Over time, the construction industry has used many names for the entity responsible for delivering a project: builder, contractor, general contractor, prime contractor – and, more recently, construction manager.
While the core goals remain the same – manage trades, control quality, stay on budget – the way these roles operate can vary. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right partner for your project.
Construction managers: Strategy-focused oversight
Construction management firms are often brought on early in the design phase to guide pre-construction planning, budgeting, scheduling, and trade coordination. Their role is heavily focused on administration and oversight. Most do not maintain their own labor force or employ on-site superintendents. Instead, they serve as project advisors, facilitating communication among the architect, owner, and subcontractors.
This can be a highly effective approach on complex or phased projects, particularly in public sector work where construction managers help manage procurement and compliance. However, because they don’t typically self-perform work, construction managers rely on subcontractors for execution. This can limit their control over jobsite performance, timelines, and workmanship.
General contractors: strategy plus execution
General contractors (GCs), on the other hand, combine project oversight with boots-on-the-ground execution. In addition to managing the schedule, budget, and subcontractor coordination, GCs often self-perform key trades, deploy skilled labor, and staff job sites with experienced superintendents. That means greater control over field operations, safety, and quality standards.
The GC model can offer significant advantages, particularly when it comes to maintaining momentum on site or addressing issues in real time. General contractors are also more likely to hold direct responsibility for construction outcomes, assuming risk and accountability throughout the life of the project.
Zellner Construction: The best of both
At Zellner Construction, we offer the best of both approaches. We have the team, structure, and strategic mindset to serve as a construction manager – but also the in-house capabilities, labor force, and field leadership to operate as a full-service general contractor.
That flexibility gives owners an advantage, particularly when schedule, budget, and build quality demand more than oversight – they demand execution. We’re not just managing the process from a distance; we’re actively delivering results on the ground, solving problems before they delay progress, and holding ourselves to a higher standard of accountability.
Why this matters for your project
Every general contractor provides construction management services, but not every construction manager can build. When the unexpected happens, as it often does, having a partner who can roll up their sleeves and keep your project moving makes all the difference.
With Zellner, you don’t have to choose between strategy and delivery – you get both. From day one to closeout, we’re on your team, bringing structure, foresight, and hands-on experience to every phase of construction.
Whether you’re tackling a complex civic project, building a new educational facility, or redeveloping space in a dense urban setting, we provide the integrated leadership and boots-on-the-ground capability to get the job done right.