Many people believe construction is a physically demanding field that is best suited for those who like working with their hands. In all actuality, a large number of employees will never get their hands dirty. There is a large amount of jobs available in the commercial construction industry including management, design and financial planning. As the construction industry progresses into more green and ergonomic building practices, more jobs will become available for hard workers with experience in building trades. Every construction company needs employees in five specific areas in order to obtain new projects and meet their clients expectations.
The five major areas in commercial construction are administrative and management, structural construction, finishing contractors, mechanics and operations and specialty trades. Let’s go over these below:
The main office of a construction company has to be staffed with an administrative assistant and an accountant. The administrative assistant takes calls from local businesses and homeowners, provides quotes and seeks out permits from local agencies. An accountant can work part-time, balancing ledgers and providing tax assistance. The middleman between the office and the construction site is the foreman, an experienced professional who oversees employees and communicates problems directly with the customers.
The skeletal form of a new building is made possible by the structural construction employees. Machine operation is required, and Bobcats, backhoes and front-end loaders move building materials into the right places. Iron workers are employed to create metal frames and coordinate the movement of materials with the machine operators. In many construction sites, brick masons are needed to make sure that the structure and exterior of a building meet the demands set by the client.
Construction companies have to keep in contact with finishing contractors to make sure projects are finished in a timely manner. Finishing contractors often perform roofing work because every building requires ceiling tiles and panels. A construction company also employs a paver to lay driveways and parking lots. Drywall contractors allow walls to be insulated and perform well under harsh conditions. These jobs are usually performed by contractors instead of full-time employees to keep wages low.
After a building is constructed, companies have to install plumbing and ventilation systems. HVAC technicians are called in to install vents and central air units that control the climate inside the building. Some buildings, such as grocery stores or medical labs, require refrigeration technicians to install cooling units to maintain low temperatures. Pip fitters and layers have to meet local building standards by installing drain pipes, natural gas pipes and sewer lines.
The last step in building construction employs specialty contractors. Electricians are hired to run wiring to fuse boxes, test outlets and make sure safety standards are upheld. Homeowners often employ plumbers themselves to install sinks, showers and toilets. Carpenters are employed to lay down tiles and carpeting throughout the building. Specialty contractors often charge high rates, which encourage businesses and homeowners to search for the best rate.
Overall, the commercial construction industry offers a large assortment of careers, especially in skilled trade areas such as HVAC systems and plumbing. Many other positions include office work, accounting and even attorneys.
