Construction companies are made up of many important roles. Everyone plays their part, from the architects and engineers that make designing and building structures possible to the managers who oversee daily operations. 

The construction industry is a complicated and often dangerous “machine” that can’t run without qualified people to keep it going. One of the most important roles you can play in the construction hierarchy is the role of a contractor. 

Despite them being so important, most people probably can’t tell you what they do. So let’s dive into why they’re an essential part of every construction company.

Construction Contractors: What Exactly Are They Responsible For?

Skilled program and construction management contractors are responsible for the overall coordination of a project. That includes hiring a crew, providing materials, giving instructions, maintaining safety and oversee the planning, design, and construction of a project, from the beginning to end.

In case all of that wasn’t enough, they’re also the main point of contact for clients. That means they handle all of the biddings, proposing, and handling of documents. They’re also tasked with ensuring that all of the client’s wishes are carried out.

That’s a lot of responsibility for one person to handle, and they must get every aspect of the job right. The reason it’s so important is that contractors may be held legally liable for accidents, defects in work, or working without the proper permits in some states, including Tennessee.

With so much on their plate, a contractor must be detail-oriented, capable of seeing the big picture, and an excellent communicator.

Breaking Down A Build: What A Contractor Does From Start To Finish

Now that you know what a contractor does in general, let’s break it down a step further and discuss what they do from start to finish and why it’s important.  

First, the contractor must secure all of the necessary permits for a project. 

To obtain permits, they must submit a clear plan of what the construction entails to their local Department of Codes and Building Safety. So if you were a contractor in Nashville, for example, you’d go to the Nashville Codes Administration to get your permits.

Second, the contractor must order the necessary building materials. 

The contractor is responsible for making sure that all of the materials used are appropriate and safe. This can range from choosing the type of wood flooring that goes in a bathroom to choosing what steel beams can support a building. This is a critical step, as choosing the wrong materials could lead to flaws in construction or even a collapse. 

Third, the contractor has to handle any necessary demolition. 

If there’s an old structure that needs to come down to make room for the new build, the contractor is responsible for demolishing it responsibly.

Fourth, the contractor leads the team performing the build.

After all that hard work getting a crew, securing permits, and buying supplies, the construction finally begins. The contractor will give instructions to all crew members and monitor progress throughout. 

Fifth, the contractor ensures that all of the finishing touches are complete.

After the initial construction is done, finishing touches, like flooring and other aesthetic features, are added. The contractor ensures that all of these touches remain up to code, and when that’s complete, the job is done.

Sixth, the day the contractor and crew have been waiting for: payday.

Now that everything is complete, the contractor gets paid. They then pay their crew, and the job is officially done. If for some reason, the client refuses to pay, the contractor will be responsible for taking legal action on behalf of themselves and their crew.

This look into the average work cycle of a contractor shows just how important they are in construction. They’re involved in every step of a project, and a construction company can’t function without them.

Getting Your Construction Education For Licensing: What To Do If You Think Being A Contractor Is For You

Being a contractor is a challenging but rewarding career. You get to take on exciting projects, work with a team, be in charge of your day, and look forward to a nice payday. The average salary for a contractor is about $57,000, but it can go much higher depending on experience and specialty. 

If you think contracting is for you, you can join a licensing and exam prep course today to prepare you for the contractor’s exam. You must pass the contractor’s exam to receive a license clearing you to operate as a contractor.

Failing to get your license could mean hefty fines in states like Tennessee, so don’t try to skip getting licensed. While you’re studying for your exam, you can also work on connecting with other members of the industry. This will give you a place to start once you’re cleared for work.

It also doesn’t hurt to spend a little time on a construction site shadowing an experienced contractor. This will help you learn the ins and outs that can’t be captured in a class. 

A contractor is an essential member of the team for every construction company. Without them, the work would be unorganized and more dangerous, which are two things that have no place in the industry.