How does one become a general contractor? Do you have to know alot about construction?

Question

I see a contractor as more of a project manager. Am I right about this? Would one have to know alot about construction to be hired as a contractor with a bigger company? I

Answer 1

Most municipalities require you to take a test before they will licence you as a general contractor.

You will have to know the building code for your area and it might help if you knew the process for acquiring permits and subsequent inspections.

There's a whole lot more to being a general contractor than hanging up a shingle and calling yourself a business. You will also need good legal council, substantial funding and relative insurances such as workers compensation registration, liability insurance and a source for performance bonds and other sureties.

Answer 2

The General contractor is the most knowledgeable of all contractors. The exact experience and education varies in each state or locale. You should have a state board of contractors, or other contractors organization. Usually you have to work for another general contractor until you demonstrate that you have the knowledge necessary to do the work unsupervised. In California it's four years of full time work. There are some places you can get training to help you get a job.

Answer 3

Yes. A contractor is more or less a project manager. But you need to have an idea on general contract management. Also, you need some background knowledge of general management, including a sound idea on network analysis, to determine how long it will take before a project is completed; the cost plus the critical path to its completion. If you secure a contract that requires technical skills, then give a subcontract to other individuals, groups or corporate bodies at a reasonable cost. I hope my answer is going to be helpful.

Answer 4

Yes, a general contractor oversees the work of other sub-contractors. There are schools that teach you all you need to know and then they have you take an exam. If you fail, you get to take it again (usually for no extra charge), until you pass. My best friend just turned 60 and he was able to pass on his 3'rd attempt (and he admits that book-learning and he were never close friends).