How to Become a General Contractor: A Career Guide

On average, Americans change jobs about once every four years. We are always looking for the next opportunity to make more money, find a more enjoyable work environment, and do meaningful work.

If you are feeling the itch for a career change, it might be time to consider starting a business. If you want to choose a path that is in high demand (and always will be), you should become a general contractor.

With so much residential and commercial construction taking place across the US, existing contractors have their hands full, so there is plenty of work to go around.

But what does a general contractor do, and how can you find general contractor jobs once you get certified? Keep reading below to learn more about working in construction.

Basic Requirements

To switch into general contractor careers, you need a contractor’s license. In order to get one, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements.

You’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED. You’ll need to be able to legally work in the US.

And before you can take the exam to get your license, you’ll need to have construction-related work experience. The number of years required in the field will vary by state, but you can expect to need three or four years of experience in the construction industry.

So you may need to undergo an apprenticeship or find an entry-level construction opportunity to get started.

Optional; Get a Degree

You don’t need a college degree to become a licensed contractor. Especially if you have plenty of hands-on experience. However, it can help.

Some contractors will earn a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in a related field. This might be in business, economics, or engineering. In any case, it will prepare you for the career path ahead and help to ensure long-term success.

How to Become a General Contractor; Get Your License

Once you meet the basic requirements, it’s time to take the contractor exam and get your license.

Most states require a license before you can start work as a contractor. But a handful of states don’t require one, such as Florida, Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming, among others.

Even if your state doesn’t require a contractor license, certain municipalities within that state might require a license. Likewise, if you’re looking to get a job through other construction companies, they generally only hire people that have a license.

So you might as well get one to ensure you have the most opportunities to work.

Each state has a licensing board that manages the exam you need to take. Visit your state’s licensing board for more details.

The exam will cover basic construction practices, safety, and building codes. There are online programs or books that can help you prepare for the exam.

What Does a Contractor Do?

As a general contractor, your role may look different depending on your path. You can either seek employment through various construction firms in your state, or you can start your own company.

Many new contractors start out by taking small jobs on their own, which eventually evolves into their own company.

Still, others prefer the stability and structure provided by an existing company.

In either case, your main role as a contractor is to bid on new construction projects and create quotes on new projects.

They also oversee the entire construction project. They are especially necessary when a project requires multiple stages to complete. They manage all parties involved with the project, ensuring each subcontractor completes their part on time so that the entire project continues to move forward.

If you’re starting your own company, you’ll have additional responsibilities. This includes handling the finances, paying taxes, hiring subcontractors, marketing your business, responding to inquiries, and more.

Register Your Business

If you are starting your own company, you’ll want to register your new business with the state. Doing so is either free or very cheap to do.

You can determine if you will operate as a sole proprietor or form an LLC. Forming an entity like an LLC can add a layer of protection and make your company a safer entity to do business with.

You’ll also need some insurance policies in place since construction can be a risky industry. You’ll want a general liability policy.

You’ll also want insurance on any tools and assets you have, like a trailer and a truck.

If you hire employees, you’ll likely need workers’ compensation insurance. And there may be additional policies you might want to include that can often be bundled together for better pricing.

Get the Tools You Need

To start out as a general contractor, you’re going to need some tools, both physical and digital.

On the digital side, you’re going to need a website. You can either hire this out or build one yourself with easy-to-use web building platforms.

You’ll want to subscribe to bookkeeping software to handle your finances the easy way. And to make life easier as a contractor, get software that streamlines the job-quoting process, such as CostCertified.

For physical tools, the most important thing you need is a truck. Most contractors will have a trailer as well.

The individual tools you need to complete a project can be acquired over time. If you have limited funding, in the beginning, you can rent larger tools rather than purchase them.

Start Small

Once everything is in place, it’s time to get your first few jobs. While you may aspire to larger projects, starting small is one of the best ways to establish your reputation.

Take on the small projects that other contractors don’t have time for. Get a few satisfied clients, include their positive reviews on your website, and the snowball effect of finding work will begin.

Start Your Dream Job Today

Now that you know how to become a general contractor, it’s time to get started. There is so much work out there that almost anyone who is committed to the process can find success in this industry.

Looking for more career advice like this? Head over to our blog now to continue reading.