A building contractor is someone who bids on construction projects, hires subcontractors to work on those projects, and occasionally participates in the actual construction process. His job entails obtaining construction contracts, which means he is hired to supervise and participate in the construction of a residential or commercial structure. Many contractors begin by doing the majority of the work on smaller jobs themselves, then progressing to larger contracts by hiring subcontractors and employees.
To become a licensed building contractor, one must first pass a licensing exam. In some areas, schooling may be required before taking the exam, but many locations still allow anyone to take it. There are books available for study. Exams usually require payment before they can be taken, and those who fail the exam on the first attempt may be subjected to limitations or time restrictions. This means that if someone fails the exam, he or she may be required to wait a certain amount of time before taking it again.
After passing the exam, the building contractor can start soliciting clients by placing bids on jobs. This means that several contractors will quote prices for the same job, along with any qualifications, and clients will pick the lowest-priced contractor. Many clients will only hire those who have insurance on their work and any employees, as well as worker’s compensation in the event of an on-the-job injury. If a bid is accepted, the client has chosen the building contractor who will complete the work, and he will be in charge of the project.
Some construction companies specialize in one aspect of the job, such as flooring, wiring, or roofing. Typically, an overseeing contractor will hire this type of building contractor to handle that particular portion of a job. This is known as subcontracting, and it means that the hired contractor hires one specialist. Rather than the main client, he is usually under the supervision of the head contractor.
Becoming a construction contractor entails a great deal of responsibility. In many cases, he is expected to supervise the work of multiple people at the same time. Because he was hired by the client, the contractor will be held liable if a subcontractor or employee makes a mistake. This can lead to job-related stress, but it can be mitigated by establishing relationships with dependable subcontractors who have a track record of quality work.