👷♂️ What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor (GC) oversees the entire construction process, from the initial plans and permits to the final inspection and walk-through.
Think of the GC as the conductor of an orchestra — coordinating architects, engineers, tradesmen, and inspectors to work in sync toward one finished structure.
A GC’s Core Responsibilities Include:
Pre-Construction Planning – reviewing architectural drawings, creating budgets, and setting timelines.
Hiring & Managing Subcontractors – selecting reliable crews for framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and finishes.
Scheduling & Coordination – ensuring every trade knows when and where to work.
Quality Control – making sure all work meets building codes and craftsmanship standards.
Safety & Compliance – maintaining a safe jobsite and adhering to OSHA and LADBS requirements.
At Nail & Hammer Construction Corp, our project management approach is designed to minimize downtime between trades and keep clients informed every step of the way.
🧾 Licensing, Insurance & Legal Requirements
Los Angeles has some of the strictest construction laws in the country, and for good reason — safety and accountability.
🪪 Licensing
Every general contractor operating in California must hold a valid Contractor State License Board (CSLB) license.
This ensures that your contractor has passed trade exams, carries insurance, and adheres to state standards.
Residential work typically falls under Class B (General Building Contractor).
Specialized trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are Class C licenses.
Before hiring any GC, you can verify their license at www.cslb.ca.gov.
🛡️ Insurance & Bonding
A reputable GC should carry:
General Liability Insurance – covers property damage and accidents.
Workers’ Compensation – protects laborers injured on-site.
Bonding – ensures financial accountability for incomplete or defective work.
Nail & Hammer Construction Corp maintains full insurance coverage and bonding for every project, protecting both the homeowner and the company from unexpected events.
🏛️ Permits
Los Angeles requires building permits for most forms of construction — from full remodels to minor electrical work.
A licensed general contractor handles:
Submitting architectural and structural plans to LADBS.
Tracking plan checks and correction notices.
Scheduling inspections for every phase: foundation, framing, rough systems, and final.
💬 We manage the entire permitting process so you never have to stand in a city office line or worry about paperwork delays.
🧱 Coordination Between Trades
Efficient construction depends on trade coordination — ensuring every specialist works in the right order, at the right time, with the right information.
Common Trades We Oversee:
Framing and Carpentry – the structural backbone of the build.
Electrical & Plumbing – rough-in and finish work for safe, functional systems.
HVAC – placement and duct design for comfort and efficiency.
Drywall, Paint & Finishes – interior craftsmanship that defines the look and feel.
Without a skilled GC orchestrating these teams, projects can stall or collide — for example, drywallers showing up before electrical rough-in is complete.
At Nail & Hammer, we use integrated scheduling tools and daily site reports to coordinate all trades seamlessly. This keeps jobs moving smoothly, prevents costly rework, and ensures inspections pass the first time.
🏡 From Planning to Completion
Here’s a simplified look at how Nail & Hammer Construction manages a project from start to finish:
Consultation & Planning – Define the vision, budget, and scope.
Design & Permits – Collaborate with architects and engineers to get city approvals.
Construction Phase – Manage site work, materials, and inspections.
Finishes & Quality Control – Oversee every detail before final walkthrough.
Final Sign-Off & Handover – Deliver a clean, compliant, move-in-ready project.
Each step is documented, tracked, and communicated — so clients always know what’s happening on their job site.
💬 Why Nail & Hammer Construction Corp?
As 5th-generation carpenters, we bring old-school craftsmanship and modern project management together under one roof.
We’ve built a reputation in Los Angeles for:
Transparent pricing and detailed estimates.
Strong relationships with licensed subs and inspectors.
Hands-on management from start to finish.
Quality that lasts for generations.
When you choose Nail & Hammer, you’re not just hiring a contractor — you’re partnering with a team that treats your project as if it were our own.
✅ Conclusion
A general contractor is more than just a builder — they’re the engine that drives your entire project.
From licensing and permits to coordinating dozens of trades, a skilled GC ensures your build stays on time, on budget, and up to code.
At Nail & Hammer Construction Corp, we’re proud to set the standard for professionalism and precision in Los Angeles construction.
📞 Call 424-800-3704 today to schedule a consultation and experience what true craftsmanship and coordination can do for your next project.
