What is the Difference Between a General Contractor and a Building Erector?

How to tell the difference between a General Contractor and a Steel Building Erector, and decide which one is right for your PEMB.

Decisions. Decisions. With all the factors to consider and decisions to be made, it’s no wonder most first-time Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) purchasers have so many questions!
When it comes to the success of your steel building project, choosing a General Contractor or Steel Building Erector (or both) is one of the most important decisions you will make.

One of the most common questions we receive from first-time buyers is “What is the difference between a General Contractor and a Steel Building Erector?” and “Which One Do I Hire?” These are both important questions because while they may appear similar, the role they play in your PEMB project is unique. This post will explain how to differentiate between a General Contractor and a Steel Building Erector and how to decide which one you’ll need for your Prefabricated Metal & Steel Buildings.

What does a General Contractor do?

A general contractor is typically responsible for the building project from start to finish. They typically apply for permits, and they are on-site for all inspections and a general overview of the project. Depending on the project, General Contractors often hire multiple contractors who specialize in specific areas to complete excavation, groundwork, plumbing, electrical, building erection, etc.

What is a Steel Building Erector?

Steel Building Erectors are highly skilled workers who specialize in installing all pre-fabricated components and elements of the metal building structure and insulation. They typically focus on concrete and erecting the metal building by following a plan created by an architect and/or engineer. 

Do I need a General Contractor or Building Erector?

It depends on the size and scope of your project and needs. If you have a commercial or industrial project and/or need help securing permits and overseeing subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, etc., we recommend hiring a General Contractor. If your building is a typical agricultural building or residential RV building, a skilled erector should be sufficient. If all the materials arrive at the job site prefabricated and ready-to-build, you probably only need an erector. If you are still unsure, ask us! 

Does PBS work with Erectors?

When it comes to PEMBs, there are advantages to working with experienced steel building manufacturers like PBS. Through the decades, we have built solid relationships with preferred erectors throughout the Pacific Northwest region, and we can provide recommendations or refer you to an experienced steel building contractor in your area.

Using one of our preferred erectors not only guarantees the best prices, but also guarantees that our customers have peace of mind knowing that the contractor already has a relationship with the team at PBS, so the building process is more likely to go smoothly. Choosing an erector in your area will allow you to talk to them about your county codes and regulations for the building, which will help you with the ease of permitting.

What if I want to choose my own contractor?

If there is a contractor you trust and want to work with, we’ll gladly work with them. Remember, the steel building erector you choose determines the success of your building, so do your due diligence! Your project deserves someone who is qualified and experienced with prefabricated steel buildings. 

Got more questions?

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and other information that you might find helpful. But, remember, we’re always a phone call away and are delighted to talk about our products or your specific project anytime.

Why Choose PBS Pre-Engineered Buildings?

Whether you’re starting from scratch with a metal building structure or adding metal roofing or metal siding to an existing structure, there are many advantages to working with a premier metal building component manufacturer like PBS. We go out of our way to assist our customers with every aspect of their building and offer technical support all the way from the planning phase to the final stages of each project.   

For over 50 years, we’ve provided high-quality, affordable steel building components to various industries, including the industrial, commercial, agricultural, aviation, government, and community sectors. When you purchase a pre-engineered building with PBS, you can relax knowing that you purchased the strongest building available in the industry. To learn more, contact one of our team members today.