Starting a Career as a Contractor

Looking to start a career as a contractor? Or maybe you are on the path to becoming one – Best Access Doors lists the key points for anyone interested or on the way to becoming a contractor.

Get educated

There are a few who would argue that when it comes to becoming a contractor, a formal education isn’t necessary; however, it does help when it comes to getting clients and demonstrating your competitive edge over others. A formal education in becoming a contractor can be anything from woodwork, electrical or even engineering – these are professional titles that come from having had the formal education associated with such a title.

When it comes to becoming a contractor, one can choose to spend a few months or a few years getting the proper designation and, in a way,, some would argue that it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds to thousands when a contractor can solely rely on experience. The truth is, when it comes to the formal education of becoming a contractor, one doesn’t have to go to university – unless they want to be an architect but rather going to a college or taking a trades program gives them the upper hand in knowing what the most recent policies and procedures in the field are.

Gain experience

Some would argue that the main thing clients and companies look for when it comes to hiring contractors is experience and that is true; however, when you pair that with a formal education, experience paired with knowledge is a powerful combination. In many trades program, there is a hands-on component that pairs students’ companies to test out their knowledge and skill set – this allows for budding contractors to gain powerful first-hand experience and network with those in the field.

Experience as a contractor is truly invaluable – as the methods and approaches aren’t always as rigid as other fields and industries but rather the construction and contracting fields are one that is constantly evolving with technology and trial-and-error.

Get licensed

While some contractors, especially freelance ones, think it is okay to work on a site without license or certification, others do not. It is for this reason why it is important that if you are in an industry or on. Not only does being licensed on a job site protect you but it demonstrates your knowledge and qualification and for clients this can be a very big deal for them.

Imagine spending hundreds if not thousands on repairs and improvements and the person you’ve hired has made a mistake because they were not qualified accordingly. They didn’t have the proper documentation or were properly qualified and trained which resulted in the erroneous mistake that is now costing the client and the contractor. Having your license not only opens more doors but it promotes workplace safety.

Build a portfolio

Building a portfolio means having samples or proofs of the work you have done. This can be everything from a photo to references of jobs you have been on. What this does is shows you skillset and ability. While a resume is great, a photo can speak a thousand words and, in an industry, where one’s craftsmanship is often sought, this would be a good thing to have. Not to mention, depending on the company or what you are looking to do, some firms may require a portfolio in your experience and work.

Learn about the industry

If someone came up to you and asked you, what’s it like in construction? Or rather, what do you do as a contractor? Could you answer it? Knowing about the industry you are working in is important not just for your own knowledge but the clients’ as well. It lets them know that you are dedicated and you understand the inner workings of the industry.

While the construction industry is vast on and it can seem daunting to have to know every aspect of it – it is important to at least know if not the knowledge in the field you have are in. For example, if you specialize in  access panels, having the proper understanding of the different types and materials means you can make the best recommendation for the client. There is a reason they say knowledge is power because when a client can trust their contractor and the advice they are giving, they know they’ve made the right choice.

Build your network and reputation

Thanks to the world wide web, reputations are built and ruined online – from a scathing negative review to a glorifying and positive 5-star review, if you are a new contractor, your reputation is everything. While this is sometimes beyond the control of a contractor entirely, they can still mitigate negative responses by providing quality services and a positive experience.

Whether you are a local contracting business or one that is part of a franchise and brand, your reputation and the network you build through each project can only enhance your positive reputation. Remember, your company’s reputation can be made or destroyed and for newer companies it can be hard to enter the job market when everyone else around you has been established.

So, regardless if you are starting your career or looking for a change and want to manage your own business – Best Access Doors shares the key points when it comes to becoming a contractor.

For more posts like these on the industry or profession, visit our blog page.