How to Become a Residential Building Contractor
Residential building contractors are known to plan, develop and construct individual homes as well as planned community housing. These professionals work independently or through major corporations. As you may know residential building contractors earn as much as $122,000 each year.
- Enroll into and complete a bachelor degree in residential architecture design. This degree program provides you with the skills you need become a successful residential building contractor. Not only will you receive training in hands-on construction techniques but you also learn the business end of this industry. Ensure that you include computer aided design courses into this degree program as this training enables you to utilize this technology to create blueprints and step-by-step layouts of your residential building projects. Ensure also that your selected degree program has the National Architectural Accrediting Board accreditation.
- Complete an internship program within a residential builder's office while you attend your residential architecture design degree program. Your academic advisor has access to internship lists and applications. She or he could aid you in the application process.
- Register to take and pass the Architectural Registration Exam for your state. Your academic advisor has information and/or documents needed to register for this examination.
- Acquire experience in the field to learn methods used by independent residential building contracts. You could obtain this experience by working within a builder's office or with a large-scale residential construction company.
- Determine whether you want to work as a residential building contractor through a corporation or if you prefer to become an independent residential building contractor. If you do opt to become independent and start your own company you should obtain a business license according to the available types in your state of residence.