Contractor

A general contractor is a manager and possibly also a tradesman that is employed by a

client, usually upon the advice of the project's architect or engineer. A general contractor is
responsible for the overall coordination of a project. Contractors can take on huge projects such
as buildings or skyscrapers, while they can also take on smaller projects such as homes.

While some general contractors undertake many kinds of work, most of them specialize
in one type and size of construction project. Residential contractors may oversee some
commercial buildings, for instance, but they rarely take on large-scale public-works projects,
such as bridges, sewage systems, and industrial sites.

Before contractors begin a project, they must submit a bid or price quote to the individual,
company, or government agency that will pay for it. To make an accurate bid, contractors study
the building plans and specifications while keeping in mind material, labor, and safety
considerations. They may hire a cost estimator to do this job. The lowest bid is usually, but not
always, accepted. Other factors, such as the quality of a contractor's past work, may be taken
into account.

Construction projects are usually a series of tasks, each completed by a different subcontractor.
The bulldozer operators clear and level the land, so the structural steelworkers or the carpenters
can put up the skeleton of the building. General contractors hire or supervise the hiring of the
subcontractors who do each of the many tasks. Contractors must communicate well because
they need to motivate many different types of people.

The most successful contractors get a good education and plenty of experience in construction.
Many earn bachelor's or master' degrees in construction science, construction management, or
civil engineering. The colleges or universities that award these degrees offer such courses as site
planning, design, construction methods, contract administration, business and financial
management, and information technology. Graduates of four-year programs start out as
assistants to schedulers or cost estimators. Graduates with master's degrees, especially those
with experience in construction, typically become construction managers or contractors in very
large construction companies.

Many contractors attend training programs sponsored by industry associations. Others develop
their skills at two-year colleges with programs in construction science or construction
technology. Some contractors get their basic experience by working in the offices of established
contractors. Others start as apprentices in one of the construction trades and work their way up.
High school students who want to be contractors should take mathematics (Pre-calculus),
science (Physics), business mathematics, drafting, plan reading, and English.

Some contractors complete certification programs to show they have the knowledge, abilities,
and experience for the job. Both the American Institute of Constructors and the Construction
Management Association of America offer the voluntary certification programs. Applicants must
meet the specific requirements of each organization and take written examinations.

College, trade school, and technical school placement offices can provide job leads. Construction
companies may need to hire assistants. They are listed in the Yellow Pages under the headings
"Contractors—General" and "Contractors' Equipment and Supplies." State employment offices,
newspaper classified ads, and the Internet are other sources of job information. Because
experience in all parts of the industry is so important, any job in the industry can be a good first
step toward a contracting career.

The number of jobs available will exceed the number of qualified candidates, especially in heavy
construction. Many of the nation's aging bridges and highways need to be repaired or replaced.
Other jobs will open up when contractors retire or leave the occupation. More than half of all
contractors run their own companies. Increased business depends on their knowledge, skill, and
determination. Given the ups and downs of the economy, they have to stay flexible. Earnings
depend on the size of the firm and the number of projects the company undertakes. The Bureau
of Labor Statistics reports that in 2004 the median income of construction managers was
$69,870 per year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,120 per year. The highest 10
percent made more than $126,330 per year. Contractors who are salaried employees usually
receive such benefits as health insurance and vacation pay. Those who are self-employed must
provide their own benefits.

The reason why this career option is important to me is because even though Acting has been
and always will be my dream job, I have recently started to look into trade jobs, as they will
always be important. Technology is starting to replace jobs; computer programs replace
secretaries, robots can build cars, but technology can never build a house, a building, or a
skyscraper. On top of that, I could become my own boss with my own hours, giving me time to
pursue other hobbies. Being a contractor is not an easy job, but if you consider all the benefits it
has, you are guaranteed a comfortable life.