{"id":24,"date":"2021-12-21T19:19:01","date_gmt":"2021-12-21T19:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pcamembers.com\/?page_id=24"},"modified":"2022-06-30T16:35:47","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T20:35:47","slug":"how-to-become-a-general-contractor","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pcamembers.com\/how-to-become-a-general-contractor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a General Contractor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\t\tHow To Become A General Contractor\n\t<\/h1>\n\t

Are you ready to become a General Contractor?<\/p>\n

You’ll be able to find the information you need on how to take the next step in your contractor career. With state-by-state guidance, you’ll find out what’s required in your area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"PCA-Contractor-GC\"\n\t\t\t\t\"PCA-KNOWLEDGE\"\n

\n\t\tYou Don’t Need to Know Everything\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

As a general contractor, you should have some familiarity with all facets of your business – construction, legal, finances, operations, marketing, sales, etc. – but you don’t need to be an expert in every area. The most successful people surround themselves with a strong team. Hire, and do your best to retain top talent across the whole spectrum of construction business operations.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tIt’s Not All Roses\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

In business, some days will be good, and some will be bad. Realize that ups and downs are a normal part of the entrepreneurial experience, but continue to be smart about your business.<\/p>\n

Keep putting your best foot forward, invest in your people, rely on your network, and focus on marketing.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"PCA-rose\"\n\t

If you are passionate about construction and have been in the business for a while, you might be wondering if becoming a general contractor is right for you. Not only is general contracting a good way to make a living – on average, general contractors earn around $80,000 per year<\/u><\/a>, with larger firm owners making much more – it is also a unique opportunity to be your own boss.<\/p>\n

While some might have the construction skills to do good work, they might lack the interpersonal skills needed to manage a team and work with clients as well as the administrative skills required for business operations. Starting a contracting business is not for everyone, but that’s not to say it is impossible. With intention, grit, and perseverance, it is possible. Whether you currently own a business or are trying to start one, here are a few words of advice:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"PCA-nich-GC-page\"\n

\n\t\tFind Your Niche\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

While some trades are more lucrative than others, money is not always an adequate source of motivation and can lead to burnout. Do you see yourself remodeling suburban homes? Or do you want to build skyscrapers in cities? Maybe you are interested in building mansions from the ground up?<\/p>\n

Figure out what type of projects you want to work on. Ideally it would already be something you are skilled in. Once you have an idea of the types of services you want to offer, you can start marketing to that ideal demographic.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tSet a Goal, Achieve It, Repeat.\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

Without goals a business is without clear direction, and without clear direction, a business can get lost and crumble along the way. Outline what you want from your business and once you get that, find something new.<\/p>\n

Construction is unique from other industries in that you usually only see clients once, so, if you are not making a conscious effort to bring in new business, the stream of work will ultimately dry up.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"PCA-target\"\n

\n\t\t\n\t\tContractor’s Licensing Requirements by State\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

While working as a contractor can be a fulfilling and lucrative career, getting started can be a challenge. One of the most important steps in creating a legitimate contracting business is securing the necessary licensing and registration. Licensing and registration requirements vary by state so select the state(s) in which you operate for accurate information.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"U.S.A.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGET RESOURCES BY STATE\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\t\n\t\tTips for Passing Contractors Exams\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h3>\n\t

While licensing requirements vary greatly from state to state, many require contractors to pass an examination of some sort. Exams for general contractors typically cover questions about the legality of construction work, trade specific information, and business\/finance skills.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGET MORE TIPS\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\t\n\t\tCreating a Successful Business Plan\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/h3>\n\t

Whether you are starting a new construction business or looking to grow your existing business, a strong business plan sets you up for success.\u00a0 Ultimately, its purpose is to give your company direction by outlining your goals and the processes by which you will achieve them.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCREATE A PLAN\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\tWhat Makes a Successful General Contractor\n\t<\/h3>\n\t

There is not one linear path to greatness, but, among those that do well, there are some common qualities. A contracting business does not flourish simply because the owner got lucky, though that does play a small role. It takes time, effort, strong leaders, and an exceptional team. While it is rare that any one contractor possesses all the following traits, good contractors typically have at least a handful.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"PCA-success\"\n

\n\t\tTraits of a Successful GC\n\t<\/h4>\n\t