Job seeking in any field can be tough. However, finding a job related to home construction may be easier with the industry’s healthier outlook. The housing market is about to see an uptick after years of slow growth. With single-family starts on the rise, many construction jobs are anticipated. When new homes are constructed, or older homes are repaired, workers have more opportunities. The following are some opportunities you may consider applying for as a job seeker.
General Contractors
Every home requires some construction, even painting the walls. Jobs in the housing industry are typically divided into general contractors and subcontractors. General contractors are the companies who hire subcontractors to complete certain tasks for them. Many people can find employment as a sub-contractor, independently or for a large, established company. Contractors act as middlemen who negotiate with customers to find out what they want and then hire workers to do the job. Although this role usually does not require formal education, contractors must deal with customers to increase profits. They may also need to manage personnel issues or project deadlines, which can cause problems if they lack experience.
Sub-Contractors
Generally, subcontractor jobs are part of the overall home construction process. These jobs are given to people who specialize/excel in one subject more than another. Such as plumbing or carpentry. Subcontractors also help with renovations/decorating homes. Sub-contractors work directly with general contractors on specific parts of projects. They help frame houses, install windows and doors, lay foundations, or apply drywall. Wages vary by trade. Some tradesmen earn over $100 per hour while others only make minimum wage. Sub-contractors must be licensed once they have gained a certain amount of experience. Some trades, such as plumbing service professionals and electricians, require state licensing to be cleared on the job site.
Licensed Tradesmen
In states where it is required, one must have a license to work with or without supervision. This depends on the type of licensure. General contractors usually contract licensed tradesmen before beginning any work. Sub-contractors may rely on their licenses for work they complete. A licensed individual does not supervise that. Only some states require supervisors of construction jobs to hold a license. Some do not even require licenses for workers at all. It is important to check with the local government agency responsible for regulating building practices to determine the sub-contractor expectations.
Construction Laborers
Construction laborer is a broad job title that can encompass several different workers. While subcontractors may employ some construction laborers, others work for general contractors. Depending on the company, they may or may not hold a license. In some cases, the laborers must complete certain educational requirements before working. Although it varies by state, there are generally two types of laborers. Unlicensed and low-skilled, who operate heavy machinery, and licensed and highly skilled that do detailed measurements and layout designs. The workforce almost always requires both types to meet deadlines and stay under budget.
Office Staff
As you apply for a job, it is vital to understand the roles and responsibilities of the position you are interested in. Office staff often work closely with the tradesmen. However, their roles are important in management positions. The office staff is responsible for preparing budgets, arranging meetings, supervising tradesmen or laborers, and greeting customers. Their work is very important but often under-appreciated by the construction workers. The housing market is responsible for many jobs. If you look at all the homes being built, someone can design them. Using technical, artistic, creative, and problem-solving skills, these people work hard on the project until completion. They come up with ideas that will turn into beautiful houses or buildings where people can live.
Construction Managers
Construction managers are in charge of managing the project from beginning to end. They coordinate with all parties involved to ensure that deadlines are met each day and schedules are kept up to date. This position does not necessarily require a license or extensive education. However, many companies prefer to find candidates with bachelor’s degrees in business management, construction management, or engineering. Construction management degree programs teach students about profit analysis, land development, environmental safety, negotiation tactics, team dynamics, cost evaluations, bidding procedures, budget projections, scheduling, and site development, including dump disposal.
Construction Foremen
A foreman manages another person or group of people to undertake a task. Their role is to make sure that work is being done to meet building codes and answer any questions workers may have about the construction process. Large companies usually employ foremen, often through an application and interview process. They are responsible for hiring and training other laborers on their team. Foremen also hire contractors specializing in different building trades, such as carpentry, drywall installation, and painting. Construction foremen’s responsibilities can include ensuring all workers follow safety protocol, providing assignments, and checking finished products. Many companies require foremen to have at least five years of experience working as construction workers before being promoted to this management position.
Construction Supervisors
Construction supervisors are well-informed about company policies, procedures, and safety measures. They have authority over everyone on their crew but must also communicate with clients when problems arise. Tradesmen may not always seem happy when supervisors correct them during the construction process. However, they understand that their supervisors are there to ensure the quality of work is kept up. Construction supervisors earn salaries, bonuses, and profit-sharing plans. This depends on the budget, type of project, and personnel under it.
Construction Accountants
Construction accountants estimate how much it will cost to complete a job before actual work begins. They must read blueprints, understand building codes, follow safety procedures, prepare contracts, keep track of payrolls weekly or daily, reconcile accounts on an ongoing basis, etc. They also analyze each aspect of the business process to reduce costs. However, this position does not require any licensing or certification. If you are interested in becoming an accountant in the construction industry, you must have a bachelor’s degree. Many companies seek advanced degrees. Accountants are often required to comply with federal contractor rules.
Truck Drivers in Moving Companies
Moving trucks are common today due to consumer needs for moving companies that provide moving necessities like boxes and moving materials. Most moving companies have different types of moving vehicles which help accommodate most moving companies. Thanks to consumerism, the moving industry is thriving. Moving vehicles transport household contents. Moving companies pass moving costs onto consumers by adding a moving fee. Moving trucks are common today. Companies add transportation fees to moving costs based on weight, the number of moves, and distance traveled.
Roofing Contractors
The roofing market has shifted dramatically in recent years. This is because the demand for roofs has been increasing steadily recently. The rise in construction has greatly affected the economy with increased job opportunities for skilled tradesmen. Roofers are many jobs that require extensive training and apprenticeship programs before becoming licensed to work without supervision. It is also known as storm safety installation, roof repair service, skylight installations, shingle repairs, and replacement roofs. The best residential roofing contractors cover the outermost portion with shingles or metal sheets to protect it from wind, rain, snow, and ice damage. A roofing company may also be involved in fixing damaged roofs.
Fencing Contractors
Fence installers put up typical fences, including ornamental iron, chain link, wood, and aluminum. Fencing contractors may need to obtain permits and work with architects or other design experts. The contractors discuss the types of supplies and materials needed for a job and meet the expectations of clients and homeowners. Fencing contractors should work harder than most construction workers because it is an outside job that often involves difficult terrain. Sometimes they will need to carry materials and equipment for long distances. Having a strong back is important.
Landscaping Service Professionals
There are many different facets of residential lawn care and landscaping to consider when looking at the job as a career move. Lawn care can mean simply mowing and maintaining lawns on an as-needed basis. A lawn service professional might build a lawn from scratch using new plants and seeds and seed mixtures, sod, or other materials for lawn construction. This job requires grasses and plants, lawn renovation techniques, lawn irrigation systems, and lawn maintenance. A landscaping career is not only for lawn service professionals. People without experience looking to break into the landscaping industry can land an entry-level landscape gardener with on-the-job training.
Excavation Contractors
An excavation contractor is a person who owns excavators and employs people to operate them. This includes a commercial excavation service. The excavator ensures that the job is well handled, so customers are satisfied. Commercial excavation contractors do not just do excavation jobs for commercial purposes. However, they will often need to be experts at grading and backfilling, important parts of construction work, and commercial excavation. The commercial excavator is an important part of the overall job, and commercial services often come with commercial equipment for commercial projects.
Towing Company Drivers
The towing company’s job can act as a side job for many people to make extra money. This is also good for retired professionals looking for something to do with their time. A towing company provides an opportunity to get out of the house and interact with different people that they otherwise would not be exposed to. The driver in a towing company has to be very safety conscious. They need to know how to handle the different terrain they are driving on, whether dirt roads or paved highways. They also must have a valid driver’s license to drive this type of vehicle. Often, the truck will be hauling other equipment from one site to another, so the company wants to be certain that they are hiring a capable person for this position.
Garbage Collection Jobs
Municipal waste collection and landfill sites are an issue with increasing environmental concern. A vital and integral part of the recycling and re-use processes, dump disposal, and treatment facilities must be treated as a natural resource to avoid or minimize their negative impact. There is a lot of money to be made in the housing market. It all starts with garbage collection. When you start as a small-time developer and builder, one of your first steps is to remove old structures from the land for development or construction. This includes taking down abandoned buildings like old factories and warehouses and clearing out old homes built on the site before developing them.
Locksmith Jobs
Locksmithing is a good skill if one wishes to work for a construction company. There is more than one way to get hired and remain employed. For example, one might do some independent contracting off the books or find out how to become a locksmith and work for a construction company. To become an off-the-books contractor, one would need to have their tools or know where to borrow some. The equipment needed consists of various hand tools, cordless drills, cordless saws, jigsaw, circular saw, etc. This list may change depending on what one is contracted to do.
Plumbing Jobs
To become a professional plumber, one must begin by attending high school or college and earning either an undergraduate degree or a vocational certificate. An entry-level position in the field typically requires less than five years of experience, including any time, spent participating in an apprenticeship program. Plumbers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing water, drainage, gas, and other piping systems in both homes and businesses. Their work requires them to use various tools such as wrenches, drills, saws, and welding equipment.
The list of jobs above is ideal for people looking to apply for a job in the construction industry. In this day and age, housing is a big part of people’s lives. Everyone needs a place to live in some way. Recently, there has been a large increase in the population, and so there are more houses and buildings to be built. The housing market seems to be doing great because of this. There is seemingly no stopping it, as long as people work hard and stay focused on building their home.
