How to Become a Licensed General Contractor

Licensed contractors are construction mangers who oversee building structures. The job description includes supervising office complex, residential homes, bridges, hospitals and roads.

General contractors are in charge of budgeting and planning such as staff wages, material costs and supervision. They work closely with architects, structural engineers, material contractors and labor.

Construction managers earn between $90,000 to $150,000 depending on availability of projects, size and scope. You need a university degree, onsite experience and good communication skill.

A general contractor needs moderate accounting knowledge, good motivational skills, computer skills and ability to interpret designs. There are a few things to do before becoming a licensed general contractor.

How to become a Licensed General Contractor

A general contractor needs to have a business plan, experience and education. Other requirements are sourcing funds, supply chain, labor costs and knowledge of accounting.

Write a Business Plan

A well crafted business plan is a valuable tool general contractors use to guide any construction project. It also affords easier access to bank loans and supplies.

Legal Requirement

Legal requirements include tax identification number and licenses. Before starting a project there are many permits and licenses to acquire. You need a building permit, waste disposal plan and land use permit.

Network with Industry Practitioners

It is important to network with industry practitioners. You need professional builders, architects, building material suppliers and state contacts. It takes several years to build a team of competent partners.

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Know the Trade

The only way to achieve success as a licensed general contractor is to understand the trade. You need to get educated and learn as much as possible for easier implementation.

Get Insured

To prevent undue litigation get liability insurance. Register your company as a limited liability entity.

There are lots of things that could go wrong on a building site. Therefore provide adequate safety protocols to prevent accidents.

Finance

Apply for bank loans and present your business plan. Banks look out for experience, academic qualification and competence. Add successful projects to your bid while highlighting work achievement.

Get Educated

It is very important to acquire a university degree before venturing into the business. A university degree would provide the background knowledge you need to succeed.

Courses you could study include construction technology, architecture, civil engineering and construction management. You gain in-depth knowledge on building techniques, best materials, blueprint interpretation and building equipment.

Other knowledge includes accounting, structural planning, project estimation and management. Obtaining a bachelors degree provides lots of work opportunities based on expertise and knowledge.

Get Certified

In some countries without proper certification you are not recognized. There are specific organizations that offer courses and examinations for construction manager.

There are many advantages to becoming a certified construction manager such as insider information, knowledge of changing trends and new construction techniques.

Real estate developers will only hire a certified construction manager.

Acquire Management Experience

A general contractor’s biggest challenge is managing construction materials, funds and workers. Gain experience as an apprentice, attend seminar or workshops.

You could read lots of management books, follow a mentor, get private tutelage or use online resources. Get an associate degree in construction management to increase your job prospects.

Get Clients

 General contractors regularly bid or lobby for jobs. The business is highly competitive and challenging.

Use your network to find construction jobs in your neighborhood.  Job experience is of paramount importance if you want to secure a juicy contract.

Build a Reputation

A reputable company will steadily get good jobs. The more contracts you conclude the bigger your portfolio. Build a reputation for efficiency, quality delivery and offer competitive pricing.