Can You Be A GC with NO Experience?!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ค. 2019
- To grow your construction business, visit: jesselane.com
Can you be a General Contractor with no experience? I'll share with you some tips on how to become a general contractor without any experience...or do you need experience before you start your general contracting company? If you're looking to start your own construction business, then you'll want to watch this video!
We'll discuss the importance of having a solid foundation in construction, and discuss some of the skills and qualities that make a good general contractor.
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I disagree with this. I have a friend who has never built anything in his life (he’s an IT Guy), and he is making a ton of money as a builder now. He learned along the way.
I started working for companies learning the basics from framing, insulation, hardwood flooring etc. And then when i decided to make a gc Company i started to work for a plumber saturdays to get the extra knowledge. Don’t work for the money work for the knowledge because knowledge always pays out in the end.
Well said
True that!👍
Rich dad poor dad.
amen
Preach!
Dude you starting hittin me emotionally at the "you are your greatest asset. You are everything you need to get what you want done." Dang how powerful.
I gotta agree with captain 👆🏼. A general contractor doesn’t have to be a pro at every single one of the trades that he oversees. But needs a general understanding of all of them. It’s their job within their trade to do their trade right . The GC makes sure he’s got the right people doing the fight job at the right time.
Love this man ! I’m only 25 .
In 2014 I got my first job building food trucks and i learned how to do framing, plumbing and electrical (I know it’s not the same as a house) then I went and followed my dream of being a carpet cleaner and got a job for 2 years and In 2017 I bought my own truck mounted carpet cleaning van and and officially opened “invasion carpet cleaning & repairs” here in Colorado . We do a lot of restoration work , carpet installation, flooring , synthetic turf installation and drywall work. so I tough “why not start to remodel” SO WE DID! we have done laundry rooms , bathrooms & small projects . I just went to bid 2 different projects that literally need everything! From framing to the whole project being finished ! I am scared but I think all my knowledge has came to this point . Im turning 26 in April and can say I have so much knowledge under my belt . My next step is to buy a $25,000 mobile home , remodel it my self and rent it out for income.
Thanks for the info really enjoyed the production quality and energy you bring to it
OK, I’m 74, always a guy building, tearing apart cars, building boats, working in the trades. I started going up the ladder and into the office on the board. All while still building. I was fascinated and loved my tools, still do. I was already an excellent framer, foundation builder, knew most trades, besides wanting my own license. I got my General Engineering and Building after I’d already built a bunch of houses in 1978. There are a whole bunch of crummy crooked guys with licenses out here in California, making big bucks. All while great honest guys are getting screwed by dishonest people. You are right, but you are also honest...
Thanks for the video, Jesse. I built schools & orphanages in The Former Soviet Union & have looked into becoming a GC here in Ormond Beach. This answered my question.
I already knew this to be true, because I have wanted to be a GC for years and I am finally able to go out and do the work. I am now 16 and I am working with a framing crew. Before hand all I had was TH-cam, the internet, and some books. But nothing is more valuable and helpful than hands-on experience. It teaches really good work ethic and what it actually feels like to do the work, and it is not easy that’s for sure. I am watching this video on the way to the job. I have really found some valuable information on your channel. Thank you.
😃
ahead of the game, way to be
Depends on your state actually. The state contractors board regulates the acceptable qualified experience as a prerequisite to get any building license.
You have encouraged me soo much thank you!
so well said, everyone is expecting that anything can be instantaneous, when in reality in order to be successful you need to commit your full energy and persistence to it in order to conquer!
Yes 📚🔨🔥🚀
Great inspiration by watching and listening to implement in my gc business
Thank you for taking time showing and sharing your knowledge .
You’re welcome!! I enjoy it :)
I'm glad you didn't just say "No. Case closed. Pursue something else." but rather showed what kind of experience to pursue if you're serious about it.
The best thing in my opinion you could do for yourself is work for someone that has a company that emulates what kind of business you want to run. Put your dreams aside for a sec, work for them for a year or two and absorb as much as you possibly can like a sponge. Ask questions. Be annoying. Learn, learn and learn. THEN Apply that to your business start up. If you want to be a general contractor try and land a project manager position where you are forced to learn every scope included in a complete project. Once you go through a few jobs you will start to learn how the pieces come together. You will never learn everything to a T but you will learn how to find the right answers by knowing what questions to ask and whom to ask. Great video Jesse
Well said.
That currently my plan. Thank you for the encouragement.
You made me smile so hard, thank you, I am inspired!
😀
I’m 28 rn man and I decided to get in to construction about 3 years ago and I have put everything I got in to it now I got 2 truck full of tools and can do so much now, I’m still learning but I hope in the future I can obtain my license
Great video. No BS. Great to see someone not spewing a bunch of crap without experience.
Good wise words man ... thanks for the help
Great piece of advice. Thank you so much.
I love your failure speech just gave me extreme confidence
Love what you shared ! Awesome tips. Thanks, Much appreciated ! . (I'd tuck those tv cables behind wall for the next cool video though ;).
this was an amazing and motivating video. i got up and took motivational notes from this. nice job bro 🖤
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thank you for this!
videos are getting better with every upload!
Great video!! Very motivating..
Great video! Thank you.
Dude thank you 🙏🏼 honestly, I had the answer right in front of me. Was blinded and now I can see 🔥👍🏻
😄💪🏼
Appreciate the wisdom
Really appreciated watching your video, it’s kind of motivating me into the trade. I have a question, also it confuses me a lot, is HVAC or plumbing a good trade to start if I setup a long term goal towards being a GC? What trade do you recommend to start with if im a guy who has Zero exp to the construction trades? Thank you😽
Great video! I’m going through an electrical apprenticeship right now , F.E.A.T, which you might have heard of since you also live in Florida. I also just finished my associates degree in general studies and plan to get my bachelors degree in construction at Seminole State College. Thanks for the advice.
Excellent video content! Apologies for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you ever tried - Peyaniel Breathtaking Primacy (probably on Google)? It is a good exclusive guide for starting your own successful handyman business without the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate got astronomical success with it.
Hell ya cool to see someone else from FEAT
Good straight forward advice .
I have 20 years of general contracting but working for myself. I never tried to get licensed. How can I prove that , if I pass the test, to get my license?
In Florida, I've been in multiple trades for last 27 years. Half of all the contractors had no experience at all. They have friends say they worked for them just to get license. They all where wealthy and that is all that matters. Few of them don't even live in Florida and have there accountant run the business.
This
I agree 100% with everything you said in your video. However, What would you recommend for someone wanting to learn and get experience while working a full-time job. Looking forward to a reply.
Go get a full time job in the field you want to be in in the future.
Do not try to take your way into anything. You'll get caught and you'll be ****** embarrassed and carry a tarnished reputation. Spend 3 months in each general phase of house building. Foundations, framing, plumbing and electrical. That's one full year of trade work...while you're doing that, go to night school for bookkeeping, safety, contracts, etc. After that, form your company and start bids for small gigs...deck installations, gutters, new windows, etc. After a year of that, you'll be a legit GC!!!
im still doing my research on the matter. quick question, eventually when u apply for your general contracting license and do all that, can you do that working 2 or so years PART TIME ? or would you have needed FULL TIME experience?
Testing for GC and building contractor, how different is the testing? And is it same testing that these guys have to get for certified and registered? Can you explain that a little more about difficulties between each?
hi Jesse,
I would like to know what is the difference between General Contractor and Civil Engineer? A Civil Engineer can sign the permits instead General Contractor?
Is not the concrete foundation the first thing to learn? Besides framing. Which one should be the first thing?
Tjanks for your awemsome info.
What if I’ve done a couple owner builder homes in the past but I don’t have any documented experience
What kind of jobs are are best for a GC garages, or additions?
Here's a question.. What if I have zero experience, but my dad has 15 years of experience leading his own team in sub contracting masonry work for residential and comercial? He can't get the book work done so I'm going to do it and we plan to do it together. Also, I have plenty of friends and family who lead their own teams in various sub contracting fields. Electric, plumbing, framing, everything. Pools etc. So if I literally have a strong team ready to follow me, it has to be a dif situation than just simply having zero experience right?
I’m in the same position
And this is why I thumb downed this video, you CAN become a GC, and you will WILL learn as you go from your connections that you will hire for jobs.
I’m presently in school and will do task rabbit jobs for the experience.
What you mean task rabbit?
Thank you bro
Does experience count if you don’t get a paycheck? I usually got paid cash and know everything about metal framing drywall and Taping
It’s a little harder for females to get experience in this field. Considering they usually prefer hiring males for these type of manual labor jobs, what would you recommend for a female to get their foot in the door.?
I would totally hire you. I managed large teams of engineers and well… without being sexist let’s just say the women had better work ethic than all the entitled junior devs.
@@dandan1364 I wish I knew more people like you. My dad works in construction. Wanted me to get a license to help out. But I wanted to have more hands on experience beforehand.
But he wouldn’t let me because he works with pure males.
He kept saying “one day when I go in alone”.
@@averagegirl8956 hey There. I have projects in Seattle Austin and Corpus Christi. And possibly Idaho. Interested?
Go for interior aka finish carpentry, painting and electrical. Go non-union for all of these. None of those mentioned trades require strength. Those 3 trades would give you enough experience to become a GC. May I ask what state you're in?
@@robertirvin1952 California , also I’m not worried about strength. I’ve been strength training for the past couple months
Hey I'm 23 years old and I have been doing all types of work under my family construction company and I been feeling like wasting my time working for them and no doing anything for me, but after your video, I realize that i been in like an internship, leaning about like you said from putting together 4x4 to roofing a restaurant . Excited to take me Business and Finances exam next month .Thanks for the motivation!!!!!!
YESS!!!!
I’m actually going into a Jesse Lane TH-cam marathon during the weekend!!! Great channel
That makes me happy!
Hey Jesse thank you for these great information . Im in my 20's and I know somebody who's almost the same age range as me who is running a general contracting business. This inspired me to start and pursue this career. I was told that I dont need as much experience and I can run a contracting business by hiring and utilizing other contractors "subcontractors" to do the job for me with their experience. Is this actually true?
Bro Jestoni id like to hear this response
Ive been wondering this myself.
Well...to a certain extent, yes. But even if you subcontract everything you still need to know what the hell is happening to ensure no fuck ups occur.
@@truthseekerrrrr yes true, what he could also do is hire a guy that handles that, constantly checking everything is up to par while he focusing on what his guys need materials wise and finding more work etc
Yes until someone messes up and it all comes back on you the GC. And you can’t answer a simple question which will really make you look bad in front of the whole jobsite and lose everyone’s respect
I really appreciate you
Im 19 i started construction with my pops at 17 and now I want my own path and I want to see what I need to know what I need to get done
Great video!
So I’ve been studying for the GC Exam.
I need experience. Should I start out as a construction laborer, possibly a concrete laborer??
What about if I'm a mobile developer and I make more than an electrician or plumber, but I still like to become a general contractor? I have some friends that have companies, but they rely on GCs and I want to help them out. What do you recommend?
Excellent information. How possible is it for me to become a GC after jumping around all the trades for four/five years?
Thank you
Can you do a video of how to use excel?
How are you doing? I have 5 years of experience in Russia it will be ok for license?
So is it not possible to get all licenses and then hire subcontracts to complete the actual work
Would you suggest getting licensed in as many of these area as possible?
what if you have no experience but your only connected with experienced Subcontractors who. work together regularly but just need a GC for more opportunities?
Can you help with some ideas for SCC . ?
Do you need a GC to become a developer if not what do I need as in college classes im 21 and that is what I want to do anyone?
thank you
Great stuff man. Really enjoyed this video -You're exactly right.
Thanks Alex!! Means a lot coming from you. We should collaborate on some content soon. :)
@@Jesse_Lane I'm down!
So I took the test pass my uncle wrote recommendation for his company for my 2 year experience( minimum in Utah) now I have it with little to almost no experience, that’s the wrong way to get it
I’m also from Utah, what’s the progress on your business ? I’m trying to get mine at the moment with little to no experience also
The Certification by Endorsement Examination Equivalency Online Course is NOW available to all out of state General, Builder or Residential Contractors who have passed the NASCLA General, Builder or Residential contractor exams. This six (6) hour course consists of a review of the Florida Code Codes.
www.aaaconstructionschool.com/florida-licensure-for-out-of-state-nascla-general-builder-residential-contractors/
So do general contractors actually have to do the work most of the time? I honestly thought the GCs job was to hire specific contractors and to oversee the project so that everything is up to code. I just built my house last year (no builder, but I had tons of help from my dad and husband). I want to do something within construction or housing business, but I don't want to be a real estate agent.
This guy says you can't be a GC without experience but that is just not true, a GC's job IS to hire specialists. This video is much better th-cam.com/video/PHuPWcoPgV4/w-d-xo.html
Did you take a course or something?I really need some ideas
If your business savvy and have Sales experience, you can be a contractor without much experience. At least here in California, you can get a qualifier to license your LLC or Corporation.
Me: *starts a GC company with 2 years construction experience, and has 1.3mm in work lined up for the next 10 months*
Also me: *Finds a video telling me I don't have enough experience to do this*
I’m trying to get my GC with little experience, I already have a team of guys who will be doing all the work for me. What advice would you give me since I won’t be doing any of the heavy stuff ? Anything I should know or be aware of etc ?
@@famus801 if you’re going into residential, I think you’ll be fine. The main things I’ve run into are just lack of knowledge. My clients understand, they knew before they hired me that I was inexperienced. I’d love to chat with you further - my email’s kip.b.mock@gmail.com
@@kipmock5973 I’ll be going into residential and as far as experience my most experienced guy is going to be teaching me the ins and outs. I’ll shoot you an Email
What if your working for a general contractor and he does everything so you do everything
Hi Jesse, Can somebody use overseas construction experience for the last 5 years?
I own a Interior Decorating and Home Staging company. Since I am self taught I would like to get a GC so that I can oversee my own remodeling or interior design projects. Too late to go get the degree, is this something I should pursue to help my business or will it be unnecessary?
You should have kids and focus on raising them and supporting your husband in his career. Youre welcome.
Cozy Boy lol
@@albertdur5206 Its not a joke. Women are making a huge mistake trying to have careers. Interior decorating? Ever notice how women congregate in jobs like day care teacher, nurse, secretary (aka organizing some guys life for him). Beating around the bush.
Don’t do it lol...
Elizabeth, don't listen to the replies.. You can do whatever you set your mind towards and if its for your own purpose, even better. If you are building you may need one or hire a licensed contractor. Check your State requirements. Most States will require minimum documented experience but there are plenty that do not. I'm studying for my license for my own investments after two licensed contractors both screwed me. I'm not picking up a hammer but I want to oversee those that I hire that do, are following code and State standards. Both my licensed Contractors never touched a tool either.
I learn my knowledge from hands on and doing. I have a disability from learning from reading a book.. I just want to get into the field. I’ve moved up in the hvac wholesale sales company for the past 5 years. But I think I want to get my foot in and be a project manager or something first
Hey Jesse. Like your channel bro! I’ve built several homes in the past… haven’t in like 10 years. I’m getting ready to build one more for my family. Almost done designing the plan. Can you recommend any cool (free) apps that might help make the process easier than it was for me in the past?
I don’t really use free apps, I just hire professional architects and engineers.
@@Jesse_Lane I meant like for scheduling, bidding, etc. I feel like I should be able to use my iPhone to automate like 1/2 the stuff I used to use spreadsheets for... Maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe I have to pay, which is fine within reason. I'm only building one home...
I built my own Gazebo and did framing, connected my electrical outlets and plumbing for my kitchen sink, basically did my own kitchen. I also remodeled my two bathrooms without a contractor license because it’s inside my house but to do a Gazebo I have to get a city permit because it’s visible outside and is causing me so much headache,😅the writing part is where I’m struggling. That’s why I’m here and find out it takes 5 years to get a GC license.😩
you probably know enough to pass with studying
Great video
I'm 26 and have flipped two houses learning everything myself to become a general contractor someday
Hello Mr. Jesse. Please make a video on taking over a running construction company with little to no experience. I will soon be taking over my uncles construction company and it’s 20 years old company making huge profits. I worked as account payable receivable and payroll for six months in a GC. I know a little bit of all the office work and dealings but I do not know what goes on the field/site. Please guide me Mr. Jesse so I can be less worried. I really appreciate your help and this video also. Thank you and God bless you.
Subscribed!
Thank you for all the videos and insight. Can I send you an email rather than public comment for my initial question as they are a little private and also better explained in that format? After that all my future contact with you would be public.
So Jesse, whats your opinion of those who claim to be licensed GCs advising people on TH-cam why they dont need a contractor to build their home?
Of coarse many of those who bad mouth builders are real estate agents, angry over commission issues.
But im referring to those who claim to be licensed builders, who bad mouth other builders.
I’m 35, and have done so many different things, but I only have 5 years in
YOUR SO RIGHT I HAVE A GENERAL B AND I NEED HELP I NEED A PARTNER.
How about Rod buster I want to make my own company but only wanna focus in my trade
Very well said!
I work for knowledge and enjoyment. I've been over to Texas to see how you build there.
I've worked my way up to running 30 million dollar commercial jobs in NZ.
My goal is to run a billion dollar job.
I'm 35 and have done many different jobs in construction.
Labourer, digger driver, joiner, framer, plasterboard, scaffolder ,house lever, retaining walls, house moving, hardware, cladding, form work, residential and commercial carpenter, foreman, site supervisor, site manager.
I still want to learn more and love construction.
Glad to have you apart of this channel!
How I can get contracts for my small company??
I have been a doin maintenance since I was 12 now I'm 36 can I be a GC if I wanted
I have a question 🙋♂️, if I never work for someone on payrolls, but already did 6 full home renovations, have a company and a crew but don’t have a license.
How can i have the 4 years experience that they request to apply for GC?
I don’t know if you understand me 😅
I believe you do actually have to be able to prove your work experience with W-2 income, but you can call CILB and DBPR
@@Jesse_Lane will call tomorrow
Thanks to share your experience with us.
Please, is that any congress that you do in Florida?
What about those of us who were paid under the table for years? I wish I was on paper, every day on those jobs I wished that.
Do not need experience depending on what your trying to do or why your getting the license
I want to paint houses, I have experience but people often ask “are you licensed and insured”??? How do you get the license and insurance?
Look into your states requirements and insuring your business
Would you do a job in Miami?
Good video !
Thanks!
this guys a general contractor or a freaking prophet? both? :)
Who ever gave you thumbs down are a weird.. this is a good video
Because maybe you don't have to work as a plumber assistant or in framing and waste 5-7 years of your life to become a GC. Some people have family that are in the trade and have connections with people who they can hire for jobs, and learn from those people as they do it. Ultimately, you hire specialists as a GC and you need to know who NOT to hire, that is where experience helps. But you can gain exp on the way... This chad flat out says NO, you can't be a GC with no experience. And that is a bold and condescending statement to make that will discourage people. But it is a job that you CAN learn while you do it, since you yourself aren't necessarily doing the work yourself, you are managing it. If you study your ass off, and are lucky with connections, you don't need experience, and YOU WILL learn by watching the people you hire and grow that way. So while it is helpful and valuable to have experience starting out, it is not mandatory because you will gain the experience on the way.
I don't know I think people were meaning that they don't have experience on how to be a general contractor not saying that they have no experience in the field just my thought set video
I've got college for architectural and building engineering
I worked for years drafting custom homes
Worked at lumber yards
Worked for a residential and commercial contractor for twenty years
Have my own business for seven years
Now I deal with customers that want to be the GC. Well no one likes working for them.
You want to be a GC, work for a GC for years as a superintendant and youll learn. It takes time, I'm 55 still learning.
Can u recommend some books please, as I did architecture from India and not licensed in US but I'm a realtor and wanted to know more so that I can flip houses in future what is your recommendation.thank in advance
Correct if you want to do the work yourself. Plenty of people who sell the jobs and have sub contractors do the work.
That's what I was thinking....this video is a bit disingenuous.
Ima be honest im drunk rn but i always been curious aboht thiis shit as i see all the GCs in my county living the good life and thats thanks to there own dads. BUt i didnt have the silver spoon but i wanna be that spoon man been struggling and working diff constriction jobs my hole life thanks bro i came from nothing all my homeboys are either dead or i prison i coulda been me im tryna switch it up. salute man !
Salute!!!