Launching your career as a general contractor requires careful planning, intentional learning, and advanced business knowledge.
Guarantee you start your future successfully by avoiding these 6 devastating mistakes when becoming a general contractor:
Lacking Business Knowledge
Understanding the construction business and a general contractor’s responsibilities is incredibly important for starting a successful career.
If you lack the necessary business knowledge, companies will be unwilling to work with you and employees will be reluctant to respect you.
Prepare yourself for the construction industry by gaining the proper knowledge and education.
Consider exceeding the education requirements for a general contractor and taking advanced courses related to construction.
Build a foundation of information related to the construction industry, building codes, legal obligations, entrepreneurship, and so much more.
Learn about the construction business before pursuing a career as a general contractor to ensure you’re fully prepared to get to work.
Avoiding Earning Valuable Experience
Earning valuable experience in the construction industry is required for becoming a general contractor.
If you avoid receiving the necessary experience, you’ll be unskilled and unqualified to work as a general contractor.
Research the experience requirements to guarantee you learn vital skills relevant to a general contractor’s responsibilities.
Discover hands-on experiences by searching for entry-level jobs or potential apprenticeships. You’ll learn important information and practice crucial skills from experienced professionals in the construction business while you’re a new employee or apprentice.
A potential client will investigate your background and level of experience before choosing to hire your services.
Guarantee you earn the necessary experience needed to be a quality and reputable general contractor.
Neglecting to Choose a Specialty
Become an expert in your field by choosing a construction specialty.
If you neglect to select a specialty, you’ll be unable to cultivate a specific and unique skill set that clients desire and appreciate.
There are two main specialties a general contractor can pursue: A residential general contractor and a building general contractor.
A residential contractor is able to work primarily on residential units whereas a building contractor is able to accept projects for any type of building.
Research the differences and requirements for each specialty to discover the perfect career path for you.
Advance your future and business by choosing a specialty to focus on as a general contractor.
Failing to Prepare for Your License Exams
To become a general contractor, you must obtain either a residential or building general contractor’s license.
Earning a license involves acquiring certain qualifications, passing exams, and meeting the proper financial obligations.
If you fail to prepare for the general contractor exams, you’ll be unable to receive your license and work as a residential or building contractor.
Guarantee you’re prepared to pass your exams by carefully studying the material.
Review a variety of study materials, such as books or prep courses, to find a study solution that works for you.
Obtain your North Carolina Contractor’s License by preparing for and passing your exams.
Waiting to Purchase Insurance
Purchasing the proper insurance is vital for a business to succeed.
If you wait to find the necessary insurance, you could find yourself in a pricey problem you can’t afford to resolve.
Ensure your business is protected by acquiring general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
Without insurance, you’ll be liable for any property damage or personal injuries that occur while on the job site.
Secure you, your employees, and your business by purchasing the insurance required before it’s too late.
Deemphasizing Growing Your Business
Focusing on growing your business is essential for building a successful company.
If you fail to emphasize growth efforts within your business, your business will gradually fail to earn projects and clients that’ll keep you in business.
Develop a growth mindset to ensure you’re always looking for ways to improve and expand.
Tips for growing your business include:
- Enhancing your customer service skills to prove to your clients you care
- Boosting your marketing efforts, such as your online presence, community outreach, and digital marketing strategies, to reach new audiences and earn new customers
- Preparing for expansion by improving existing structures, establishing new departments, and hiring quality employees
Emphasize growing your business to ensure you’ll succeed.
If you’re interested in becoming a general contractor, avoid making these 6 devastating mistakes to guarantee you’ll be a success.
