# The Jobsite: How a Project Comes Together
Before you pick up a tool, understand **who does what** and **what order things happen in.**
## The players
- **Owner** — pays for the project.
- **Architect / engineer** — designs it.
- **General contractor (GC)** — holds the prime contract and runs construction.
- **Subcontractors** — the trades (electrical, plumbing, etc.) that do specialized work.
- **Suppliers** and **inspectors** (the building department).
## The order of work
Design → permits → **site work** → **foundation** → **framing/structure** → **systems** (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) → **finishes** → **inspection** → **occupancy**.
Each trade depends on the one before it — which is why **schedule and coordination** matter so much.
**Takeaway:** Know the players and the order of work — a building goes up in sequence, each trade depending on the last.
> *Educational overview — not a substitute for hands-on training, OSHA safety training, or an accredited program. Always follow your employer's and OSHA's official safety requirements.*
