The construction industry in Canada accounts for nearly 8% of the nation’s GDP. The sector employs over 1.4 million people nationwide.
With this many contractors available, it can often be challenging to find the right choice for your project. But there’s no need to fret over such a big number.
While finding a good fit for your project can seem daunting, it mostly comes down to knowing what type of contractor you require.
Read on to learn what a contractor does, and the different types of contractors used for residential, commercial and industrial projects.
What Does a Contractor Do?
First, we will look at what a contractor is. Put simply, a contractor is a business that coordinates and executes construction projects. This includes acquiring licenses, hiring construction staff, and managing every aspect of the process.
Contractors are often in charge of the entire construction site and will employ sub-contractors like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters to take on the tasks in which they lack expertise.
There is no one-size-fits-all contractor, though.
The Different Types of Contractors
Depending on the nature of your project, you will need to hire a specific type of contractor.
The four types of contractors covered in this guide are: general, commercial, industrial, and residential.
General Contractor
A general contractor is a contractor who has been hired directly by the client. They are the primary point of contact, and it is ultimately their responsibility to oversee the project.
They take a hands-on approach to work with you to achieve the results you require. Sometimes, a general contractor will employ subcontractors like roofers to complete specific tasks.
Commercial Contractor
Commercial contractors specialize in constructing buildings for businesses. This can include restaurants, retail stores, shopping malls, offices, and gyms.
Good commercial contractors will have teams and experts that can help you through the entire process and will be able to take you through the design of your project, before overseeing its construction.
Commercial contractors are experts in this field and the best choice for customer-facing businesses.
Industrial Contractor
Slightly different from a commercial contractor, an industrial contractor constructs any industrial buildings that businesses might need.
Think factories, warehouses, distribution centres—the lifeblood of a lot of businesses. Good industrial contractors will be able to take on projects across a multitude of industries.
If you are a business that specializes in industrial production or logistics, an industrial contractor would be the best choice for your project.
Residential Contractors
Residential contractors are businesses that specialize in the construction and maintenance of houses and apartment blocks.
Residential contractors may be hired privately by homeowners or by property developers looking for people to oversee their next big housing project.
Hire a Contractor in Southern Ontario
Now that you have a better understanding of the four different types of contractors in Canada, you will be ready to get started on your next project. You want a contractor who cares about your project and will treat it as if it were their own.
Ready to hire a contractor in Southern Ontario? Book an appointment with us to discuss your project and receive a quote.
