Question 1

Construction Manager vs. General Contractor

Accepted Answer

A construction manager is a general contractor with an expanded set of responsibilities and a different financial incentive structure, while a general contractor is a person in charge of the day-to-day onsite operation of a construction project.

Question 2

Construction Manager vs. Project Manager

Accepted Answer

A construction manager oversees onsite operations such as personnel, materials, and the construction budget, while a project manager oversees all phases of the project including marketing and administrative needs.

Question 3

General Contractor vs. Construction Manager

Accepted Answer

A general contractor is a person in charge of the day-to-day onsite operation of a construction project, while a construction manager is a general contractor with an expanded set of responsibilities and a different financial incentive structure.

Question 4

How long does it take to become a construction manager?

Accepted Answer

It takes four to eight years to become a certified construction manager, on average. It will typically take four years with a bachelor's degree and eight years without to achieve the certification needed to officially become a Construction Manager.

Question 5

How much does it cost to start a construction company?

Accepted Answer

The average cost to start a construction company is anywhere from $50,000 for a small business to $500,000 for a larger construction business. There are many one-time costs and ongoing expenses for a construction company. Startup costs include licenses, permits, insurance, marketing, software, field labor, equipment, and tools.

Question 6

How much education do you need to be a construction manager?

Accepted Answer

The minimum educational requirement for a construction manager is an associate's degree from a community college or trade school. While getting a four-year bachelor's degree is going to set a person up for quicker early success, it is possible to become a Construction Manager without one.

Question 7

How to be a construction manager without a degree

Accepted Answer

To be a construction manager without a degree, you will need to complete extensive on-the-job training and gain experience while working. Most construction managers will hold at least a bachelor's degree, so if you pursue a career without one, you will need to make up for the education that many others hold.

Most companies will not hire you to become a construction manager unless you have 10 to 15 years of experience. You can gain this experience working on-site first as a construction worker and then up. Typically, new construction managers will be hired in assistant roles working under an experienced manager. This process can last two years.

It is important to note that not holding a degree may limit your career choices, as there are some companies that will not hire any construction managers who do not hold degrees. However, experience and expertise can still put you in a good spot for finding and keeping a position, especially if you are a great networker.

There are also certifications available that can be beneficial for potential construction managers. These can help accelerate your training and make you a more desirable candidate. There are also certifications that can be earned throughout your career as a construction manager.

Question 8

How to start a construction business

Accepted Answer

You will want to make a business plan, obtain the required permits, and obtain the necessary equipment. Before beginning work, you will also need to make sure that you have set up a business account for all financial aspects of the company.

Question 9

Is it hard to become a construction manager?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not hard to become a construction manager, but it takes hard work and the right skill set to be successful. While it is not hard to become a construction manager, this career is a lot of hard work, which requires a person who is really eager to dig in to be successful.

Question 10

What are careers in construction management?

Accepted Answer

Field engineers, construction superintendents, and construction managers are careers in construction management. Here are descriptions of these careers and others in construction management:

Question 11

What is the career path for a construction manager?

Accepted Answer

The career path for a construction manager involves jobs as a construction worker, construction supervisor, and construction manager.

A construction manager's career path is fairly straightforward in terms of education, professional experience, helpful certifications, and different construction-based roles. Here is a look at each of these facets for a construction manager:

Question 12

What qualifications do you need to be a construction manager?

Accepted Answer

The basic qualifications needed to be a construction manager are generally a bachelor's degree in construction management and four years of experience to become certified. These basic educational qualifications are fairly straightforward to meet.

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	12.28%
Construction Management	11.95%
Construction Projects	9.03%
OSHA	5.19%
Customer Service	4.31%

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