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Building Contractor

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

Tasks & duties

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

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.