Becoming a building contractor is a fantastic career choice for many. There are financial as well as career rewards and it’s a choice which is open to many. It’s a field which is always in demand and is open to anybody who wants to oversee different building projects. Here is a basic low-down of how to become a building contractor and then you can decide whether it’s right for you.
The Path to Becoming a Building Contractor
There is no strict set out career path which you must follow to becoming a building contractor. The majority of contractors will study in a range of different fields before reaching this final role. Building contractors may pursue study to degree level in a number of fields from construction science to civil engineering or construction management or architecture. Many students also choose to study business management and administration modules to prepare them for a more senior role.
As well as educational experience, building contractors need to be licensed in their chosen area. There are relevant licenses which are essential to get and find work. For example there are specific licenses for working with Asbestos. Each license tends to require an exam pass to attain.
A Day in the Life
The basic tasks of building contractors are variable. You tend to be a utility player, pitching in where necessary and keeping abreast of any problems or issues. The first part of your job is to plan and submit bids for different contracts. You need to be able to word your reports and bids well and great attention to detail is required to ensure jobs are profitable and worthwhile. Once you’re lucky enough to be awarded the contract you are then in control and responsible for the entire operation. This means you’ll work with architects to plan the project and then putting the plans into motion by hiring the necessary ‘on-the-ground’ staff to complete the job. Interpersonal skills are essential for this role as you need to be able to work with all the other staff you need as well as other contractors. One day you may be working with a roofing contractor whilst the next it’s the flooring contractors who are top of the list. Versatility is key.
Schedule
All good building contractors will try and set a schedule for their projects. Finishing on time is key to achieving a good job and the majority of construction work can only be carried out within daylight hours on weekdays so the bulk of hours will come during this time. Of course there are times where your work schedule will have to be adjusted to meet the demands of your client but these can only be dealt with on an ad-hoc basis.
Advancement
The majority of building contractors are self-employed and therefore advancement isn’t really possible in promotion terms – they’re already managing their own companies. However, there is always scope to expand and grow the business in new directions, perhaps overseas and this is a key factor which keeps contractors satisfied in their jobs.
