General Contracting That Keeps Your Project Moving
When your project has a lot riding on it, you need more than someone to manage the build. You need a team that can coordinate every moving part, keep communication clear, and deliver without unnecessary delays.
At Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction, we provide general contracting services built around control, accountability, and results. From subcontractor coordination to site supervision and schedule management, we keep your project on track and your goals front and centre.
With decades of experience across Alberta, SWMW brings the leadership and hands-on oversight needed to get the job done right.
What We Do
While not an exhaustive list, here is an overview of the tasks we take on as design-build general contractors at SWMW.
Day-to-day operation management
The main role of a general contractor is to oversee the day-to-day operations at the job site or building in question, with a focus on keeping the project moving and addressing any delays that may arise. A general contractor may employ a project manager or superintendent to perform this function.
This function requires exemplary project management skills.
Hire and coordinate subcontractors and trade individuals
A general contractor will almost always hire subcontractors for different facets of the building project. Some examples are painting subcontractors, roofing tradesmen, or plumbing experts. Most general contractors won’t have the staff to complete the entire job, and instead, focus their efforts and expertise on day-to-day project management.
A general contractor will also liaise with the project owner and all subcontractors to ensure communication remains smooth and any issues or concerns are addressed promptly.
Oversees the budget and project scope timeline
As outlined in our pre-construction services page, Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction can help determine the rough project scope, timeline, and budget in the pre-construction phase of the project.
Once the project moves into the final planning stages, we ensure that these project facets are finalized and adhered to throughout all phases of the build, always striving to provide high value to the client – even if the budget needs strategic adjustments.
Depending on the project, a general contracting team will conduct regular check-ins to ensure all parties are satisfied with the build progress and to address any concerns the client may have.
Supply materials and equipment
Aside from any materials that a subcontractor supplies for their specialty (which depends on the contract they agree to and the type of work they’re performing for the project) the general contractor is responsible for supplying all materials, equipment, and labour to complete the project.
General contractors also ensure that the materials are high quality, show up on time, and that the equipment in question is in good working order – all while being cognizant of the project scope and budget.
Primary client contact
We are the first point of contact to the project owner, and, as stated above, will conduct regular check-ins to ensure any questions are answered, provide project updates, and ensure the project owner is satisfied with the work as it unfolds.
Ultimately, the general contractor operates as a guide to the project owner and to the overall project and is responsible for dealing with any delays promptly to ensure the project deadline is pushed back as little as possible.
Self-Performing Work: More Control, More Flexibility
While many general contractors rely entirely on subcontractors, SWMW has the ability to self-perform select portions of a project when it makes sense.
That flexibility gives our team greater control over quality, scheduling, and project execution.
Construction projects don’t always go exactly as planned. Trade availability can shift, schedules can change, and unexpected challenges can arise. Having experienced in-house crews allows us to respond quickly when needed and keep projects moving forward.
In some situations, self-performing work can help recover lost time and keep critical project milestones on track. If a subcontractor experiences delays or labour shortages, our team can often step in to supplement the workforce and help minimize disruptions.
This approach can also create cost efficiencies for clients by reducing coordination challenges, streamlining communication, and improving productivity on site.
Most importantly, it gives us another tool to maintain momentum and deliver projects as efficiently as possible.
Whether we’re coordinating subcontractors, managing our own crews, or combining both approaches, our focus remains the same: keeping your project moving forward safely, efficiently, and with the highest level of quality.
What Is A General Contractor?
A general contractor is either an organization or individual who oversees the entirety of a construction project.
A general contractor is essential to any major build project and is responsible for hiring sub-trades, collaborating with the project designer and architect, and conducting worksite maintenance and upkeep.
Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction have extensive experience with general contracting services across Alberta.
We maintain communication with owners, architects, subcontractors, and any other party directly involved with the construction project. Our goal is to see your project through swiftly and efficiently while staying on budget.
Why and When to Hire a General Contractor
A general contractor can be essential for managing and streamlining your project, especially when it involves multiple moving parts. As a design-build general contractor, teams like Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction handle everything from initial concept and design through to final completion, ensuring consistency at every stage. Their in-house design staff remain actively involved throughout the process, making it easier to maintain design integrity and adapt to any necessary changes.
While smaller projects—such as quick renovations—may only require a specialist or sub-trade, larger renovations or custom builds benefit significantly from a general contractor’s expertise. They take on key administrative responsibilities like permits, inspections, and coordination of subcontractors, reducing the burden on the project owner and helping the entire process run more efficiently.
Why Work With Southwest And Midwest Design & Construction?
Our team has over 45 years of experience with general contracting and construction. In these 45 years, Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction remain dedicated to high-quality work and customer satisfaction.
Want to learn more about our general contracting services? Contact the team at Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction with our convenient online quote request tool. A member of our staff will be in touch to discuss finer details and next steps.