Getting Started
So now I had my general contractor’s license and was ready to go to work. I continued to work with the contractor I was already with and I spread the word among my friends, neighbors and to anyone else who would listen. I started out with small jobs and began to build a customer base. It really didn’t take that long, just a few months and I was getting my own jobs pretty regularly. I didn’t care what work I did as long as I was building.
I’m big on variety and working as a contractor provided that in many different ways. These are some of the things you can expect to be responsible for as a contractor and if you are a General Contractor, you may be responsible (to some degree) for all of them and more.
• Networking
• Advertising
• Clear communication
• Getting a base of qualified sub-contractors that you can trust
• Meeting with potential customers to discuss their project
• Preparing estimates
• Preparing contracts for your customers and sub-contractors
• Working with engineers, architects, surveyors, excavators and utility companies
• Preparing and submitting plan packages to the building department for review
• Meeting with subs to discuss their portion of the project
• Verification of current license status and insurance for all contractors on the project
• Having building materials on site when needed
• Having appropriate equipment delivered and returned as needed
• Scheduling all of the different phases of the job
• Change orders
• Completion certificates
• Debris and trash removal
• Obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy or “C.O.”
• Equipment maintenance
• Site setup which may include barricading, routing foot and auto traffic, portable toilets, security
• Well permits and drilling
• Soils testing
• Percolation tests
• Septic systems
• City sewage hookups
• Pertinent fees for all the different regulatory agencies
• Zoning
• Plats
• Surveys
• Waiver of Replat
• Fire codes
• Setbacks
• Easements
• Driveway permits
• “ADA” codes when necessary
• Keeping up with changes to the building codes
• Safety awareness
• Asbestos abatement
• Lead removal
• Performance bonds
• Osha regulations (if required)
• Invoicing
• Past due accounts
• Collections
• Attorneys
• Small claims
• Mechanics Lien
As you can see, there is no end to the variety.
Which will you choose?
• HOURLY –
You can choose to work as an hourly employee which is a great way to have a more steady income, a set schedule, and possibly even some benefits.
• SUB –
You can choose to be a sub-contractor which is a great way to be self-employed and specialize in something specific. This brings with it a bit more risk but also more rewards and some fun challenges. Some of the things listed above will apply to you if you decide that this is the way to go. You will likely pick up some of your own jobs but it can be really nice to get connected with a reputable and busy General Contractor also known as a “G.C.” who will call you to work on most or all of his jobs – then you don’t have to look for work yourself but still get the perks of being self-employed.
• GENERAL CONTRACTOR
If you choose this, you will need to ask yourself if you want to be a residential contractor or a commercial contractor. Either of these choices will take you into a much larger arena with more risk but also a lot of great challenges and great personal satisfaction. As you can see described above, the list of responsibilities for the General Contractor can be extensive.
So the only questions left are; where do you fit and when do you start?
There is no substitute for hard work, commitment, honesty, humility, and teamwork. If you put together a team that has these values and won’t compromise on them, it’s hard to fail.