How to Become a General Contractor

If you have had a new home built or had major renovation work done to an existing home, chances are you have dealt with a general contractor. General contractors are responsible for major construction projects involving homes or buildings. This page will show you the steps needed to become a general contractor.

Introduction
- A general contractor is a manager who oversees the construction or renovation of homes and buildings. From buying building materials to coordinating the schedules of subcontractors, the general contractor is involved in a construction project from start to finish. The general contractor must make sure a project is completed on time and within a set budget.
Step 1: Decide If It's Right for You
- The work of a general contractor is not easy: the potential job candidate must be able to handle any crisis that comes up related to the construction project.
1. General contractors are often in charge of every aspect of the construction of a home or business; they must have strong management abilities and be natural leaders.
2. They are also in charge of budgeting, and must estimate costs on every single step of the project.
3. The hours can be long, as general contractors work to ensure that special deadlines for construction are met.
Step 2: Education
- There are no set educational requirements to become a general contractor, although most employers do prefer that you have a bachelor's degree. Some general contractors obtain bachelor's degrees in:
1. Construction science
2. Construction management
3. Civil engineering
4. Building science
- Coursework varies by major, but may include classes in:
1. Surveying
2. Estimating
3. Physics
4. Mathematics
5. Accounting
6. Business and financial management
7. Chemistry
8. Construction materials and methods
9. Construction safety
10. Environmental controls
11. Construction project planning
12. Construction lawTexas A&M University Department of Construction Science: Construction Science (COSC)
- Some four-year colleges also offer master's degrees in construction science or management.
Step 3: Licensing and Training
- A majority of states require general contractors to have a license. Exact licensing requirements do vary by state, so be sure to find out the specifics for your state before you start work as a general contractor. The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) offers an online map that provides information on each state's:
1. Licensing board
2. Examination providers
3. Building code requirements
- In some states, a general contractor must pass exams that cover not only the specifics of contracting, but also business and law.Georgia Board of General and Residential Contractors: State Licensing...
- A major part of a general contractor's education comes on the job. A general contractor will often begin learning the specifics of construction from the ground up—starting out as a construction worker. Others will become apprentices, gaining first-hand knowledge about construction management from a senior general contractor.
Step 4: Find a Job
- Once you have completed your education and obtained the necessary certification to become a licensed general contractor in your state, it is time to find a job! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for general contractors and construction managers is favorable—employment is expected to increase by 16% through 2016.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook
1. Decide where you want to work. General contractors:
  1. May work for construction companies, starting out as
    Construction workers
    Project managers or supervisors
  2. May choose to be self-employed, starting their own firms
- If you wish to work for a construction company or firm, you will want to prepare a resume, listing any qualifications you may have. Check out Mahalo's How to Write a Resume page for great tips on how to write a first-rate resume. You may want to include information on your resume about:
1. Your educational background
2. Any previous work experience you have in the construction industry
3. Management experience you have
4. Any internships you have completed
5. Exams you passed and courses you took to become a licensed general contractor
- If you wish to network to find leads on projects or possible jobs, you might want to join a professional organization for general contractors and others in the field of construction management. More than 32,000 construction firms are members of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).The Associated General Contractors of America: Membership
Cultivating Strong Relationships
- A major part of a general contractor's job is developing strong relationships with others on the job site. General contractors hire, and work closely with, subcontractors. A general contractor must be organized and able to lead a large team of subcontractors on any project. General contractors are often only as good as the subcontractors they hire.BNET: Guideline on General Contractor-Subcontractor Relations
What Will You Earn?
- Salaries for general contractors vary between states. They also depend on the type of project a general contractor is overseeing.
1. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for general contractors and construction managers ranged from $43,210 to $135,780 as of May 2006.Bureau of Labor Statistics: Earnings
2. According to CNN Money's salary wizard, as of March 2009 the average annual pay for a construction manager ranged from $69,993 to $123,621.Salary Wizard: Construction Manager I
Continuing Education
- Most licensed general contractors are required to complete continuing education courses to renew their licenses. These courses help contractors stay up to date on current issues and emerging trends in the construction industry. As with licensing, requirements for continuing education will vary from state to state.
Conclusion
- General contractors are responsible for overseeing an entire construction project. They coordinate between builders and subcontractors, set budgets for projects, and make sure the projects are finished by an established deadline. An ideal general contractor will have exceptional organizational skills, a great attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively with others.