Also termed as main contractor or prime contractor, a general contractor is vested with the responsibilities of overseeing a construction site, management of the business vendors and communicating the information to all the stakeholders throughout the course of a building project. They act as the intermediary between the builder/developer and the group of subcontractors who execute diverse job assignments such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and flooring work.
Structure
A general contractor is an individual or an entity who may hire subcontractors and provide supplies for a given project.
Where are they deployed?
A general contractor can comprise individual partnership, corporation, or any entity or group of entities in business that can execute construction as a contractor. And, they will shoulder total responsibility for the timely completion of the project with the help of the project resources to execute or supervise the work.
General contractors are employed by property developers or property owners to organize and continue the work or diverse types of projects including residential homes, roads, office buildings, treatment plants and government buildings and the like.
They are responsible for hiring subcontractors and overseeing them. They review the architectural plans, purchase building materials, and ensure all deadlines are met.
Educational background required
Any individual aspiring to become a general contractor must fulfill the relevant criteria.
The applicant:
- Should be 18 years or older
- Must have secured a high school diploma or equivalent qualification duly recognized.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States as per law.
- Must have a good work record in the construction sector and should be able to discuss and resolve any job-related issues.
Additional requirement
State governments may mandate each applicant to pass such an exam as may be determined by relevant law. Further, a few states may also make it mandatory to buy a liability insurance cover, read more about liability insurance by clicking here, get Federal Tax Identification Number and submit the address of business with utility or lease bill.
Importance of experience
Real work experience in construction projects is critical to becoming a licensed contractor. You can get experience by working in diverse crafts as a carpenter, electrician, or a plumber. Supervisors experienced in construction are also useful.
Oral and written communication skills
The applicant must have good communication skills (oral and written). This is important because they need to hire and evaluate subcontractors and participate in project negotiations with property developers and owners.
How to get a license?
To get the license, apply for it once you choose an area of work. You need to register your company. You need to pass the contractors’ exam. You may be required to buy insurance and bond as per the rules of the State where you wish to start contracting. Further, your social antecedent must be clean. You can get a Contractor License when you fulfill all these criteria.
To start the job, the applicant must have a contractor license. It is issued to tradesmen having a predetermined level of expertise and experience. These criteria vary across States.
Benefits of license
Though a few states contracting is permissible without a license, having a license will be advantageous for you. You can market yourself to be reliable and trustworthy to hire.
- The license will make you eligible to work as a legal entity.
- As you’re licensed, you need to fix electrician, plumbing work, and mechanical work as these types of trades all have license requirements.
- It will protect you from all potential legal tangles.
Conclusion
Whether you oversee a building or other construction project, you get exposed to the specifications of diverse specialties. All this will enrich your experience, make you employable at competitive remuneration over time.