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How to start the path to becoming a general contractor I'm 21 and want to learn to create and want to get into real estate and entrepreneurship. I've made a plan for the next 20-25 years to start a business and build generational wealth based on my research, but would like more advice from professionals.?
I'm currently studying the OSHA 30 and am working towards getting experiences in the construction trade and am willing to do anything.
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Zakari’s Answer
Hi Sollas,
Start by working as a laborer or apprentice in construction to learn the trades hands-on. While working, study for your contractor's license requirements vary by state, so look up California's specific licensing board (CSLB). Most states require 4 years of field experience before you can even apply. Keep going with OSHA 30, that's a great move. Once licensed, start small take on small projects, build a reputation, and scale from there. Stack your real estate knowledge alongside it because owning the properties you build is where real generational wealth comes from. You're 21 with a plan that already puts you ahead.
Start by working as a laborer or apprentice in construction to learn the trades hands-on. While working, study for your contractor's license requirements vary by state, so look up California's specific licensing board (CSLB). Most states require 4 years of field experience before you can even apply. Keep going with OSHA 30, that's a great move. Once licensed, start small take on small projects, build a reputation, and scale from there. Stack your real estate knowledge alongside it because owning the properties you build is where real generational wealth comes from. You're 21 with a plan that already puts you ahead.
Thank you, I have actually just got into a pre-apprenticeship, unfortunately by coincidence this is more on the electrical side, but they have a connection to the construction apprenticeship I applied for originally. So instead of declining this apprenticeship I'm using it as a way to build connections.
Sollas
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Start by understanding the regulations of your business market - that will illustrate any potential challenges or opportunities (if you have a skillset to overcome them that few others do). Try to be specific in your operational region but willing to expand if projects become limited.
It sounds like you’ve made inroads toward identifying the relevant trade union(s). Bear in mind that even if you choose to operate independently, it’s essential to know the key players and points of contract for each – as well as any overlapping trade specifics they may have with other unions (ex: metalworks can sometimes be claimed by either tin-knockers, mill-workers, carpenters/joiners, or ironworkers – depending on the project). Understanding which trade union claims work within each operating region is important.
Always check your work – never enthusiastically underbid a project. If you can deliver at a lesser amount than your competitors, while still covering your labor/materials costs + a reasonable profit, then you’re on the right track. If you underbid simply to secure selection over your competitors you’re going to wind up delivering for more than you’re getting paid – which is a recipe to fail. The FIRST thing you should do, when informed you’ve been awarded a contract (BEFORE signing), is ensure you’ve covered everything and didn’t win because you overlooked a component somewhere.
Finally, as in all careers, build relationships. Make sure people know who you are and what you do, so you’re top of mind in their own searches. A visit to an Architect or G.C. without any immediate opportunities will at least lay the groundwork for future opportunities. Familiarity and trust goes a long way.
It sounds like you’ve made inroads toward identifying the relevant trade union(s). Bear in mind that even if you choose to operate independently, it’s essential to know the key players and points of contract for each – as well as any overlapping trade specifics they may have with other unions (ex: metalworks can sometimes be claimed by either tin-knockers, mill-workers, carpenters/joiners, or ironworkers – depending on the project). Understanding which trade union claims work within each operating region is important.
Always check your work – never enthusiastically underbid a project. If you can deliver at a lesser amount than your competitors, while still covering your labor/materials costs + a reasonable profit, then you’re on the right track. If you underbid simply to secure selection over your competitors you’re going to wind up delivering for more than you’re getting paid – which is a recipe to fail. The FIRST thing you should do, when informed you’ve been awarded a contract (BEFORE signing), is ensure you’ve covered everything and didn’t win because you overlooked a component somewhere.
Finally, as in all careers, build relationships. Make sure people know who you are and what you do, so you’re top of mind in their own searches. A visit to an Architect or G.C. without any immediate opportunities will at least lay the groundwork for future opportunities. Familiarity and trust goes a long way.
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Work independently and try to get into whatever work you can. Start by not saying no to any job (unless you are completely unable to do it). Get jobs that are more of a gig and can just put you through the motions of finding work, doing work, and getting paid. Use this time to network. Make as many connections as you can. Try to figure out as you are doing jobs what kind of work you want to get into as well.
Keep getting those certs! Get whatever you can and then see where they get you. If there is an apprenticeship available to you, try to do it. If you come out the other side not liking what you did, that's fine, but being an apprentice will start to show you how projects are put together. Take time to learn the pieces of a job or a project so you can work on them later.
When you have your network, and you have your certifications, really lean into making it all work for you. At this point you should get some sort of insurance, some sort of bond, and possibly even start to call yourself by a business name. (For what its worth Sollas Construction is a great business name.) At this point you are a contractor.
I recommend the apprenticeship because it might be mid way through you realize it might be easier, or more fun, to just work a job. If you don't have an education, it will be more difficult to work at the level you want to. Let's say that you complete your electrician's apprenticeship and after you figure out you really want to be a mechanical contractor. This is fine because you will have a better understanding of trades overall and it might help you. If you stick to the plan and become a general contractor no matter what, it will only benefit you that you had a background in a trade or industry so you can understand that business and the ones around it.
No matter what you do, this is a pave your own way job. You are going to learn as you go, you will make mistakes, and you will figure out what you are good at as you start to do it more. I know a mechanical contractor in my area that started as a few guys and is now a general contractor worth billions because they changed and shaped what they did as they grew. You can certainly do this as well!
Keep getting those certs! Get whatever you can and then see where they get you. If there is an apprenticeship available to you, try to do it. If you come out the other side not liking what you did, that's fine, but being an apprentice will start to show you how projects are put together. Take time to learn the pieces of a job or a project so you can work on them later.
When you have your network, and you have your certifications, really lean into making it all work for you. At this point you should get some sort of insurance, some sort of bond, and possibly even start to call yourself by a business name. (For what its worth Sollas Construction is a great business name.) At this point you are a contractor.
I recommend the apprenticeship because it might be mid way through you realize it might be easier, or more fun, to just work a job. If you don't have an education, it will be more difficult to work at the level you want to. Let's say that you complete your electrician's apprenticeship and after you figure out you really want to be a mechanical contractor. This is fine because you will have a better understanding of trades overall and it might help you. If you stick to the plan and become a general contractor no matter what, it will only benefit you that you had a background in a trade or industry so you can understand that business and the ones around it.
No matter what you do, this is a pave your own way job. You are going to learn as you go, you will make mistakes, and you will figure out what you are good at as you start to do it more. I know a mechanical contractor in my area that started as a few guys and is now a general contractor worth billions because they changed and shaped what they did as they grew. You can certainly do this as well!
Hey man thank you for replying, I really appreciate your advice and will take them to heart. Btw I was thinking Lions Head construction and making an LLC.
Sollas