How To Go From Handyman To General Contractor

[@colerichards7720]

Great video mike I just have a question, I’m 18 and have always wanted to build houses when I’m older I can’t decide if I should go to college for construction management or trades school for carpentry to learn a specific trade. What would you recommend?

[@joehanika]

I would go trade school all day! There are some course from SDSU online that help with PM type of stuff. I went to trade school, field work, associates degree, then got a PM cert.

[@jamessid5921]

How would you qualify your work experience as a Forman if you are a handyman?

[@TRUmiklo]

Thanks man

[@isaachalsmer6277]

Hey mike solid video, but I wanted to ask. Right now i'm a handyman and I understand some things on the job site (mostly flooring) but lack understanding in other parts (electricity) would I need to know that or could I go ahead and get my general contractor's license and learn more as I go?

[@themikeclaudio]

I would get your GC license then just hire electricians till you Learn what you need to know or just always use professionals for their trades

[@RELAXnRENOVATE]

Isaac; You can get your GC license at any time. Knowing electrical isn't important at first. The reason for that is, many states require a licensed electrician to do electrical work beyond the outlet box. This means if you're doing electrical wiring it could put you at risk for a large fine (if caught), or lawsuit (if you burn a house down), ect. What you'll benefit from knowing are things like; how close an outlet can be to a wet surface. Or when and where a GFCI outlet needs to be installed. Or can you put any exhaust fan over a shower or does it need to be specially rated for wet surfaces...does it need to be on a GFCI circuit. The more conversations you have with electricians, plumbers, and inspectors, the more you'll learn. That can be done once you start contracting. That's why he mentioned talking to other contractors and subs. Also, be present for inspections for framing, mechanical, as well as electrical. This will help you meet the professionals that you will be doing business with. Ask a lot of questions and be up front. Let them know you are new but willing to learn the proper way to do things, according to code. This will help build positive report and ultimately give them confidence in you next time they come out for an inspection on your projects. Sorry to butt in but I wanted to try to help expand on this topic a little.

[@adventuresofahandyman4446]

Good stuff Thanks boss.👍

[@themikeclaudio]

Thanks man! Check out the Big Stuf Podcast as well

[@adventuresofahandyman4446]

@@themikeclaudio I sure will. Working on my builders exam currently. Checking out your channel. Thanks

[@themikeclaudio]

@@adventuresofahandyman4446 what state are you in?

[@adventuresofahandyman4446]

SC

[@jacobramos163]

Hi mike I wanted to ask you a question. I really want to build homes when I’m older and I love working with wood but I can’t find any trade schools online or in my area would u happen to know of any good trade schools?

[@judssad]

California not a open book test

[@dancallendar2284]

Neither is Michigan

[@RELAXnRENOVATE]

@@dancallendar2284 Washington state does not have a test at all

[@lobsterstrange]

@@RELAXnRENOVATE so no license needed?

[@RELAXnRENOVATE]

@@lobsterstrange You need a contractors license, yes. You do not need to take ANY test to obtain that license.

[@lobsterstrange]

@@RELAXnRENOVATE them what are the requirements?