What Does A Commercial General Contractor Do?

When you’re planning a new commercial building or renovation project, one of the first decisions you’ll make is who’s going to manage it. That’s where a commercial general contractor comes in. But what exactly do they do—and why are they so critical to your project’s success?

At Fajardo Design & Construction, we’ve served Waco, Texas and the surrounding region with full-service general contracting for years. From retail centers to office buildings and industrial spaces, we bring together skilled trades, strong project management, and clear communication to deliver results—on time and on budget.

Let’s break down what a commercial general contractor really does and how we add value to your vision.

1. Project Planning & Pre-Construction

Before any equipment hits the site, your general contractor is hard at work behind the scenes. In the pre-construction phase, we help you:

• Evaluate the scope of work

• Develop accurate cost estimates

• Establish a project schedule

• Identify permitting and zoning requirements

• Coordinate with architects and engineers

We act as your advisor from day one, helping you make informed decisions that balance budget, functionality, and long-term performance. Getting this phase right is key to preventing delays and surprises later on.

2. Hiring & Managing Subcontractors

Commercial construction requires a wide range of skilled professionals—electricians, plumbers, framers, HVAC techs, masons, painters, and more. As your general contractor, we:

• Hire the right subcontractors for each trade

• Negotiate fair contracts

• Schedule their work in proper sequence

• Ensure quality and code compliance

• Keep them accountable to timelines and safety standards

Without this coordination, even a simple job can spiral into chaos. Our role is to keep all moving parts working together smoothly.

3. Permitting & Code Compliance

Every commercial project must meet strict local building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards. In Waco and throughout Central Texas, those rules can be complex—but it’s our job to navigate them.We handle:

• Permit applications and approvals

• Site inspections and documentation

• ADA and fire code compliance

• Environmental and stormwater requirements

Our experience with regional inspectors and regulatory agencies means fewer headaches and smoother approvals for you.

4. Budget & Schedule Oversight

Keeping your project on time and within budget is one of our top priorities. We continuously monitor labor, materials, and progress to identify risks early and avoid delays.A good general contractor will:

• Track expenses against the approved budget

• Provide transparent billing and change orders

• Adjust the project schedule when necessary

• Communicate clearly with you throughout the process

At Fajardo Design & Construction, we believe in proactive problem-solving and honest reporting every step of the way.

5. Site Supervision & Quality Control

During construction, we’re on-site making sure everything is built to spec. Our superintendents and project managers oversee daily operations, enforce safety protocols, and verify that workmanship meets our high standards.From foundation to final punch list, we inspect every phase of the build and work closely with you to make sure your vision is fully realized.

Final Thoughts

A commercial general contractor wears many hats—project manager, hiring coordinator, permit expert, quality inspector, and client advocate. If you want your commercial build to go smoothly, stay on budget, and meet all code requirements, hiring the right general contractor is key.

At Fajardo Design & Construction, we combine construction expertise with clear communication and local knowledge to deliver results that last. Ready to bring your commercial project to life in Waco, Texas? Contact us today for a consultation—and let’s build something great together.