A Building Contractor is a person or company that organizes the building of houses, offices, etc., for example, by supplying workers and buying materials: Their building contractor continues to reject their architect’s design plans.
Below is How To Become A Building Contractor In Ghana
Step 1: Obtain a Degree. The BLS states that contractors with bachelor’s degrees are becoming more prevalent.
Step 2: Become Certified.
Step 3: Obtain a License.
Step 4: Develop Experience.
Step 5: Become LEED Certified to Advance Your Career.
Step-By-Step Guide to Become a Construction Contractor in Ghana
What licenses are needed to start a construction business?
General Contractors’ License: In most states, construction companies need a general contractor’s license.
Specialty Contractors’ License: If your business includes work like carpentry, painting, electrical, roofing, HVAC, etc.
The basic steps one must follow to become a construction contractor are explained below:
Step 1: Obtain a Degree Related to Construction Technology
A relevant education degree plays a significant role in becoming a licensed contractor. One must hold a high school diploma or an associate degree in order to become a licensed contractor.
An associate degree purely based on construction technology is important for gaining more expertise in the field. It highlights one’s profile to make them more marketable to prospective customers.
Short-term courses that focus on business practices, finance, tax regulation, and local zoning ordinances can boost job opportunities for a contractor.
Step 2: Gain Position, Experience, and Skill in Construction
Some construction contractors obtain a contractor’s license solely based on their heavy experience in the construction industry. The minimum experience varies across different countries, but generally, it is not less than three years in construction jobs.
The level of experience mentioned here is the experience gained by licensed contractors in various residential or commercial projects. Many individuals start working under a general contractor or construction contractor which makes them more exposed to real-world situations.
The construction contractors gain knowledge of various construction practices and building regulations during their education or industry experience. Above these key skills specific to the construction industry, some of the soft skills a construction contractor must possess are written and verbal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, supervisory skills, and time management.
Step 3: Create Business Plan
A construction contractor, before obtaining a license, must develop a sound business plan. The contractor’s business plan must include several elements like the scope of work, the financial aspects, and all the necessary information to ensure the feasibility and profitability of the contracting business over time.
The initial step towards the success of a construction contractor is to identify what specialty one must focus on. For example, a contractor with more experience in electrical work or mechanical works must focus on these skills to set themselves apart from other contractors in the business. A contractor can also choose between the type of project, ranging from a large commercial project to a small residential project.
Regardless of the specialization a contractor chooses to work on, it is essential to have a proper business plan to obtain a clear path for running the business.
Step 4: Obtain a Contracting License
All construction contractors are required to obtain a professional license.
The procedure for obtaining a contractor’s license is mainly dependent on state and local municipal regulations.
The requirements may vary, but most of them call for educational background and professional experience.
Some countries require the candidate to go through professional training and pass a test before providing the contractor’s license.
Step 5: Managing Contracting Business
A successful contractor should consistently manage the contracting business so that they earn a strong reputation for the construction work. Proper management of a contracting business requires several steps.