Q: How hard is it to become a general contractor?

It is pretty hard to become a general contractor. You must go through training, gain experience, and pass a state exam. While the requirements vary from state to state, almost all states require some degree of training and the passing of an exam.

Q: Does an independent contractor get a W-2?

No, an independent contractor does not get a W-2. Independent contractors receive a 1099-Misc for any freelance or independent contracting work they might perform for an employer. W-2 tax forms are reserved for employees of a business, not independent contractors.

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

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 3

How hard is it to become a general contractor?

Accepted Answer

It is pretty hard to become a general contractor. You must go through training, gain experience, and pass a state exam. While the requirements vary from state to state, almost all states require some degree of training and the passing of an exam.

Question 4

How to become a general contractor with no experience

Accepted Answer

You become a general contractor with no experience by obtaining a general contractor license. Most states have general contractor license requirements, although many states don't require a license for smaller jobs. Check with your local licensing board or office for requirements and the licensing process.

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of being an independent contractor?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being an independent contractor are the freedom to choose jobs, networking opportunities, and below-average job security. Here are the top pros and cons of being an independent contractor:

Question 6

Does an independent contractor get a W-2?

Accepted Answer

No, an independent contractor does not get a W-2. Independent contractors receive a 1099-Misc for any freelance or independent contracting work they might perform for an employer. W-2 tax forms are reserved for employees of a business, not independent contractors.

Question 7

How are independent contractors paid?

Accepted Answer

Independent contractors are paid mostly in two ways: by hourly pay rates or with one lump sum for a specific job.

The lump sum may be paid in full before the job begins or partially before the job begins. If only paid a partial portion of the lump sum, an independent contractor typically receives the rest of the payment once the job is complete.

Question 8

Does an independent contractor need a business license?

Accepted Answer

No, an independent contractor does not need a business license. This is the case for the majority of states in the US, but laws can vary in specific cities, counties, and regions. Business licenses are normally required for independent contractors that work in the following industries;

Question 9

How long does it take to get a contractor's license?

Accepted Answer

Typically, it takes anywhere from a few days to a few months to get a contractor's license. The vast disparity between these is due to the varied requirements for licensing for contractors throughout the United States. There is no federal license for being a contractor, so each state has its requirements.

Question 10

How to get a contractor's license

Accepted Answer

The requirements, and even the necessity of getting a general contractor license, vary from state to state. Most states require general contractors to pass exams before becoming licensed, but some do not have any requirements. Almost every state does require proof of the correct general contract insurance.

Question 11

Can a general contractor do electrical work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a general contractor can do electrical work. However, they are best suited for simple and small electrician-based projects, not ones that require new electrical systems or the rewiring of large electrical systems. For projects of this size, you should seek the service of a licensed electrician or electrical company.

Question 12

Can a general contractor do plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a general contractor can do plumbing. However, they are best suited for simple and small plumbing-based projects, not ones that require new plumbing systems or a large overhaul of an existing plumbing system. For projects of this size, you should seek the service of a licensed plumber or plumbing company.

Question 13

Do I need a contractor license to flip houses?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a contractor license to flip houses. There is no legal requirement for you to have a contractor's license in order to flip houses. There is no state or region where having a contractor license is a requirement for house flipping.

Question 14

How to get a contractor's license with no experience

Accepted Answer

There are a few ways to get a contractor's license with no experience. Here are some options:

Seek to partner with a responsible managing employee (RME) or a responsible managing officer (RMO)

Question 15

What are the benefits of being an independent contractor?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of being an independent contractor are flexibility, independence, and work-life balance. An independent contractor is also able to gain a variety of useful skills as they learn how to successfully market themselves and work on time management.

Flexibility. Independent contractors can make a lot of choices. They can choose when and where they work. This can be extremely beneficial if you are a stay-at-home parent or a student. It can also be helpful if you travel a lot, or need to be in different locations at different times.
Independence. As an independent contractor, you can choose which jobs you take on and which ones you do not. This allows you control over your time and freedom to work on things that truly interest you. This ownership of your work often leads to better quality work that can help build a solid portfolio and client base.
Work-life balance. Independent contractors have a great work-life balance as there are no exact hours expected. Generally, if you are finishing your work before deadlines, it does not matter if you need to take some time off to take your dog to the vet or go look for a dress to wear to a friend's wedding.

Question 16

What are the best gifts for a contractor?

Accepted Answer

The best gifts for a contractor are tools, workwear, and tool storage items. Tools are essential to every contractor's job; that's why you simply can't go wrong with getting a tool-based gift.

It is important to try and take stock of what your contractor already owns and find out if any of their tools are in need of an update. Old tools can always be upgraded, and most contractors use their tools nearly every day, so there could be any number of items that need to be replaced in their tool kit.

You should also take into account what type of contracting work they perform. If they are involved in plumbing, for instance, you should purchase plumbing-related items. Construction work has different needs in terms of tools; however, there are some standard tools that are essential to all contracting work.

A standard gift item for a beginner contractor is your basic tool set. This includes items like wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and pliers. Make sure to get it from a trusted brand, as you'll want these essential tools to last as long as possible. You can also opt to buy tool set items individually if you know your contractor needs a replacement.

Even if your contractor already has a full tool set, they might still appreciate one because they could dedicate your tools to their personal projects rather than their paid work.

Contactors need to be organized; that's why tool bags and tool organizers make such great gifts. Good tool bags are a middle-priced item, while tool organizers can be on the expensive side. Tool bags are great for traveling contractors, while tool organizers are a great addition to their workshop or personal garage.

Heavy-duty truck bed toolboxes are an essential tool-related item for almost any contractor. They help them stay organized and make it easier for them to select and transport the different tools they have for specific jobs. Be sure that the model will fit the bed of their truck before purchasing though.

There might also be tools that could make your contractor's job so much easier, and they don't have them. One of these types of items is a drill. Contractor's often use drills in a variety of trades, that's why getting them a new drill or even a drill bit set can be a great gift.

There are large and small drill bit sets, depending on the skill and experience of your contractor and their trade of focus. Regardless, these are items every contractor is likely to be a fan of.

Laser levelers are another great option to improve your contractor's precision in their services. Adjusting a level can be difficult for some contractors. That's what makes having a laser leveler so appealing to many in the profession. A laser level is a perfect gift, and in addition to leveling, it also aligns angles and squares lines.

Hand planers are also great gifts for contractors if they do carpentry-related work. This can be one of the most versatile tools in a carpenter worker's set. It can assist in a wide array of tasks, including smoothing out flat stock and truing an edge.

There are electric hand planers for specific types of work, but manual hand planers are essential to many woodworking activities. Most come with adjustable throat plates to improve precision.

A digital caliper is a technologically advanced tool that any contractor would appreciate. Many use analog calipers, but a digital one allows your contractor to achieve supreme accuracy with their measurements.

Depending on the calibers they choose, the measurements can be adjusted between millimeters and inches. It can be set back to zero at the touch of a button and is very versatile. Accuracy can be obtained by your construction worker down to a granular level with a digital caliper.

Workwear is another area with some great gift options for contractors. Steel-toed work boots, for instance, are an essential item in nearly all contracting professions. Proper protection is an absolute must in building or maintenance environments. Steel-toed boots keep their feet safe when working with heavy materials. Just be sure you know their boot size before purchasing.

In the safety area, other great gifts include protective eyewear and heavy-duty gloves. If you get them a pair of gloves, be sure they are of great quality so they will have a long lifespan.

Contractors can also always use food-related gifts. Most contractors have to bring their lunch onsite. So you can get them a high-grade lunch container to keep their lunch warm or cold or a high-grade cooler to keep their beverages cold.

Well-made thermoses, like ones from the Yetti brand, are also great gift ideas. These keep liquids either hot or cold. So if your contractor is performing a job in the blazing heat, you can help them stay cool. Or, in the middle of a cold winter, they can keep their favorite hot beverage in the thermos to stay warm.

Contracting work typically consists of very intense physical labor. Contractors tend to come home with many aches, pains, or even injuries. Some have chronic back and neck issues as well. That's why another thoughtful gift you can get for them is a professional massage.

Massage packages can be purchased in the form of gift cards, and you have many different places you can get them, such as gyms, spas, health clubs, massage parlors, and more. Give them some relief from the physical demands of their job with this thoughtful gift.

In this same area, back massage chairs or neck massagers are also great options. These gifts can be used every day after they get home from their hard work.

If you are having a hard time figuring out the perfect gift for your contractor, a great and safe option is to get them a gift certificate to their favorite hardware or tool supply store. While this is a less personal gift, they are sure to be appreciative and will definitely use it.

Frequently asked questions about general contractors

Questions about becoming a general contractor