{"id":33101,"date":"2023-08-22T11:08:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T11:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/?p=33101"},"modified":"2023-09-30T13:45:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-30T13:45:15","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-general-contractor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/business-coaching\/what-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-general-contractor\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know to Become a General Contractor","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

General contractors do incredibly valuable work for an astounding array of construction projects. These managerial-level workers are a critical part of any construction team’s on-the-ground staff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re interested in possibly becoming one, the good news is that it’s a gratifying and lucrative career. Here, we discuss what this career path offers and how to pursue that dream! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a General Contractor?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A general contractor is a skilled overseer tasked with the day-to-day oversight of a construction site. Their work includes doing things such as acquiring both the materials needed for the successful completion of a construction job as well as hiring the labor and human resources required to see a job through to its end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This skilled, managerial-level position requires training, competency, and experience. Due to the nature of the work done by these professionals, the steps to become a G.C. can be very demanding. You may have to pass business management and construction development exams. For this reason, many interested construction workers and other construction professionals seek general contractor classes<\/a> to prepare for the rigorous licensing tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Become a General Contractor<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While becoming a general contractor (G.C.) differs slightly from state to state, generally, anyone who wishes to move up not only needs experience but potentially a license, good financial standing, insurance, and more. It may sound overwhelming, but there is a straightforward path through this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Experience<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The first thing that someone needs before they get more responsibilities is experience. While the precise level of expertise may differ, most states require some prior experience on a construction site. G.C. licensing boards will ask you to verify this experience by filling out a form, such as this one<\/a> from Virginia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pass the Licensing Exam<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once a prospective general contractor has verified their experience, the next step is to pass a challenging exam that tests them on basic building knowledge, project management, business law, and more. Local testing authorities will administer these exams according to the requirements of the state where one lives and seeks to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establish Your Business<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve passed the G.C. exam specific to the state you want to work in, you can congratulate yourself! But know that you are not in the clear yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll need to establish your company, including registering the business<\/a>, applying for an employer EIN<\/a> for taxes, and deciding on a suitable business structure<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verify Financial Standing<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve established the business, the next step is to verify your financial status and provide proof of liability insurance. Insurance protects you as much as the customer should any mishaps occur while on the job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Know Before Working With a General Contractor?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Here are 7 tips for working with contractors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n