There are various jobs and career parts that are available for individuals who are interested in working in the construction industry
Some of these jobs range from on-site construction workers to inspectors and so on. However, in this article, we’ll be discussing general contractors.
This article discusses how to become a general contractor; License, education and salary information of general contractors will also be discussed.
First off, we’re going to expatiate on who a general contractor is and what their work involves.
Who Is A General Contractor?
General contractors are individuals who coordinate the work involved in constructing or renovating different kinds of structures and infrastructure.
General contractors evaluate architectural drawings, purchase supplies, appoint and supervise subcontractors, and make sure deadlines are followed.
They serve as a point of contact between the developer or builder and the subcontractors who carry out the various tasks required, such as plumbing, lighting, tiling, and woodwork.
They are frequently hired by builders or landowners to coordinate construction work on a variety of buildings and projects, such as government or office buildings, bridges, residences, shops, and treatment facilities.
The requirements for how to become a general contractor varies according to the different states and regions.
Regardless, in all the 50 states in the US, there are common requirements which include getting a high school diploma and also passing a licensing exam and getting a recognised license.
Also, getting practical experience is very important to succeed in the industry.
In another light, the next section discusses how to get a general contractor license and its requirements.
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General Contractor: License Requirements
Each state has the same fundamental standards for anyone who wishes to obtain a license to practice as a general building contractor, so keep that in mind when thinking about how to become one. These requirements may include:
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- Having graduated from high school or its equivalent
- Legally being able to work in the U.S.
- Having a spotless work history in construction or a good justification for any mishaps that occurred if any.
You can work on specific construction projects once you’ve fulfilled the general contractor criteria and obtained your general contractor license.
States could have extra specifications for contractors, but they are all subject to passing a test.
Contractors may also be asked by some states to present confirmation of liability insurance, a federal Tax Identification Number, and business address verification in the form of a utility bill or lease.
Even if your state does not require a contractor license to operate as a general contractor, getting one can help advance your career in a number of ways.
Getting a license could help your business succeed because customers are more likely to choose licensed contractors.
A license will also make it easier for you to obtain liability insurance, which will shield you from the expensive expense of any future damages you might be held responsible for.
You will need to present a number of different types of paperwork, which may differ slightly by state, for you to obtain a contractor license.
Also, you must first complete the training or education required to work as a contractor. Afterwards, you must succeed on a licensure test.
Next, you’ll need to obtain a contractor bond and liability insurance to demonstrate your competence to work as a contractor safely and responsibly.
To apply for the license, you must submit an application document. Every state has a different application fee, however, it is often approximately $100.
Furthermore, to become a licensed contractor, you must have a lot of construction-related practical experience.
This could be acquired by working as an electrician, carpenter, or plumber in one of the many industries. Construction supervisory experience is also advantageous.
Since they recruit and examine subcontractors, as well as consult with property owners and developers about projects, all general contractors need to be proficient in both oral and written communication.
So this is also an area that should be worked on if you want to become a general contractor.
Further, we’re going to see the educational requirements you need to meet to become a general contractor. The next section fully expatiates this.
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General Contractor Education Requirements
Just as was mentioned earlier on in this article, a high school diploma is the primary educational requirement needed to become a general contractor.
However, you should also think about advanced contractor education if you want to learn how to become a general contractor.
A bachelor’s degree in construction management might be an option for those looking for career growth in this field.
Employer preferences for bachelor’s degrees in construction management, civil engineering, building, or construction science are reportedly rising, according to the BLS.
Contrarily, according to the BLS, an associate’s degree and years of professional experience can take the place of a bachelor’s degree.
The number of institutions that provide construction management bachelor’s degree programs is numerous. There are additional master’s degree programs available. These programs provide classes like:
- Controlling and developing a project
- Site preparation
- Design-Build techniques
- Cost estimation for building supplies
- Contract management Accounting
- Financial and business management
- Safety
- State-specific building regulations and requirements
- Inspection techniques
- Architecture and engineering sciences, etc.
You can start developing the required skills to become a general contractor through high school courses or an apprenticeship before you even start your bachelor’s degree.
Take a look at the workshop, woodworking, and construction courses your school has to offer.
These will assist you in determining whether or not being a contractor is the best course of action for you and will help you start laying the theoretical groundwork necessary to pass the contractor licensing examination.
General Contractor Salary Information
General contractors are included in the category of construction managers, which the BLS predicts will experience job growth of 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is on par with that of other occupations.
The need for more energy-efficient structures and the overall rise in population are behind the increase in jobs.
According to the BLS, the median annual compensation for construction managers was $95,260 in May 2019.
General contractors made a median annual pay of $71,217 in January 2020, based on data from PayScale.com.
General contractors currently earn wages in the US that vary from $12,955 to $339,343, with a median pay of $62,328.
While the top 86% of general contractors earn $339,343, the middle 57% earn between $62,330 and $154,114.
Conclusion
This article has discussed how to become a general contractor.
The educational requirements, license requirements and the salary of general contractors have also been discussed.
If you’re interested in becoming a general contractor, no doubt this article has been useful to you.
If you have any questions you’ll like to ask, you can share them with us in the comments section.
FAQ
How Do I Become A General Contractor With No Experience?
Below are five tips to help you do this:
- Join forces with an accountable managing officer
- Obtain a contractor license with grandfathering.
- Ask the licensing board for a waiver.
- Organize a business with a qualified contractor.
- Acquire experience
- Attend training sessions
Are General Contractors Worth it?
A fair general contractor and a comfortable working environment are positive signs for the timely completion of your project.
Particularly if it indicates that a GC will require more of both in the future for projects, general contractors are frequently able to negotiate lower prices for both labor and supplies.
What Are The Benefits Of Being A General contractor?
Just three benefits will be mentioned and they are:
- The potential to increase income.
- Qualified general contractors have more freedom both on and off the job, and they can pick the clients they wish to work with.
- Flexible career options.
How Do I Protect Myself As A General contractor?
Always adhere to these procedures before hiring other contractors to make sure you’re safe at all times.
- Verify Their licenses, insurance, and bonding.
- Don’t Make Decisions Based Only on Price.
- Request references.
- Avoid paying a large upfront sum.
- Obtain a written agreement.