Why Local Contractors Make All the Difference
When it comes to residential or commercial construction projects, a general contractor serves as a liaison between the property owner and all of the other parties executing the plan. General contractors manage the entire process from start to finish, making sure materials arrive, vendors and subcontractors are held accountable and paid, and the project stays on time and on budget. In addition to being familiar with local regulations and challenges, a local general contractor will also be licensed and insured with established relationships within the industry and available for more frequent communication, helping your project run more smoothly.
Building in Oklahoma can be interesting, to say the least. The weather can be unpredictable and severe, with dramatic fluctuations in temperature and temperament; landscapes and terrain can present unusual challenges; and building codes can vary drastically by counties, cities, and even neighborhoods. When you’re ready to start your next building project, choosing the right general contractor can make all the difference. Going with a local general contractor in particular can help ensure the building process is streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective while producing better, more durable results.
With nearly 100+ years of combined experience in the Oklahoma construction and restoration industry, Phoenix Construction has become a trusted name in the community for full-service general contracting. We’ve developed partnerships with some of the most reputable companies and vendors in the business, and we have an extensive, in-depth understanding of what it takes to build things right in Oklahoma. From residential remodels to large-scale commercial projects, our team of local project managers and general contractors can help ensure your next project is a successful one.
Understanding the Role of a General Contractor
From home remodeling to large construction projects, a general contractor is essential for managing all aspects of the build process and making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. They handle a wide range of tasks, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, sourcing materials, and coordinating schedules. Essentially, they act as a manager, overseeing every detail to keep the project on track and within budget.
General contractors are also responsible for securing any needed permits and confirming that all work complies with local building codes and regulations. Their expertise can help prevent costly mistakes and deliver high-quality work. Additionally, contractors serve as the main contact for homeowners, providing updates throughout the construction process and addressing any concerns that may arise.
4 Benefits of Choosing a Local General Contractor
When looking for a contractor to help with your next home renovation or restoration project, who you choose may have a bigger impact on the final outcome than you think. A general contractor who is local to your area will have an understanding of local regulations and weather conditions—more so than a company from out of the state or region.
Here are 4 benefits of choosing a general contractor with local ties.
- Personalized Service
Local contractors are deeply invested in their communities and are focused on building long-term relationships with clients. They will take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences and care about the outcome as much as you do. After all, your project will be a reflection of the quality of their service, and a local contractor will want to earn your trust and recommendation to others.
- Knowledge of Local Regulations
Navigating local building codes and regulations can be complex and can vary even from one community to the next. Local contractors are familiar with these rules and have experience working with the local building inspectors, understanding the different requirements, and making sure your project complies. This deep knowledge of the local permitting process helps streamline a project and avoid delays or mistakes that result in rework and additional expenses.
- Local Network of Subcontractors and Suppliers
A local contractor has established relationships with reliable area subcontractors and suppliers. They know where to source high-quality talent and materials. Additionally, sourcing materials locally can be quicker and more cost-effective, keeping your project on schedule and within budget.
- Support for the Local Economy
Working with a local general contractor also supports the local economy. By staying local, you help keep money within the community, support local jobs, and contribute to the overall strength of Oklahoma’s economy. This impact can be far-reaching, considering the various skilled subcontractors and tradespeople, materials, suppliers, and vendors needed for even the most basic restoration or construction project. After damaging weather, this becomes even more important, helping communities recover more quickly beyond just the physical repairs.
Why You Need a Local Contractor in Oklahoma
Building in Oklahoma comes with nuances, idiosyncrasies, and unexpected challenges that an outside general contractor may not be familiar with or know how to handle. Local general contractors, however, have extensive experience and expertise in handling building considerations unique to Oklahoma, such as:
Foundation types. Because of the cost of installation in hard, poorly-draining clay soil, very few homes in Oklahoma have basements, and because there is a low risk and frequency of freezing in the winter, foundations do not have to be dug or poured as deeply. The result is usually slab foundations on gravel to help with water flow and retention and prevent costly foundation problems in the future.
Construction costs. Costs for new construction can vary widely in Oklahoma, depending on an array of factors from property type and square footage to location. A local general contractor can help make sure you’re getting the most for your money when it comes to material and building costs.
Permits and building codes. Permit requirements and building codes will also differ according to the location of your construction. Some buildings may be required to have storm shelters, while others must have automatic sprinkler systems. Although general contractors are not currently required to have a state license in Oklahoma, many of the most trusted and reputable ones do, and in some cities like Oklahoma City, contractors must be licensed in the state and registered with the city to get permits for electrical, plumbing, and other systems.
Weather. General contractors local to Oklahoma will also have a good understanding of the extreme weather conditions your construction project will need to withstand, including strong winds, hail, and tornadoes. Moreover, they can provide trust and reliability following severe weather events, which are very common in Oklahoma.
Unfortunately, when widespread damage from weather occurs in Oklahoma, out-of-state contractors flock to the area looking for work and often take advantage of homeowners during these difficult times. With too-good-to-be-true prices or outright price gouging, they often don’t finish the job, perform shoddy work, or simply take your money and walk away.
Local contractors like Phoenix Construction are a part of the Oklahoma community and will be there before, during, and after the storm to provide reliable service and support. Their ongoing presence in the area guarantees that they are properly licensed, will follow all the local rules and regulations, and will be available to address any issues or concerns that arise.
Phoenix Construction: Your Local Choice for General Contracting in Oklahoma
At Phoenix Construction, we bring to your project a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from more than 100 combined years of helping our fellow Oklahomans. Our team of local professionals is licensed, bonded, and insured, with decades of industry insights and know-how. We can plan, execute, supervise, and complete new builds, renovations, and restorations of any size, and we understand the challenges and nuances specific to construction in the Sooner State. Moreover, our innovative building techniques and high-quality materials will give you the confidence and peace of mind that comes with a beautiful home project you’ll love for years to come.
After nearly three decades in Oklahoma, Phoenix Construction has established the strong supplier and subcontractor relationships necessary to get your job done right, on time and under budget. Our team of professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional results, with on-site project managers and a web-based project management tool you can access 24/7 to track deadlines, maintain communications, and avoid cost overruns. We’ve been a BBB-accredited business for over a decade, and we work hard to protect our reputation, whether it’s with our to-the-penny estimates, our 2-year warranty, or our 100% quality guarantee.
Find out the difference a local general contractor can make on your next residential or commercial construction project and schedule a consultation with Phoenix Construction today.
