Construction Contracting Career Information

Printable Brochure

A Construction Contracting Career
Full of Challenges, Rewards, and Opportunities

As a construction contractor, you’ll be charged with managing, coordinating, and supervising the entire construction process—from concept through final construction—on a timely and economical basis.

A Day in the Life of an Oregon Construction Contractor
On a daily basis, you will oversee the organization, scheduling, and implementation of designs for buildings, roads, bridges, or other projects. You’ll be responsible for coordinating and managing people, materials, equipment, budgets, schedules, and contracts.

Depending on a project’s size, you may perform the work yourself or arrange for subcontractors to perform specialized work. You will evaluate and determine appropriate construction methods and cost-effective plans and schedules. Also, you will divide all job-site activities into logical steps, budgeting the time required to meet established deadlines.

You will be responsible for all facets of a construction project, including:

• Overseeing delivery and use of materials, tools and equipment
• Scheduling and coordinating employees and subcontractors
• Ensuring employee and public safety
• Obtaining all necessary permits and licenses
• Ensuring compliance with building and safety codes
• Complying with engineering and architectural plans
• Adhering to strict deadlines and budgets

Characteristics of Successful Contractors
Those who succeed as contractors tend to be:

• Knowledgeable about construction methods, materials, and regulations
• Skilled negotiators
• Able to motivate and collaborate with many types of people
• Comfortable with complex contracts, plans, and specifications
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Flexible and effective in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communicators—both in print and in person

Traditionally, contractors have substantial experience as construction craftworkers (carpenters, masons, plumbers, or electricians, for example) prior to going into business for themselves.

Starting Out
Starting up your own business involves a series of important decisions. For example, you will have to determine:

• What contractor license you need - general contractor, specialty contractor,
  or other
• What type of business entity to establish - sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company 
• Marketing identity and positioning - name, logo, advertising, promotions,
  and more
• How to effectively manage your finances and what accounting system to implement 
• Your long-term growth strategy – do you plan on working by yourself or will you hire employees to do the work while you manage the business? 

You may decide to specialize in a particular area, such as:

• Residential new construction
• Residential remodels
• Commercial buildings
• Finish work
• Investment property maintenance

Unlimited Earning Potential
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects good employment opportunities for construction contractors through 2012. Sophisticated technology and new laws setting standards for buildings and construction materials, worker safety, energy efficiency, and environmental protection have increased the need for additional talent in the construction process.

Adding to the demand for more construction contractors are: advances in building materials and construction methods; the need to replace much of the nation’s infrastructure; and the growing number of multipurpose buildings, electronically operated “smart” buildings, and energy-efficient structures.

Earnings of construction contractors vary depending on the size and nature of the construction project, geographic location, and economic conditions. The opportunity to increase your earnings peaks when demand is high — and you’re willing to put in the extra effort.