There was a time when people prized stability more than anything when looking for a job. Now, however, more people are looking for independence and are embracing the gig economy. When you combine that with the current DIY craze, you get an increase in interest from people wanting to become general contractors.
Becoming a general contractor is a great way to take your talent and interest for home renovation and turn it into a business. It’s also a pretty accessible field, but one that can be challenging for newcomers. Here are a few things you need to know before setting up as a general contractor.
Get Ready for Some Training
While in some states the requirements are minimal and you may not even need a license, in many you will have to go through a whole variety of exams, be able to prove your experience, and will need to pay different fees.
There are formations that you may not even be aware of that you may need at some point in your career. For instance, if you ever need to do work on a house that was built before 1978, you will need to get special lead renovator certification. To get it, you will have to go through an initial lead renovator certification course like those provided by groups such as ZOTA Pro. So, make sure that you understand the legal requirements in your area before you even start thinking about entering the field.
Starting Small is Usually a Better Option
One of the most important things when starting in this business is knowing your limits. If you haven’t done a specific type of project before, do your research on it, and only follow through if you feel comfortable.
You don’t have to just come out and say that you can’t do a job, but you still have to be honest with yourself and your clients. While there’s always the option of hiring a subcontractor, things can easily go wrong and put you in further trouble, so you want to get some experience under your belt before you go down that route.
Starting Small is Usually a Better Option
Contractor work is risky from a legal standpoint. Someone might end up getting injured, whether it’s a random person that has wandered onto the job site, or one of your employees. There’s also the chance that you will cause damage to the property you are working on. In other cases, you might not be able to complete a project on time or at all. Because of this, it’s essential that you work with a lawyer who’s used to working with contractors. They’ll be able to tell you which type of coverage you should get, what your legal obligations are, and offer some help in case you actually end up facing legal action. If you are finding a lawyer in Kansas city, check this one wrongful termination lawyers in Kansas city mo.
Starting a contractor business is not that complicated, but being a successful contractor is far easier said than done. So, before you embark on this journey, make sure that you’re actually cut out for it, and are ready to follow all the rules and regulations governing the industry.
