Long time reader first time poster. Have learned a lot from reading these posts, thanks a ton.
Heres my problem. I have been debating taking the plunge and getting licensed. I live in Chatt. Tn. Work, like anywhere else has been slower, however I have managed to stay busy. Have been a small project hire guy for a while now and want to make this a more dedicated living.
Can I get some tips from some of you seasoned or not so seasoned GC’s on how to make the transition?
Am thinking of taking the required tests early next year, present to the board next march…
thanks.
Replies
Congratulations and good luck Mark! Just got my NC license a couple months ago myself. You won't ever regret going for it.
What kinds of jobs will you be going after?
Will you have GL and WC ins. in place?
Will you have employees?
How much "hands-on" will you be involved in?
I could go on, but how about answering these first.
Peace
The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.
DavidHawks,
I will more then likely not have any employees off the bat. What I am hoping to do if do most of the work myself until i get my feet wet.Yes I will carry WC, plan on starting up as an llc, and have the fortune of having a brother-in-law as a CPA.My idea is to work jobs progressively larger, pay off any debt I aquire starting the process before i go hiring people.This being said, the jobs I will be bidding initially wont be that much bigger then what i am doing now.Will take suggestions on these thoughts.
Not from your state, so I dont know about liscence rules. have you been earning a living at this or part-timing? Probably the biggest mistake made is not knowing your overhead costs for insurance etc. and not collecting enough for profit (thinking that your hourly rate is enough)
Mostly trying to bump this as there are far smarter business people here than myself
What do you mean present to the Board? Where are you located?
Recession is good time to start. Everyone in biz has had overhead grow. It's the easiest thing to do. But you don't have as much OH. Now I'm NOT saying low ball your bids. But, I know I am working for less right now. Some months I'm paying to work. Aint that a (b).
But I started in 90. Supposed to be a recession then. I never noticed. By the time we got to 2001 I noticed that one. Do everything yourself. If you need help there is sure to be employees avaiible. And get equipment used from all the old timers selling. Office space will be cheap. My office neighbor just upgraded down the hall to 2 offices instead of his one. I'd estimate half of our building is empty.
Go for it
Chattanooga, Tn. I have to take the exams required, have a cpa review and "present" (actually mail in cause i wont be actually interviewed)
all this plus insurance to a board to attain a license.
Man, you are picking a tough time to get started.
I've had people all over me for the last few weeks looking for jobs. There just isn't any work around here - rural VA, near NC border.
That being said, I have always belived that if you do good work at a fair price, you will get jobs. Since you are at the bottom of the ladder, you need to devlop a customer base as well as the business experience.
Like others said, try to keep overhead as low as possible. It makes a world of difference. Good luck.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
Congratulations, good luck and...have you completely lost your mind?
Man, I've built many top end custom homes for sports stars whom you would recognize, run the payrolls, etc..
I'm looking at dishwasher repair. At least I would then get some cash.
God bless you, and good luck. If you have need of highly skilled craftsmen, let me know, I get about 30 calls per day.
All i can say to that is WTF are you smoking at 2 am? your reply makes no sense.