Description
This is an ideal career for a creative and logical thinker. As a building contractor you are capable of overseeing and coordinating the construction of different types of dwellings and other buildings, either commercial or residential.
What you do every day
Each day will vary, depending on your job requirements and the stage of which the job is at. You will complete activities such as –
- Examining and interpreting client plans
- Arranging drawing of plans to meet all building regulations
- Submitting plans to local authorities for approval
- Submitting tenders (where you do a job for a set price)
- Quoting or pricing a project
- Organizing subcontractors for stages of building along with rates of pay
- Calculating quantities and order materials for the specific job
- Supervising all work performed by subcontractors, ensuring work is being done to standard and within the required time frames.
- Undertaking some of the work personally
- Speaking with lawyers and financial institutions regarding loans or contracts for building projects
Personality that best fits this career
To be a building contractor you will need to be able to communicate with people from all backgrounds. You will need to show good project and people management skills as well as leadership skills, especially if you employ staff.
You will have to have exceptional organisational skills and logical approach to be able to read the plans and specifications of the jobs you are undertaking. Your creative thinking lets you envisage the finished building, from mere sketches on paper through to the finished product.
Best thing about this career
Building contractors get an enormous sense of accomplishment when you complete the finished building, that a few weeks earlier was nothing more than a few pegs in the ground. You have the flexibility to work for a company or become your own boss, running your own company, employing people and choosing the work you like to do, rejecting work you don’t. Even if you were to move to another city or state you will be able to find work through local builders.
Worst thing about this career
Unfortunately as a building contractor you will have to work outdoors in all types of weather elements. There is weather related downtimes, so having indoor work in your portfolio is an important management decision. The building industry is highly competitive and also highly dependent on economic conditions and government policies.
About the Author
Construction & Property Industry Skills Council
The Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council is committed to improving skills in the construction and property services industries. They provide information to people working in the industry and to new starters in the building, property development, asset maintenance and asset security sectors. Comprehensive training packages have been developed to ensure there are nationally recognised qualifications available.
Did you know it took 1750 years to build the Great Wall of China?