<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><rss xmlns:atom='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' version='2.0'><channel><atom:id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849226323165829737</atom:id><lastBuildDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:05:52 +0000</lastBuildDate><title>Weekly Tips from Trotter's General Contractors</title><description></description><link>http://trottersgci.com/WeeklyTips/</link><managingEditor>noreply@blogger.com (Carey Trotter)</managingEditor><generator>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>1</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7849226323165829737.post-6842808545289366429</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:26:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2008-08-27T14:28:24.169-07:00</atom:updated><title>Why Do I need a General Contractor?</title><description>There are a number of reasons why it is important to use a General Contractor for a construction project.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Permitting&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A General Contractor can coordinate with Architects, Engineers, Local and State Agencies to obtain the necessary permits required for most construction projects.  If a contractor offers to perform work without a permit, be skeptical!  A reputable contractor would not be willing to jeopardize their license by performing work that requires a building permit without one.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Multiple Trade Coordination&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If more than one trade (e.g. carpenters, plumbers and electricians) is involved in a project, a General Contractor is responsible for the coordination of the various trades.  It is important that the phases of a project are scheduled properly.  A good General Contractor views the project as a whole, and schedules and coordinates the subcontractors in a way that maximizes efficiency and prevents conflict.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Knowledge of Building Codes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Building codes were established to ensure that work done by contractors and subcontractors is done properly.  In our region, susceptibility to tropical storms and hurricanes makes this especially important.  Improper use of materials or improper installation can result in disaster!  Although no one can guarantee to protect against “Acts of God”, a good General Contractor is knowledgeable of Federal, State and Local codes, ensuring that your project is completed with the highest standards of quality and safety.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;Peace of Mind&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Going through a renovation, addition or building of a home or business does not have to be a painful process!  A good General Contractor provides you with not only a quality job, but also strives to make the experience as pleasant as possible for the client.  By being considerate to the needs of the client, hiring professional and friendly subcontractors and staff, providing adequate communication with the client, and keeping the jobsite clean and safe, a good General Contractor can ensure that once a project has been completed, the client has gained not only the quality of work they deserve, but an overall feeling of satisfaction with the process.</description><link>http://trottersgci.com/WeeklyTips/2008/08/why-do-i-need-general-contractor.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Carey Trotter)</author></item></channel></rss>