The United States construction industry is one of the most diverse and fastest-growing sectors around. According to the “United States Construction Industry Databook Series – COVID-19 Update Q2 2020“, the industry is expected to hit a CAGR of 8.5% ($1,819.1 billion) by 2024. Despite recent challenges, the medium to long-term job prospects looks encouraging.
Construction is one of those industries that offer different pathways for anyone and everyone to break in – laborers, construction project managers, engineers, skilled tradespeople, architects, and interior designers.
If you are looking at starting a business that offers one or some of the various services needed in construction or getting a job in a construction firm, here are three tips that will help you kickstart your chosen career on a high.
Tip #1: Identify Your Career Path
The first step to getting it right within the construction industry is identifying your preferred career or business path. The first thing most folks do is gravitate towards an area they like or feel comfortable doing. That’s okay, but you should also consider areas that you usually won’t think of as a career path.
These sorts of career paths provide you with experience and access to new business networks and communities. If you feel stumped about what direction to follow, speak to friends and family who already work in the industry to share insights that can help. You should also ask them to point you in their colleagues’ direction, who can also help deepen your understanding of the industry.
Too much knowledge never hurt anyone in the beginning. You’ll get insights into the hard and soft skills needed to succeed, the working environment, and tips on handling the everyday issues you’ll face when you get your first job.
Tip #2: Get Your Construction Licenses or Certifications
Most career paths in construction need one form of license or certification. You will almost always need to present one if you go for an interview or register your business. The construction licenses you require will also depend on your educational level and location.
Something to note, these licenses have exams that need proper preparation. For example, writing the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) exam required in Alabama, Arizona, Mississippi, and Oregon with books such as the NASCLA Accredited Contractor book bundle is the best way to guarantee you get your license in one try. Another essential construction requirement that you should comply with is the basix certificate.
These license or certification exams are designed to ground you in building codes and standards, structural principles, project costing, construction management, and various other related elements within the industry. Here’s an additional reading for you to learn more about building certifications and construction approvals.
Tip #3: Consider Applying for an Apprenticeship in Your Chosen Area
Once you have your license in the bag, it’s time to hit the ground running. One of the wisest things you can do is to apply for an apprenticeship first. Even if you plan to run a construction business of your own, getting experience is invaluable such as working with industrial wire rope.
An apprenticeship gives you practical insights on what to expect in your future construction career. You’ll get the chance to work on-site beside various competent and experienced professionals and see first-hand how they communicate, manage teams, and adhere to the multiple regulations that govern the construction industry. You’ll also learn how to use the various tools that are needed in your construction career path.
Important factors to consider in a construction industry
1. Conduct a local market analysis– The first question to ask is whether engaging a construction company is a viable option in your area. It may be tough to break into the industry, but one thing you can do is know the answers to these questions:
-How many local construction companies are there in your area?
-What is their area of expertise, and how much do they charge?
2. Make a business plan– When you first start off, this is one of the most important documents you’ll create because it can help you remain on track and increase your chances of success.
3. Registration and license- Formally register your firm in your Local Government Unit, secure your company and brand name in DTI or SEC, and apply for your Tax Identification Number in the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
4. Plan for insurance and liability- Check your insurance and liability plans. Whatever sort of business registration you choose, keep in mind that construction firms, while financially profitable, can involve several job risks and hazards.
5. Obtain enough funding- Get enough finances for your project to ensure that you will not run a deficit at any moment.
6. Location of the office- It’s usually a good idea to find an office space that can serve as your company’s headquarters before establishing any firm. Clients should feel welcome to visit the office. When you have your own physical headquarters, your construction company will appear incredibly professional.
7. Requirements for health and safety- The construction industry is a delicate one that necessitates extremely stringent health and safety regulations. Goggles and safety masks are two key safety necessities for this type of business. Always ensure that your staff operate in the safest possible environment.
8. Buying the necessary equipment- You’ll need wheelbarrows, saws, ladders, and excavators, among other things. When you are shopping, remember to buy high-quality equipment.
Construction Industry Growth Strategies
1. Use your strengths- Identifying a niche market or concentrating in a specific area might help you stand out from the crowd.
2. Quality reigns supreme- Never, ever compromise your high standards of quality work. As we always say, “Quality over quantity. When considering any measure that may endanger the quality of your work, proceed with caution.
3. Provide excellent client service- You should actively communicate with your client about all areas of a project so that you can be equal partners in decision-making. Customer satisfaction leads to recurring business and excellent referrals.
4. Make wise choices- Take the time to explore all sides and choices, and do your research to ensure future success. Never feel compelled to make quick or thoughtless decisions.
5. Invest in your company- If you want to grow your business, you must devote time and money into it. This includes purchasing new equipment and technology as needed, training your personnel, and actively marketing your company.
6. Create a solid squad- Employ dependable, knowledgeable, and skilled workers. Keep your finest staff by promoting and rewarding them for their dedication and dependability. Your team also builds your business.
Final Thoughts
The construction industry can be a rewarding place to work. You not only see the results of your work instantly, but you get financially rewarded for doing a job you love. These three tips are sure to set you up for great career opportunities once you follow them to the last detail. And if you’re looking to start your own remodeling business, it’s important to network with other local remodeling contractors St George Utah in order to gain valuable insights and referrals.