Understanding the Difference

If you’re starting a construction project, you’ve likely heard the terms General Contractor and Construction Manager. While the roles may seem similar, they represent two very different approaches to building.

A General Contractor (GC) typically enters the picture after the design phase is complete. They bid on a fully designed set of plans and are responsible for executing the construction work as specified.

A Construction Manager (CM), on the other hand, joins the team much earlier. As a CM, All Things Construction Management becomes your trusted advisor from the start, helping assemble the right design and build team, identifying opportunities to save money and time, and ensuring your vision is honored every step of the way.

Yes, we offer general contracting services, but always from a construction manager’s perspective, with your bigger picture in mind.

The Advantage of Early Involvement

Hiring a construction manager during the project concept phase is one of the smartest moves you can make.

When you partner with All Things Construction Management, you're not just hiring a builder, you’re gaining an advocate and collaborator. From day one, we work with you and your design team to bring your project to life with:

  • A clear focus on your goals

  • Alignment across all teams

  • Efficient, budget-conscious planning

  • The highest level of craftsmanship

Early CM involvement unlocks tremendous value, including: 

  • Value engineering opportunities that reduce costs without compromising quality

  • Logistical and feasibility insights that help avoid delays and costly surprises

  • A tailored team of experts whose skill sets match the unique needs of your project

Project Delivery Methods at a Glance 

Not all construction paths are created equal. Here's how some common project delivery methods compare:

Design–Bid–Build (General Contracting)

  • Design is completed before bidding

  • The lowest bidder often wins

  • Limited collaboration between design and construction teams

  • Less flexibility, higher potential for change orders

  • Longest project duration from concept to completion.

  • Owner, design professional and builder are all contracted separately which can lead to differences in motivation with respect to the projects financial success.

Design–Build

  • One entity handles both design and construction

  • Streamlined, but can limit client control and checks/balances

  • Limited competitive bidding which could result in higher overall costs

  • Less flexibility depending on the Design-Build firms specific expertise in relation to your unique project.

Construction Management

  • At-Risk CM: Much like a GC in the design-bid-build approach the guaranteed price and schedule may incentivize the CM to sacrifice quality or scope to maximize their financial interest in a project.

  • Pure CM: CM represents the owner and acts as the central nervous system for the project from concept, through design, to construction and turnover.

  • Involvement in the projects early stages and during the team building process ensures all of the key players remain focused on the clients mission, and all work toward a common goal.

At All Things Construction Management, we specialize in pure construction management, offering clients a faith-driven, partnership-based approach focused on transparency, trust, and delivering results that reflect your vision.