Becoming a contractor takes more than knowing how to build things well. You should have business acumen, project management skills, accounting knowledge, and legal expertise.
That’s a lot of skill sets to develop. If you’re wondering how to have a general contractor license, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll go over what it takes to become a contractor of all trades.
Read on to get started!
Find the Right Training
The best way to find the proper training is to research the different options and find the one that best suits your needs. Many online and offline resources are available, so explore all the possibilities.
Once you’ve found the proper training, follow the instructions carefully and take the time to practice what you’ve learned. With dedication and hard work, you can become a successful general contractor.
Get the Necessary Certification
Depending on your state, you may need to take a licensing exam. You will also need to have at least two years of experience working in a career in the construction industry. Once you have obtained your license, you can bid on projects and manage your construction career.
The cost of a contractor license varies from state to state but generally ranges from $200 to $500. Once you have your permission, you must purchase liability insurance. You will also need to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. In addition to these costs, you will need a surety bond for $5,000 to $10,000.
Start Working on Small Projects
By taking on smaller jobs, you can get a feel for the work involved in being a contractor and get a sense of whether or not it’s the right fit for you. You’ll also get a chance to build up your skills and experience, which will be helpful when you’re ready to take on more significant projects.
You can search online job boards or contact local businesses to find small contracting jobs. Once you’ve landed a few jobs, complete them to the best of your ability and deliver on your promises.
Build Up Your Reputation
It can mean networking, making connections within the industry, working on honing your craft, and becoming known for delivering quality results. In addition, you’ll need to ensure you’re staying up to date on industry news and trends and that you’re compliant with all relevant regulations.
By taking these steps, you can position yourself as a reputable and trusted general contractor, making it more likely that you’ll be able to land work and grow your business.
Learn the Business Side of Things
For one, you should clearly understand the construction process and regulations in your area. Additionally, it’s important to be well-organized and have good communication skills to coordinate with different teams on a construction project. Furthermore, you should be able to handle budgeting and have a keen eye for detail to catch any potential problems.
The Steps to Becoming a General Contractor
If you’re interested in becoming a general contractor, the first step is to research the requirements in your state. Then, you’ll need to get experience in the construction field and pass a contractor’s license exam. After that, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career as a general contractor!
Whatever crossroads you find yourself at, we hope our helpful guides will lead you to the right path. For more helpful articles, make sure to explore our blog page.
