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General contractors, or construction managers, are vital parts of building projects. They are hired by architecture and engineering firms to supervise and manage development plans for houses, buildings, and other structures, and they often coordinate all of the activities that are required to get the job done. Not only do they have to be extremely responsible, reliable, and capable, but they should also have the right qualifications. The right requirements for a qualified contractor will vary depending on the state in which the project is based. Country requirements will vary as well when working outside of the United States. Education and Certification General contractors usually have an associate or bachelor's degree in Architecture, Management, or Construction Science. Alternatively, they may hold an engineering degree in one of many fields, including chemical, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering. Though it is not always a requirement upon graduation, most individuals pursue certification, as it makes them more employable, and it transforms an aspiring contractor into a Certified Construction Manager or CCM. This credential is provided by the Construction Management Association of America and requires an exam that costs about $300. If the applicant doesn't pass on the first attempt, the exam can be taken up to three times in total. Experience To become a CCM, it is necessary to complete one of the qualifying degrees discussed above, and if the worker has not completed college, he must have a significant amount of experience. This "experience" usually means working in the field for eight or more years. Regardless of the applicant's level of education, earning the certification will require about four or more years of experience in the sector, and it is best if the expertise is gathered in an array of competencies and stages of project development, which will be discussed further below. Licensing While receiving a certification is valuable, especially for attracting employers, general contractors also must have the appropriate state licenses. These licenses have to be applied for through the particular state's mechanism and require an exam, proof of on-the-job experience, citizenship or legal residency, and application fees. Functions and Roles Though general contractors seldom do any actual building, they need to understand each phase of the work in order to properly manage workers at different stages of the project's progression. There are five major stages in a project. First, there is the pre-design phase, then design, procurement, construction, and lastly, post-construction. In each of these phases, there is a role for a contractor to manage, not just the project as a whole, but also costs, time, quality, and safety. Contract administration is another important function. Verification Employers can easily verify the qualifications and licensing of their general contractors by researching public databases available online. Most state licensing boards provide this service and allow people to confirm licenses for businesses and individuals by entering a specific license or registration number, bond, or certificate detail. This will retrieve all records associated with the business or the individual; thus, it is important that the information is correct and up to date. When looking for general contractors, Grand Rapids, MI builders contact http://www.owen-ames-kimball.com/services/.
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