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You are here: Home › Careers › Australian Careers › Careers Descriptions › Building and Construction Careers › Building Contractor

Building Contractor

Building contractors run their own business and plan, supervise and work on the construction and alteration of buildings.

 

Tasks & duties

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Building contractors may do some or all of the following:

  • discuss building plans or changes with architects and clients
  • study the plans and instructions
  • calculate the amount of materials required
  • work out how much the work will cost
  • oversee delivery of building materials
  • hire tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers
  • organise the details of contracts
  • arrange building consent and notify building and plumbing inspectors of work that requires inspection
  • construct, alter and repair buildings
  • ensure building standards and correct health and safety practices are met
  • make sure that the finished building meets the required standards
  • keep accounts and collect payments

 

Specialisations

Building contractors may focus on a certain area of construction within commercial or residential building.

 

Skills & knowledge

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Building contractors need to have:

  • building and carpentry skills
  • knowledge of building methods and materials
  • understanding of building standards and safety regulations
  • skill interpreting drawings and architectural plans
  • business management skills
  • communication skills for dealing with clients, local authorities, architects and other contractors
  • staff management skills
  • good planning and organisational ability
  • knowledge of health and safety procedures on building sites
  • maths skills

 

Entry requirements

Building contractors are normally very experienced carpenters who have progressed from an apprenticeship in carpentry to being self-employed. For information about apprenticeships, visit the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) website.

 

Secondary education

Three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include English, maths, woodwork, accounting and technical drawing.

 

Tertiary education

A National Certificate in Carpentry is recommended for those wanting to work as a building contractor.

 

Training on the job

Building skills are gained on the job, and building contractors can gain further knowledge by doing courses on building and running a business.

 

Registration

The Licensed Building Practitioners scheme is being phased in between 2007 and 2011. This will require building contractors to become registered. For further information contact Department of Building and Housing.

 

Related courses

Building Construction Management
Building Science and Technology
Carpentry and Joinery

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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