How To Become A General Contractor

Unlike subcontractors, architects, engineers or developers, general contractors have to be on top of every single aspect of construction. The basic difference between general contracting and other kinds of roles in the industry is that general contractors have to know how to plan for and execute all the smaller segments of a commercial or residential project. However, if you feel like you have the ability to manage and understand all the complexities of being a general contractor — you should persevere. After all, half the daily work of being a general contractor is knowing how to manage different teams of workers and that only gets better with practice.

Prepare for and Pass the Exams

Before you can actually start working as a general contractor, you’ll need to get your license to do so. This means that you’ll need to first do a quick search on the license regulations in your state, city, or county. This will give you enough information about the exams or tests that they expect all general contractor license applicants to pass. In general, you should be prepared to be tested on having sound knowledge of contracts, the relevant legislation, risk control, business and financial management as well as technical knowledge of construction.

Create a Realistic Business Model

What counties or cities will you provide services in? What will your financial model look like? Will you do commercial projects or residential ones? Will you do remodels or new construction projects only? These are all questions you should be asking yourself, now that you’ve decided to take this step. Create a pricing plan, outline all the services you want to offer and don’t forget to make a business growth plan as well!

License Bonds and Insurance

In most states, license bonds and business insurance are compulsory before you can launch your business. License bonds are a guarantee that you’re bound to follow all the regulations for general contractor work, which is different from performance bonds (which are project-specific). Getting robust business insurance policies are also important because of how messy general contracting gets. Your workers, affiliates and clients will all want to know you’ve acquired business insurance before they work with you.

File for a License

Filing for a license can look different for every state. However, you’re usually required to submit a filled application form, an ID copy, exam results, possible background checks, financial documents and proof of your bon and insurance. However, consult with a friend in the local industry or the license office for your specific requirements.

Create a Name in the Industry

Once you’ve acquired all the paperwork, you’ll need to start getting the word about yourself out there. Start networking with suppliers, subcontractors, real estate agents and more. Making bids, for example, is a good way to get your toes wet. Just remember to enlist the help of an expert commercial and residential project estimation service like us to get your bid proposal prepared efficiently. At Remote Estimations, we provide all levels of cost estimation, from sitework and masonry estimating to structural steel and lumber takeoffs. Contact us at +1 (630) 20999-6501 to schedule a meeting with us today!

How Does Concrete Estimating Services Make Construction Easy?

Concrete estimation is one of the most crucial aspects of construction cost estimation. Experienced contractors know that they’re two ways of receiving concrete on the job; readymade concrete or concrete mixed on the site. The former is the easiest to handle; you can give the concrete preparation company your requirements for cement type, quantity, and strength, and they’ll create your desired product. However, while working on large-scale projects and sites that are away from the concrete supplier, it’s best to create your material in the field. Doing so will require in-depth workings of the size and number of batch plants, cement quality, materials needed, and water ratio. Here are some tips from the experts in the field to help you make accurate concrete estimations:

Review the Specifications In-Depth

To understand how much concrete you need, you must have an idea of where it’s required. Consider all the walkways, floor slabs, and footings when making a list of the requirements. You should have a clear idea of including the type of concrete used, its strength, color, and special testing requirements.

Compare the Drawings and Specification Requirements

Once you’ve created the list of specifications, go through the construction drawings to match the items marked with your requirements. If you find any discrepancies, it’s best to contact the designer, engineer, or architect of the project to resolve the problem.

Consider Concrete Forms

One of the primary aspects of concrete estimation is selecting forms that are optimal for the job. Keep in mind that you should have enough forms to use for erections and include the costs for their quantities. The unit for estimating forms is total square feet. And don’t forget to add the costs for labor and concrete placing crew and equipment.

Review Major Components Separately

While developing concrete estimation, you may make the mistake of involving all significant components under one banner. However, it would do you good to consider each of them individually since they’re not a part of the same unit rate. Some concrete estimation features include reinforced steel, top surface finishing, formwork, and accessories, including high chairs, bar ties, tire wire, and beam and slab bolsters.

Get the help you need!

Since each project has its own set of requirements, many variables can affect the concrete estimation of a project. Outsourcing your concrete estimation costs will help you improve your project’s efficiency. At Remote Estimations, we consider the various aspects of concrete estimation in multiple projects and develop precise and realistic estimates. Feel free to reach out to us for site work estimating, masonry estimating, and structural steel estimating services for your next project. Call us at 630-999-6501 for more information.