Construction equipment needed for the job will depend on how large the project is. Will you need home construction equipment to fix your roof or siding, to add an addition, or to build a back porch? Construction equipment at construction sites consist of trucks, dozers, forklifts, pumps, backhoes, light towers, air compressors, tower cranes, concrete pavers, concrete mixers, platforms, mining equipment, pressure washers, and many other things. Home construction won't consist of such large equipment, because you won't be building anything so large as to require huge machinery. You may need some heavy machinery depending on your location such as utility tractors, utility vehicles, mowing equipment, saws, blowers, trimmers, and hand tools. For smaller projects around the home you will need to know different types of paint, stains, varnishes, wood, tile, glass, insulation, and plaster, among other things. More specifically, home concrete construction will require knowledge of how to use pavement mixers, buckets, and hydraulic air compressors.
Home construction is usually done by contractors that are in three separate categories: specialty trade, heavy and civil engineering, and construction of buildings. Home construction is mainly done by the specialty-trade contractors and building-construction contractors, who specialize in one specific area such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, and painting. Those that require licenses in the majority of states are plumbers, electricians, air/hear mechanics, and crane operators. Be sure when hiring such people that they are certified and that their quality of work will meet your standards.
Home construction can be sub-contracted by the contractor, who may hire others to the job assigned. Structural workers build the framework of your home, which is a complex job that requires many years of training. If you choose to do your own home construction, be sure to get some advice from those who have experience in the project you are attempting to do. Gaining all the knowledge you can before starting the home construction is very important in order to limit mistakes and to eliminate the need for spending extra funds. Finishing workers are those who add the final touches of the home when the entire main structure is built. Finishing workers apply the dry wall, insulation, carpet, and paint. While major jobs such as electrical work and plumbing require professional work, these jobs are far less complicated
Professional contractors in most cases have formal training and have attended a trade or vocational school for specific types of contracting. Those who start a career in home construction become apprentices and laborers and over time can advance if they show the necessary skills to work independently. While working under more-experienced professionals, ones who wish to broaden their skills can enter apprenticeship programs through various trade unions.
The outlook of a career in home construction will greatly depend on the housing market and the overall construction activity. The housing market will slightly fall off in the next decade, but with the rise of the baby boomers, an increase in immigrants, and an increased desire for condos and townhouses the need for home improvements will increase. Also, many who wish to buy a home will purchase an older home and will be able to fill home construction needs as they see fit. As much of the population becomes older, improvements in old nursing homes, and the building of new nursing homes will be needed.
The salary for those in home construction can range from $11.00–$21.00 per hour. On the average, union workers have a better salary then non-union workers, with more benefits. Depending on education level, training, experience, location, market, and the type of job concerned, salary potential will vary. Those who wish to become their own bosses and create their own home construction business are often successful. An investment in the education you can receive may determine the quality of job you can receive. Those who wish to work on larger jobs will need a crew, and this will lead to larger projects. Most construction workers work at least 40 hours per week or more, working any day of the week, as needed. The weather is a major factor in the amount of work given because if there are weather delays, construction must stop.
If you need work done in your own home, the question you have to ask yourself when deciding on how you will handle the project is should you hire a professional or do it yourself and maybe save some money? By doing it yourself you run the risk of not following the right construction plans and doing a poor job. On the other hand, if you hire a professional, you might worry you will be over charged for materials and time spent on the job. Research many home construction contractors who have solid construction plans to complete the job with a background you think will suit your needs.
