Being a general contractor is a rewarding career, but it can also be a challenging one.
General contractors must:
- Stay on top of lots of documents. To make this easier, dealing with digital file management can make things more organized and easier to find. It’s easier for general contractors to store information, photos, and projects on cloud-based systems so everyone involved can be updated in real time. You can view documents from any mobile device. If your team isn’t tech savvy, it’s best to slowly integrate more technology until everyone is on board and understands how to use it.
- Deal with complex projects. As the years go on, projects can become more complex. With a more complex project, a contractor must be on top of quality control, keep up with timelines, and learning how to manage budgets.
- Deal with worker shortages. There is a lack of skilled workers currently in the construction industry as many people see the field as dangerous and difficult.
All industries come with their own challenges, but there will always be a need and demand for general contractors. If you’re up for the task a career as a general contractor will be challenging, rewarding, and pay well.
In Florida, to become a general contractor you must show 48 months on jobs with at least 12 months as a foreman or a combination of college and experience totaling at least 48 months with at least 12 of those months as a foreman.
For the general contractor’s License only, you must show at least 1 year (12 full months) or more on habitable structures 4+ stories. You must how substantial responsibility in at least 4 of the following areas of commercial construction including active and proven experience with:
- Foundation/slabs greater than 20,000 sq. ft
- Masonry walls
- Steel erection
- Elevated slabs
- Precast concrete structures
- Column erection
- Formwork for structural reinforced concrete
Looking to get your general contractor’s license? At Licenses, Etc., we are a Florida contractor licensing company but can help you get a contractor license in any state. We are experts in these applications! Our team at Licenses, Etc. can help you get licensed fast and easy. Please call us at 239-777-1028 to get help with your license application today!