY approach. If you go down this route, make sure you do plenty of research in advance to avoid common DIY mistakes!
Goodbee: Plumbing Services You Can Always Depend On
Are you ready to hire a trustworthy plumber near you? Goodbee is set to buzz on over and provide you with the assistance you need! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us by calling 985-893-1883. We can’t wait to help you!