Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey

Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey

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As the saying goes, 'a stitch in time saves nine,' and this couldn't be truer when it comes to maintaining the infrastructure of your home or business. Surrey plumbing for home renovations Contacting them is straightforward and designed to fit your busy schedule. Learn more about Surrey Polybutylene Pipe Replacement Services here. By employing the latest techniques and technologies, they guarantee a quick and clean installation, ensuring your home's integrity is maintained. While addressing the specific issues with polybutylene pipes is critical, it's also important to consider the broader implications of aging plumbing in your home. Polybutylene plumbing replacement services Learn more about Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey here
An unexpected increase can indicate a leak. We ensure minimal disruption to your daily life and uphold the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Then, the skilled technicians get to work.
Understandably, you're seeking a balance between affordability and ensuring your home's plumbing system is reliable for years to come. Canyon Property Projects Ltd. has expanded its services to replace these problematic pipes, offering a proactive solution to the community. It's crucial to address this dilemma head-on by considering the replacement of your polybutylene pipes before they fail catastrophically.
Building on the glowing testimonials from our customers, you might've some questions about our polybutylene pipe replacement services. Taking action early can save you from costly repairs down the line, maintaining the integrity of your property. It's a situation that can sneak up on you, as the deterioration occurs from the inside out, making it hard to spot until it's too late.

This is to ensure we've identified all areas affected by polybutylene pipes. You'll then receive a clear, detailed quote that outlines the costs and timeline for your project. Plumbing system upgrades Surrey This can lead to sudden and severe water damage, affecting your home's structure and your personal belongings. You'll want to keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear.

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Stay with us to uncover the transformation journey of Canyon's clients and how this could be the game-changer your property needs.

You'll find these pipes mainly in the water supply lines, delivering water to your faucets, toilets, and other fixtures. It's shorter for smaller properties or when only a section of the piping needs replacing. Secondly, the presence of polybutylene pipes can significantly decrease your property's value. Such incidents not only endanger your family's safety by increasing the risk of mold growth and electrical fires but also can lead to costly emergency repairs.

Mineral build-up can't only block water flow but can also corrode your pipes from the inside out. It's also wise to discuss the project timeline and how disruptions to residents will be minimized. You own a home, you value your investment, and you strive to maintain its integrity. We'll keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring there are no surprises.

First off, your insurance company may not cover damages caused by polybutylene pipe failures if they've previously informed you about the risks and you've chosen not to replace them. This way, you're not left guessing about costs or scrambling to cover them. This includes a timeline, what materials we'll use, and the costs involved. Ignoring the signs that your pipes need replacement doesn't just risk your property; it also puts a strain on your wallet.

Citations and other links

Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey Residential Plumbing Solutions

These transformations showcase the value and efficiency of Canyon Property Projects Ltd.'s services, turning potential disasters into success stories for property managers and strata councils in Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey. This means setting up barriers around work zones to prevent accidental entry and making sure that all pathways are clear of debris and equipment. Surrey pipe repair contractors It also significantly reduces the risk of water damage from pipe failures, potentially saving you thousands in repair costs. Home equity loans or lines of credit offer lower interest rates, leveraging the equity you've built up in your property. Affordable pipe repairs Surrey

However, time has shown they're anything but reliable. Polybutylene pipes, once hailed as the future of plumbing, have become a homeowner's nightmare due to their high failure rate. Before the intervention, the building's maintenance costs were skyrocketing, and the value of the properties was on a steady decline.

This step is crucial to map out a precise strategy for the replacement work, ensuring every action is as efficient and non-intrusive as possible. If you've got more questions, don't hesitate to reach out. At Canyon Property Projects Ltd, we're committed to delivering a hassle-free, high-quality polybutylene pipe replacement service that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

In response to the community's growing concerns, Canyon Property Projects Ltd has launched a comprehensive polybutylene pipe replacement service tailored to meet your home's specific needs. They work quickly, but without cutting corners, ensuring the job is done right the first time. You're not just getting your pipes replaced; you're enhancing your property's value and residents' quality of life.



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Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey Industrial Polybutylene Pipe Replacement

Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey Industrial Polybutylene Pipe Replacement

You'll find that addressing the inherent issues of polybutylene pipes not only mitigates the risk of sudden, costly repairs but also elevates the overall value of the properties you manage. After you've decided to proceed, we'll set a date to begin the work. Our team works efficiently, ensuring that your daily routine is impacted as little as possible. Modern plumbing materials, such as PEX or copper, offer superior durability and safety, providing you with peace of mind knowing your home is safeguarded against the risks associated with polybutylene piping.
We're talking about a thorough examination to identify all polybutylene pipes and assess their condition. They're not just another plumbing service; they're specialists in an area that demands a high level of precision and understanding. After understanding the benefits of professional installation, it's crucial to consider how long the pipe replacement process might take for your Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey property.
However, it didn't take long for their dark side to surface. If you're living in a property with polybutylene pipes, you're likely facing an uphill battle with leaks and pipe failures. Choosing materials like PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) for your plumbing needs offers a durable, flexible, and less invasive alternative to traditional piping. Read more about Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey here
They conduct thorough inspections, identify potential risks, and craft tailored solutions that address your specific concerns. Surrey plumbing for old houses Once the replacement is complete, we'll conduct a final inspection to guarantee the integrity of the new piping. The culprit?

Polybutylene Pipe Replacement For Old Homes Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey

You're likely wondering why these pipes are such a headache. We recommend getting a detailed quote from us to understand the full scope of your project. However, there are a few telltale signs you can look out for. Before exploring how to address the issues with polybutylene, it's essential you understand what these pipes are and why they were so widely used. Surrey plumbing experts

Whether it's about preserving a particular area of your garden or a special request regarding the work hours, we're here to accommodate. You'll be kept in the loop, with regular updates on progress and any adjustments to the schedule. Financially, it's a smart move too. Affordable pipe replacement Surrey

Similarly, discolored water coming from your taps can suggest the pipes are corroding or breaking down, releasing material into your water supply. Another common question is, 'How do I know if my pipes are polybutylene?' Our skilled team can quickly identify polybutylene pipes during a preliminary inspection.

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Reaching out to Canyon Property Experts is your next step in ensuring a smooth polybutylene pipe replacement process.

It's also wise to keep an eye on water pressure. Their proactive approach in using durable materials guarantees a long-term solution, saving you time and money down the line. Since polybutylene pipes often fail internally, you mightn't see the problem until it's reflected in your costs.

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Polybutylene Pipe Replacement Cost Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey

Moreover, insurance companies often view properties with polybutylene piping as higher risk, which can lead to higher premiums for you or potential buyers.

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You mightn't even know there's a problem until the damage is done. Many strata councils and property managers face similar challenges, but there's a beacon of hope with Canyon Property Projects Ltd.'s specialized polybutylene pipe replacement services. Whether it's about the timing, the process, or how they'll manage potential issues, having a clear understanding will help set your mind at ease. With upgraded pipes, you'll experience consistent, strong water flow throughout your home. Surrey plumbing services

These pipes were once heralded as the future of plumbing, thanks to their low cost and easy installation. Polybutylene pipe upgrade While the prospect of undertaking such a project might seem daunting, understanding the process, from identifying the early signs of pipe failure to the long-term benefits of replacement, can make the decision easier. Don't wait for a leak to manifest; proactive checks by a professional can identify weak spots before they fail. Polybutylene pipe consultation Surrey With their focus on quality and efficiency, you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time.

Selecting the ideal material for your pipes is a critical step in the replacement process. Canyon Property Projects Ltd. understands the urgency and offers a comprehensive replacement service. We're professionals who respect your space, but it's always best to be prepared. It's evident that their expertise in polybutylene pipe replacement is making a tangible difference for strata councils and property managers across Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey.

It's not just about avoiding leaks; it's about investing in a system that's designed to last, reducing the need for future replacements and minimizing waste. Expect minimal disruption to your daily life; we're efficient and tidy. Stay with us to uncover how preparing your home for this essential service can protect your property investment and ensure a safer living environment. Surrey pipe overhaul services This code is a dead giveaway that you're dealing with polybutylene.

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Polybutylene Pipe Replacement Specialists Near Me

When you opt for a comprehensive polybutylene pipe replacement service, like the one Canyon Property Projects Ltd offers, you're not just fixing a current issue; you're investing in the longevity and safety of your home or business. Spotting these signs early and consulting with experts like Canyon Property Projects Ltd. for polybutylene pipe replacement can protect your home from extensive damage and save you money in the long run. During this meeting, we'll discuss the findings from the initial assessment and explore the most effective replacement solutions tailored to your property's specific needs. Reduced water pressure can also hint at an underlying issue, suggesting a leak or a break in your pipes that's not yet visible. Surrey home plumbing services Surrey pipe insulation
Over time, they're prone to degrade when exposed to chlorine, a common chemical used to treat public water supplies. By ensuring that your property is free from known issues like polybutylene piping, you're not just solving a problem-you're enhancing the overall desirability and competitiveness of your property in Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey's dynamic real estate market. Identifying the vulnerabilities in your home's piping system is the first step towards safeguarding your property from water damage.
You're in luck if you're located here because Canyon Property Projects Ltd. has got you covered. On the legal side, selling your property without disclosing the presence of polybutylene piping could land you in hot water. Decreased water pressure, discolored water, or visible leaks are telltale indicators that your polybutylene pipes are failing.
You'll need to account for the time your water supply will be off, which could impact your daily routines. These issues not only compromise the integrity of your home's plumbing system but can also lead to significant water damage and the subsequent financial strain. Our team will also lay down protective sheeting on your floors and pathways, safeguarding them against scratches and spills during the replacement process.

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Explore Polybutylene Plumbing Services Surrey here
Polybutylene Pipe Replacement Specialists Near Me
Polybutylene
Names
Other names
polybutene-1, poly(1-butene), PB-1
Identifiers
ChemSpider
  • none
ECHA InfoCard 100.111.056 Edit this at Wikidata
Properties
(C4H8)n
Density 0.95 g/cm3[1]
Melting point 135 °C (275 °F; 408 K)[1]
Related compounds
Related compounds
1-butene (monomer)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
☒N verify (what is checkY☒N ?)

Polybutylene (polybutene-1, poly(1-butene), PB-1) is a polyolefin or saturated polymer with the chemical formula (CH2CH(Et))n. Not be confused with polybutene, PB-1 is mainly used in piping.[2]

Production

[edit]

Polybutylene is produced by polymerisation of 1-butene using supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts.

Catalysts

[edit]

Isotactic PB-1 is produced commercially using two types of heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalysts.[3] The first type of catalyst contains two components, a solid pre-catalyst, the δ-crystalline form of TiCl3, and solution of an organoaluminum cocatalyst, such as Al(C2H5)3. The second type of pre-catalyst is supported. The active ingredient in the catalyst is TiCl4 and the support is microcrystalline MgCl2. These catalysts also contain special modifiers, organic compounds belonging to the classes of esters or ethers. The pre-catalysts are activated by combinations of organoaluminum compounds and other types of organic or organometallic modifiers. Two most important technological advantages of the supported catalysts are high productivity and a high fraction of the crystalline isotactic polymer they produce at 70–80 °C under standard polymerization conditions.[4][5][6]

Characteristics

[edit]

PB-1 is a high molecular weight, linear, isotactic, and semi-crystalline polymer. PB-1 combines typical characteristics of conventional polyolefins with certain properties of technical polymers.

PB-1, when applied as a pure or reinforced resin, can replace materials like metal, rubber and engineering polymers. It is also used synergistically as a blend element to modify the characteristics of other polyolefins like polypropylene and polyethylene. Because of its specific properties it is mainly used in pressure piping, flexible packaging, water heaters, compounding and hot melt adhesives.

Heated up to 190 °C and above, PB-1 can easily be compression moulded, injection moulded, blown to hollow parts, extruded, and welded. It does not tend to crack due to stress.[dubiousdiscuss] Because of its crystalline structure and high molecular weight, PB-1 has good resistance to hydrostatic pressure, showing very low creep even at elevated temperatures.[7] It is flexible, resists impact well and has good elastic recovery.[3][8]

Isotactic polybutylene crystallizes in three different forms. Crystallization from solution yields form-III with the melting point of 106.5 °C. Cooling from the melt results in the form II which has melting point of 124 °C and density of 0.89 g/cm3. At room temperature, it spontaneously converts into the form-I with the melting point of 135 °C and density of 0.95 g/cm3.[1]

PB-1 generally resists chemicals such as detergents, oils, fats, acids, bases, alcohol, ketones, aliphatic hydrocarbons and hot polar solutions (including water).[3] It shows lower resistance to aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons as well as oxidising acids than other polymers such as polysulfone and polyamide 6/6.[7] Additional features include excellent wet abrasion resistance, easy melt flowability (shear thinning), and good dispersion of fillers. It is compatible with polypropylene, ethylene propylene rubbers, and thermoplastic elastomers.

Some properties:[7]

Application areas

[edit]

Piping systems

[edit]

The main use of PB-1 is in flexible pressure piping systems for hot and cold drinking water distribution, pre-insulated district heating networks and surface heating and cooling systems. ISO 15876 defines the performance requirements of PB-1 piping systems.[9] PB-1's most notable characteristics are weldability, temperature resistance, flexibility and high hydrostatic pressure resistance. The material can be classified PB 125 with a minimum required strength (MRS) of 12.5 MPa. Other features include low noise transmission, low linear thermal expansion, no corrosion and calcification.

PB-1 piping systems are no longer being sold in North America (see "Class action lawsuits and removal from building code approved usage", below). The overall market share in Europe and Asia is rather small but PB-1 piping systems have shown a steady growth in recent years. In certain domestic markets, e.g. Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Korea and Spain, PB-1 piping systems have a strong position.[8]

Plastic packaging

[edit]

Several PB-1 grades are commercially available for various applications and conversion technologies (blown film, cast film, extrusion coating). There are two main fields of application:

  • Peelable easy-to-open packaging where PB-1 is used as blend component predominantly in polyethylene to tailor peel strength and peel quality, mainly in alimentary consumer packaging and medical packaging.
  • Lowering seal initiation temperature (SIT) of high speed packaging polypropylene based films. Blending PB-1 into polypropylene, heat sealing temperatures as low as 65 °C can be achieved, maintaining a broad sealing window and good optical film properties.

Hot melt adhesives

[edit]

PB-1 is compatible with a wide range of tackifier resins. It offers high cohesive and adhesive strength and helps tailoring the "open time" of the adhesive (up to 30 minutes) because of its slow crystallisation kinetics. It improves the thermal stability and the viscosity of the adhesive.[10]

Compounding and masterbatches

[edit]

PB-1 accepts very high filler loadings in excess of 70%. In combination with its low melting point it can be employed in halogen-free flame retardant composites or as masterbatch carrier for thermo-sensitive pigments. PB-1 disperses easily in other polyolefins, and at low concentration, acts as processing aid reducing torque and/or increasing throughput.

Thermal insulation

[edit]

PB-1 can be foamed.[11] The use of PB-1 foam as thermal insulation is of great advantage for district heating pipes, since the number of materials in the sandwich structure is reduced to one, facilitating its recycling.[12]

Other applications

[edit]

Other applications include domestic water heaters, electrical insulation, compression packaging, wire and cable, shoe soles, and polyolefin modification (thermal bonding, enhancing softness and flexibility of rigid compounds, increasing temperature resistance and compression set of soft compounds).

Environmental longevity

[edit]

Plumbing and heating systems made from PB-1 have been used in Europe and Asia for more than 30 years. First reference projects in district heating and floor heating systems in Germany and Austria from the early 1970s are still in operation today.[8]

One example is the installation of PB-1 pipes in the Vienna Geothermal Project (1974) where aggressive geothermal water is distributed at a service temperature of 54 °C and 10 bar pressure. Other pipe materials in the same installation failed or corroded and had been replaced in the meantime.[8]

International standards set minimum performance requirements for pipes made from PB-1 used in hot water applications. Standardized extrapolation methods predict lifetimes in excess of 50 years at 70 °C and 10 bar.[8]

Class action lawsuits and removal from building code approved usage

[edit]

Polybutylene plumbing was used in several million homes built in the United States from around 1978 to 1997. Problems with leaks and broken pipes led to a class action lawsuit, Cox v. Shell Oil, that was settled for $1 billion.[13][14] The leaks were associated with degradation of polybutylene exposed to chlorinated water.[15]

Polybutylene water pipes are no longer accepted by the United States building codes and have been the subject[16] of class action lawsuits in both Canada and the U.S.[17][18] The National Plumbing Code of Canada 1995 listed polybutylene piping as acceptable for use with the exception of recirculation plumbing. The piping was removed from the acceptable for use list in the 2005 issue of the standard.[19]

In Australia in March 2023, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety reported that Australian homes built in 2019-2020 that had used a certain brand of polybutylene piping, had become the subject of an enquiry due to the significance of water leaks reported.[20][21]

There is evidence to suggest that the presence of chlorine and chloramine compounds in municipal water (often deliberately added to retard bacterial growth) will cause deterioration of the internal chemical structure of polybutylene piping and the associated acetal fittings.[22] The reaction with chlorinated water appears to be greatly accelerated by tensile stress, and is most often observed in material under highest mechanical stress such as at fittings, sharp bends, and kinks. Localized stress whitening of the material generally accompanies and precedes decomposition of the polymer. In extreme cases, this stress-activated chemical "corrosion" can lead to perforation and leakage within a few years, but it also may not fail for decades. Fittings with a soft compression seal can give adequate service life.[further explanation needed]

Because the chemical reaction of the water with the pipe occurs inside the pipe, it is often difficult to assess the extent of deterioration. The problem can cause both slow leaks and pipe bursting without any previous warning indication. The only long-term solution is to completely replace the polybutylene plumbing throughout the entire building.[23]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Mark Alger, Mark S. M. Alger (1997). Polymer science dictionary. Springer. p. 398. ISBN 978-0-412-60870-4.
  2. ^ Whiteley, Kenneth S.; Heggs, T. Geoffrey; Koch, Hartmut; Mawer, Ralph L.; Immel, Wolfgang (2000). "Polyolefins". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a21_487. ISBN 978-3527306732.
  3. ^ a b c d Charles A. Harper (2006). Handbook of plastics technologies: the complete guide to properties and performance. McGraw-Hill Professional. p. 17. ISBN 978-0-07-146068-2.
  4. ^ Hwo, Charles C.; Watkins, Larry K. Laminated film with improved tear strength, European Patent Application EP0459742, Publication date 12/04/1991
  5. ^ Boo-Deuk Kim et al. (2008) U.S. patent 7,442,489
  6. ^ Shimizu, Akihiko; Itakura, Keisuke; Otsu, Takayuki; Imoto, Minoru (1969). "Monomer-isomerization polymerization. VI. Isomerizations of butene-2 with TiCl3 or Al(C2H5)3–TiCl3 catalyst". Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry. 7 (11): 3119. Bibcode:1969JPoSA...7.3119S. doi:10.1002/pol.1969.150071108.
  7. ^ a b c d Freeman, Andrew; Mantell, Susan C.; Davidson, Jane H. (2005). "Mechanical performance of polysulfone, polybutylene, and polyamide 6/6 in hot chlorinated water". Solar Energy. 79 (6): 624–37. Bibcode:2005SoEn...79..624F. doi:10.1016/j.solener.2005.07.003.
  8. ^ a b c d e Polybutylene Archived November 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ ISO 15876-1:2003 iso.org
  10. ^ T.E. Rolando (1998). Solvent-Free Adhesives. iSmithers Rapra. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-85957-133-0.
  11. ^ Doyle, Lucía (2022-03-20). "Extrusion foaming behavior of polybutene-1. Toward single-material multifunctional sandwich structures". Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 139 (12). doi:10.1002/app.51816. ISSN 0021-8995.
  12. ^ Doyle Gutierrez, Lucia (2022-12-02). A Circular Economy Approach to Multifunctional Sandwich Structures: Polymeric Foams for District Heating Pre-Insulated Pipes (Thesis thesis). HafenCity Universität Hamburg. doi:10.34712/142.35.
  13. ^ Hensler, Deborah R.; Pace, Nicholas M.; Dombey-Moore, Bonita; Giddens, Beth; Gross, Jennifer; Moller, Erik K. (2000). "Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes Litigation: Cox v. Shell Oil". In Hensler, Deborah R. (ed.). Class action dilemmas: pursuing public goals for private gain. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Institute for Civil Justice. pp. 375–98. ISBN 978-0-8330-2601-9.
  14. ^ Schneider, Martin (November 21, 1999). "Pipe problem getting fixed". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
  15. ^ Vibien, P.; Couch, J.; Oliphant, K.; Zhou, W.; Zhang, B.; Chudnovsky, A. (2001). "Assessing material performance in chlorinated potable water applications" (PDF). Book Institute of Materials. 759: 863–72. ISSN 1366-5510. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-06-22. Retrieved 2010-07-30. also published as: Vibien, P.; Couch, J.; Oliphant, K.; Zhou, W.; Zhang, B.; Chudnovsky, A. (2001). "Chlorine resistance testing of cross-linked polyethylene piping materials". ANTEC 2001 Proceedings. Boca Raton: CRC Press. pp. 2833–9. ISBN 978-1-58716-098-1.
  16. ^ Pipe dream is nightmare for many, Miami Herald - September 12, 1993
  17. ^ "DuPont USA Settlement of the Canadian Class Action Lawsuits". Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-10-01.
  18. ^ Polybutylene Plumbing Pipe Leak Relief
  19. ^ "Polybutylene (Poly-B) Pressure Water Piping" (PDF). municipalaffairs.alberta.ca. Government of Alberta. 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
  20. ^ "Information for owners of new homes with polybutylene plumbing pipes" (PDF). commerce.wa.gov.au. March 21, 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  21. ^ Batajtis, Damian (27 March 2023). "Comprehensive Guide to polybutylene Piping Issues and Solutions in Australia". Wizard Leak Detection. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  22. ^ Cause of failure in polybutylene pipe & acetal fittings http://www.polybutylene.com/poly.html
  23. ^ "Polybutylene Piping". PropEx.com. Archived from the original on 2015-08-29. Retrieved 2015-07-17.

Further reading

[edit]

A contractor[1][2] (North American English) or builder (British English),[3][4] is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and the communication of information to all involved parties throughout the course of a building project.[5]

In the United States, a contractor may be a sole proprietor managing a project and performing labor or carpentry work, have a small staff, or may be a very large company managing billion dollar projects. Some builders build new homes, some are remodelers, some are developers.[6]

Description

[edit]

A general contractor is a construction manager employed by a client, usually upon the advice of the project's architect or engineer.[7] General Contractors are mainly responsible for the overall coordination of a project and may also act as building designer and construction foreman (a tradesman in charge of a crew).

A general contractor must first assess the project-specific documents (referred to as a bid, proposal, or tender documents). In the case of renovations, a site visit is required to get a better understanding of the project. Depending on the project delivery method, the general contractor will submit a fixed price proposal or bid, cost-plus price or an estimate. The general contractor considers the cost of home office overhead, general conditions, materials, and equipment, as well as the cost of labor, to provide the owner with a price for the project.

Contract documents may include drawings, project manuals (including general, supplementary, or special conditions and specifications), and addendum or modifications issued prior to proposal/bidding and prepared by a design professional, such as an architect.The general contractor may also assume the role of construction manager, responsible for overseeing the project while assuming financial and legal risks.There are several types of risks can occur include cost overruns, delays, and liabilities related to safety or contract breaches.

Prior to formal appointment, the selected general contractor to whom a client proposes to award a contract is often referred to as a "preferred contractor".[8]

Responsibilities

[edit]

A general contractor is responsible for providing all of the material, labor, equipment (such as heavy equipment and tools) and services necessary for the construction of the project. A general contractor often hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or portions of the construction work. When using subcontractors, the general contractor is responsible for overseeing the quality of all work performed by any and all of the workers and subcontractors.

It is a best practice for general contractors to prioritize safety on the job site, and they are generally responsible for ensuring that work takes place following safe practices.

A general contractor's responsibilities may include applying for building permits, advising the person they are hired by, securing the property, providing temporary utilities on site, managing personnel on site, providing site surveying and engineering, disposing or recycling of construction waste, monitoring schedules and cash flows, and maintaining accurate records.[9]

The general contractor may be responsible for some part of the design, referred to as the "contractor's design portion" (JCT terminology).[10]

United Kingdom, Commonwealth and Australia usage

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In the United Kingdom, Australia and some British Commonwealth countries, the term 'general contractor' was gradually superseded by builders during the early twentieth century.[citation needed] This was the term used by major professional, trade, and consumer organizations when issuing contracts for construction work, and thus the term 'general contractor' fell out of use except in large organizations where the main contractor is the top manager and a general contractor shares responsibilities with professional contractors.

General contractors who conduct work for government agencies are often referred to as "builders". This term is also used in contexts where the customer's immediate general contractor is permitted to sub-contract or circumstances are likely to involve sub-contracting to specialist operators e.g. in various public services.

United States and Asia usage

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In the United States and Asia, the terms general contractor (or simply "contractor"), prime contractor and main contractor are often interchangeable when referring to small local companies that perform residential work. These companies are represented by trade organizations such as the NAHB.[11]

Prime contractor

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Prime contractor is a term defined in the US law.[12][13] Statutory definitions of prime contract, prime contractor, subcontract, and subcontractor are in 41 U.S.C. § 8701.[14] The prime contractor term was already defined before the 8 March 1946 passage of An Act To eliminate the practice by subcontractors, under cost-plus-a-fixed-fee or cost reimbursable contacts of the United States, of paying fees or kick-backs, or of granting gifts or gratuities to employees of a cost-plus-a-fixed-fee or cost reimbursable prime contractors or of higher tier subcontractors for the purpose of securing the award of subcontracts or orders. (Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States) 79–319, 60 Stat. 37)

Licensing requirements

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Licensing requirements to work legally on construction projects vary from locale to locale. In the United States, there are no federal licensing requirements to become a general contractor, but most US states require general contractors to obtain a local license to operate. It is the states' responsibility to define these requirements: for example, in the state of California, the requirements are stated as follows:

With a few exceptions, all businesses or individuals who work on any building, highway, road, parking facility, railroad, excavation, or other structure in California must be licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) if the total cost of one or more contracts on the project is $500 or more.

In every state that requires a license, a surety bond is required as part of the licensing process, with the exception of Louisiana, where bonding requirements may vary in different parishes. Not all states require General Contractor licenses - these include Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, among others.

Licensing qualifications

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Some general contractors obtain bachelor's degrees in construction science, building science, surveying, construction safety, or other disciplines.

General Contractors often learn about different aspects of construction, including masonry, carpentry, framing, and plumbing. Aspiring general contractors communicate with subcontractors and may learn the management skills they need to run their own company.

Experience in the construction industry as well as references from customers, business partners, or former employers are demanded. Some jurisdictions require candidates to provide proof of financing to own their own general contracting firm.

General Contractors often run their own business. They hire subcontractors to complete specialized construction work and may manage a team of plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, carpenters, iron workers, technicians, handymans, architects and roofers. General Contractors build their business by networking with potential clients, buying basic construction tools, and ensuring that their subcontractors complete high-quality work. General Contractors do not usually complete much construction work themselves, but they need to be familiar with construction techniques so they can manage workers effectively. Other reasons include access to specialist skills, flexible hiring and firing, and lower costs.

General contractor example

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A property owner or real estate developer develops a program of their needs and selects a site (often with an architect). The architect assembles a design team of consulting engineers and other experts to design the building and specify the building systems. Today contractors frequently participate on the design team by providing pre-design services such as providing estimations of the budget and scheduling requirements to improve the economy of the project. In other cases, the general contractor is hired at the close of the design phase. The owner, architect, and general contractor work closely together to meet deadlines and budget. The general contractor works with subcontractors to ensure quality standards; subcontractors specialise in areas such as electrical wiring, plumbing, masonry, etc.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Davies, Nikolas, and Erkki Jokiniemi. Architect's illustrated pocket dictionary. Oxford: Architectural Press, 2011. 289. Print.
  2. ^ "Collins Dictionary".
  3. ^ "Merriam-Webster".
  4. ^ "Builder vs. Construction Manager".
  5. ^ Hendrickson, Chris. & Au, Tung (2000), The Design and Construction Process. Project Management for Construction: Fundamental Concepts for Owners, Engineers, Architects and Builders, chapter 3
  6. ^ "What's the difference between a developer and a builder?". Chicago Tribune. 2005-01-23. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  7. ^ Shekhar, R. K. (2005), Academic Dictionary of Architecture, Delhi: Isha Books, 69
  8. ^ Law Insider Inc., Preferred Contractor(s definition [sic], accessed 21 March 2023
  9. ^ Allen, Edward, & Iano Joseph (2009). Fundamentals of Building Construction Materials and Methods. 5th ed. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.
  10. ^ Joint Contracts Tribunal, Intermediate Building Contract with contractor’s design (ICD), current edition 2019, accessed 7 July 2021
  11. ^ "About NAHB". www.nahb.org. Retrieved 2023-07-18.
  12. ^ Nicastro 2023, p. 1.
  13. ^ Carril & Duggan 2020.
  14. ^ Nicastro 2023, p. 1, Note 5.

Sources

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