General contractors play a very vital role in the construction industry; they are responsible for ensuring a project runs smoothly and efficiently. When proper protocol isn’t followed, the consequences can be disastrous. Not only can you lose your career or business, but you can also lose lives. With lives on the line, it’s incredibly important to learn from some of the worst mistakes general contractors can make with their careers or businesses.
No Licensing
A general contractor needs a license to operate safely and legally. Licensing not only proves that you’ve trained and studied the skills needed to do the job, but it also shows that you’re operating above the level. Operating without a license is not only illegal, but can cause severe safety hazards and quality issues. There should be at least one license for the contracting business owner and operator, but requirements can vary by location.
Virginia
In Virginia, there are three types of contracting licenses, Class A, B, and C, that cover projects based on their estimated cost. You’ll need a license that is appropriate to the scope of projects you’re doing. Larger scale projects require at least one Class A license, as they cover projects worth $120,000 or higher. You’ll need to provide proof of work experience for licenses of all classes, and there is an exam for each type as well. Virginia contractor’s license test prep is recommended to pass on the first try.
California
California’s contracting licensing is separated by specialty. Class B is for general building contractors, while Class C is for residential remodeling. You’ll need to provide four years’ worth of experience in the field, and you’ll have to pass not just one, but two different exams for your license.
North Carolina
Licenses are required in North Carolina to do contracting work. Similar to Virginia, there are three different license classes depending on the project scale you typically work on—limited, intermediate, and unlimited. There is an exam you need to pass, but you’ll also have to meet financial requirements in the form of working capital, net worth, or bonds.
Inadequate Employee Training
The construction industry can be very unsafe without proper equipment and training. General contracting businesses can be liable for severe injuries and workplace hazards when their employees aren’t adequately outfitted with appropriate training measures. At a minimum, employees need to be trained to handle hazardous materials, dangerous job sites, and construction equipment. They should also know how to respond in emergencies, like hazmat spills or job site fires. Employees should also learn how to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) and report faulty or inadequate safety gear. If your general contracting business sees a lot of construction accidents, spills, or improper emergency responses, it’s up to you to implement better training procedures.
Outdated Education
Industry knowledge frequently changes, especially when it comes to trades like construction. As a general contractor, you’re tasked with ensuring a construction project goes smoothly, and that can’t be done with outdated knowledge. Continuing education is typically required to renew a contracting license, so there is no excuse to remain outdated on your learning. You should have passion for making a mark on the industry, and you can’t do that if you don’t learn. Education doesn’t stop when you earn a degree or start a business. Familiarize yourself with regulatory updates and industry trends at all times.
Worn or Broken Safety Gear
Safety gear is meant to protect your team and project from harm and hazards. When PPE is continuously used, it can wear down and not perform as it should. PPE can also be damaged in hazardous work conditions. Therefore, it’s imperative to inspect and replace broken safety gear as needed. Fire extinguishers, poisonous gas alarms, hazmat equipment, and PPE should always be regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced. Ensuring all safety equipment and gear is working as it should literally saves lives.
Faulty Equipment
Construction vehicles and equipment don’t last forever. Just like safety gear, your tools and equipment need to be regularly inspected and maintained for safety and function. If a tool breaks in the middle of a job, it can cause significant delays, resulting in frustrated customers and lost money. A malfunctioning tool can misfire and cause severe injury or even death, too. When you’re on top of equipment issues and maintenance, you’ll have less surprises, fewer accidents, and more success in your pocket.
Improper Site Cleanup
Cleaning up a job site isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a matter of public safety. Many construction sites have dangerous materials like chemicals or nails that can harm civilians or the ecosystem when not properly disposed of. If your construction sites cause injury, death, or environmental damage, you’ll likely have to deal with severe consequences from fines to jail time to the closure of your business. Clean up the job site when you’re done to the best of your ability. You can always hire job site cleaners to save time.
Insufficient Insurance Coverage
Most businesses need some form of liability insurance, especially when working with the public. General contracting companies have even more liabilities to worry about, from adhering to building codes to employee accidents. General contractors need to be equipped with a wide variety of insurance coverage to ensure you, your employees, and your clients have their needs met and rights protected. From general liability insurance to workers’ compensation, you will need to be thoroughly covered.
Conclusion
General contractors are responsible for a construction project’s safe, timely, and high-quality completion. The most important goals for construction companies are safety and quality, and one can’t be sacrificed to fulfill the other. If you recognize some of these mistakes or simply want to ensure the most success for your general contracting career or business, you’ll want to make sure you prioritize site, employee, and client safety at all times. The construction industry is no place for cutting corners!
