If you’ve just left the military, you might be interested in volunteering for an organization that can put your experience to good use. One highly beneficial career path is that of a home contractor. The construction sector may benefit from many people’s transferrable abilities. Focus, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to perform well under pressure all fall under this category.
Veterans may expect a high level of job security in the construction industry due to its steady demand and promising job outlook. It’s a great way to put your imagination to play while helping people fulfill their housing needs.
Veterans may get a leg up into the construction sector with the support of the GI Bill and the federal government. A job as a contractor may be fulfilling since it provides opportunities to put one’s talents to work for the greater good of society.
WHO IS A RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR?
A residential contractor is a professional who works exclusively on homes and other domestic buildings. They are in charge of overseeing and directing the whole construction project, from inception to conclusion.
In the home construction industry, it is common to collaborate with a group of specialists. Professionals in these fields work together to guarantee the project is finished on time, within budget, and to the homeowner’s pleasure. The building permits, laws, and codes specific to home construction are also often well-known to residential contractors.
WHAT DOES A RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR DO?
A home contractor’s duties might involve a wide range of things like:
- Get together with home-owners to talk about what they want to get out of the project, what resources they have available, and how much it will all cost.
- Draft in-depth drawings and blueprints for the project, including the breakdown of all costs (material, labor, and equipment).
- Organize and plan the time spent by electricians, plumbers, and carpenters who are hired as subcontractors.
- Maintain a high level of quality and safety on the job site by supervising the building process.
- Keep expenses down and the project on track by managing the budget.
- Get the approvals and checks from the authorities in charge of building and safety in your area.
- Taking care of the client’s needs, answering their questions, and keeping them updated on the project’s development.
- Take care of the client’s “punch list” items and do final inspections to make sure they’re satisfied.
- Assure the customer and offer follow-up assistance.
- General contractors for homes must oversee the whole building process. They make sure the project is finished on schedule and within budget as well.
BECOMING A RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR AS A VETERAN
You may make a smooth transition from military life to civilian life by training as a home contractor. Veterans can receive assistance with expenses including tuition and certification fees under the GI Bill.
The requirements and process for becoming a resident veteran differs by state. Before beginning work, research what is needed to become a contractor in your state. You’ll also need to make sure you have the appropriate credentials. Veteran contractors often report increased happiness and satisfaction with their work. You can have a real impact on the world by putting your talents to use in the world around you.
You need to have a firm grasp of the field at hand before you can proceed with formal training. You should also be familiar with any local regulations.
Before you decide to become a home contractor, you should learn as much as possible about the field. Learning about the roles and responsibilities of a home builder might help you decide whether or not it’s the right career path for you.
This is a great way to get a sense of the job’s demands and determine if you’d enjoy doing them. You can tell if there is a need for your services as a home contractor by looking at the local job market.
The best approach to find out if being a home contractor is the perfect career for you is to talk to people already working in the field. They are in a prime position to teach you about the industry, its pitfalls, and its potential payoffs.
They may be able to fill you with on the industry’s normal salary range, contractor demand, and overhead expenses.
There are a variety of credentials need to enter the field of home construction. You’ll need to do your homework, as the regulations differ from state to state.
Find out what steps are necessary in your state to become a residential contractor.
General contractors are required by law to hold the appropriate licenses and certifications from their respective states. Becoming a contractor has different prerequisites in each state.
To learn more about the exact standards in your state, check out the licensing board’s website or give them a call. Education, work experience, and test scores may all be needed in some jurisdictions. The laws and types of permits needed for a given project might vary from state to state.
Once you have a firm grasp of the prerequisites, you may go on to developing a strategy. Get your exam registration paperwork and information together. Documentation including diplomas, resumes, and insurance policies may be required. Learn the specifics of the test’s layout and material. The exam bulletin, study guides, and practice exams are all helpful tools for getting ready.
Make a study schedule that will help you succeed and get started right away. Put aside some time every day to study and complete homework. You may also locate a study buddy or join a study group.
Numerous reputable organizations provide certification tests for home improvement contractors. Though taking these certification examinations are entirely discretionary, passing them can demonstrate to clients and employers that you are an expert in your profession.
Here are a few tests from which to choose:
- Exams for both CGB and CGR certification are offered by the National Association of Home Builders.
- Examination for the NAHB Certified Green Professional (CGP)
- The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Certified Remodeler (CR) Test
A degree in a relevant discipline is typically required of contractors. To sit for the licensure test in some jurisdictions, a completion certificate is required.
Before deciding to become a contractor, it may be wise to investigate degree programs in construction management and similar professions. Earning a credential like a degree or certificate can set you up for success in your chosen field. Building rules, construction methods, and project management are all covered.
Having a certification can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs since many companies offer preference to those who have completed relevant coursework. You can also participate in internships and co-op programs to obtain hands-on experience.
The total cost of your education might reach $50,000, depending on the variety of classes you take. The federal government offers financial aid to veterans through the GI Bill. It’s a great way to help veterans and their families afford higher education.
The GI Bill can be used to cover the costs of higher education. You may utilize your Post-9/11 GI Bill funds to get the education and training you need to become a certified home contractor if you are a veteran.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is among the most popular government aid packages. Career and technical education, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and non-academic degree programs are all examples of forms of education and training.
You should probably get some job experience under your belt before attempting the home contractor license exam. Building codes and construction processes, among other things, can be learned in preparation for the test. Gaining relevant job experience might also help you expand your professional network. This knowledge will serve you well while looking for a contracting position or launching your own firm.
Gaining job experience before taking the contractor licensure test is helpful but not necessarily necessary. Before the test, you should investigate the prerequisites, explore the available options, and evaluate your skills to see if obtaining work experience is the appropriate choice for you.
Now is the time to study for and take the test if you have the necessary training and expertise in the subject. Pre-exam registration is required. Therefore, it is crucial that you remember the due dates.
Taking the license test with more assurance and competence may be achieved by using official and authorized study resources. It will also improve your odds of passing the test the first time around, saving you both time and money.
The content and format of a licensure test might be somewhat different from the study materials made available by the entity that actually gives the exam. These study materials have been reviewed and approved by professionals in the field to guarantee they contain accurate and up-to-date information.
Official study guides are more trustworthy and reliable than unauthorised ones. Prepare for the test and improve your chances of success with the help of these sample questions and study tips.
Passing the exam with a score of at least 70% is required to earn a license to work as a home contractor. In addition, you need to have the appropriate amount of experience, education, or apprenticeship in the construction business to pass your state’s license exam.
When applying for a license, a background check may be necessary in some states but not others. After completing the test or before issuing a license, a background check may be necessary in some jurisdictions. To find out if and when a background check is necessary in your state, you should contact the relevant agency.
A person’s credit and criminal histories are both factored into a background check. Previous locations, job, criminal, and credit histories can all be uncovered in the course of a thorough background check.
Background checks often include taking a live scan of an individual’s fingerprints. If you would want a background check conducted, please contact FEFPS.
While on the hunt for a new position, it might be helpful to network with those already established in the construction sector. Meeting prospective employers at industry events like trade exhibitions and job fairs is another option. It is common practice for construction firms to advertise available positions online.
You have the option of going into business for yourself or becoming a self-employed worker. You may expand your professional network even further by taking on subcontracting employment. General contractors are available for hire for a variety of different tasks.
HOW CAN THE G.I. BILL SUPPORT VETERANS IN THEIR GOAL OF BECOMING RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTORS?
Veterans interested in becoming contractors can get financial aid from the GI Bill to use toward their education and training. The legislation can be used to pay for things like textbooks and tuition at a technical or vocational college.
It can also be used to pay for the necessary training or certification to begin working as a home contractor. The GI Bill also helps pay for veterans’ rent while they are in school. This can be used to assist fund veterans’ living costs while training.
However, the specific perks and prerequisites of each program for using the GI Bill to become a Residential Contractor might differ widely. For further details, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a local veterans service group.