Becoming A New Brunswick General Contractor

If you're looking to become a general contractor in New Brunswick, you'll find a competitive and dynamic industry with plenty of opportunities. General contractors are the main orchestrators of building projects, managing everything from vendors and tradespeople to finances, communication, and safety protocols.

In New Brunswick, certain licenses and certifications are required for contractors, such as a Certification of Qualification (C of Q) or a license specific to the type of work, like plumbing or electrical work. It's important to stay up-to-date with licensing requirements as they may change over time.

To succeed as a general contractor, you'll need a range of soft and hard skills, including people skills for client communication and managing expectations, problem-solving abilities, project management expertise, technological proficiency, and marketing skills to stand out in a competitive market.

With the right combination of skills, knowledge of the local regulations, and a strong work ethic, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a successful general contractor in New Brunswick.

Getting licensed or certified

In New Brunswick, some contractors are required to have a license, while others need a Certification of Qualification (C of Q). The specific requirements depend on the trade and type of work being performed. For example, plumbers and electricians must be licensed by the province of New Brunswick. This is also true for homeowners performing plumbing work on their own premises; they must be supervised by a licensed plumbing contractor or a supervised apprentice employed by a licensed contractor.

Additionally, tradespeople in New Brunswick are encouraged to obtain the "Red Seal" program provided by the Interprovincial Standards Program. This qualification allows them to work across the border in Quebec, where the laws are more stringent.

For refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, a Certification of Qualification or registration as an apprentice is required. This trade involves installing, repairing, maintaining, and rebuilding refrigeration and air conditioning systems, adhering to the Safety Codes Act.

Sheet metal workers are responsible for fabricating, assembling, installing, repairing, and servicing sheet metal. They must hold a Certification of Qualification or be registered as an apprentice.

Oil burner mechanics, who install, service, and repair oil burners and associated electrical wiring, are also required to have a Certification of Qualification or be registered as an apprentice.

It is important to note that licensing requirements can change over time, so it is advisable to check with the provincial and local municipal offices in New Brunswick for the most up-to-date information.

Skills needed

To become a successful general contractor, you need a mix of technical and soft skills.

General contractors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a building project, from planning and budgeting to completion. They manage multiple teams and are in charge of hiring suppliers, labourers, and subcontractors. They also need to be adept at handling the financial aspects of the project, including payroll, budgeting, and contract negotiations.

Technical Skills

• Plumbing: Installing and maintaining water, gas, and sewage systems, as well as repairing and replacing plumbing, electrical, and structural systems.
• Safety Regulations: Ensuring compliance with safety standards, creating safe work environments, and obtaining necessary permits and licenses.
• Drywall Installation: Attaching and finishing drywall panels, repairing drywall, and other related tasks like framing, insulating, and finishing.
• Construction Projects: Managing the entire construction process, including site administration, budgeting, and implementation.
• Masonry: Using stone, brick, or block in construction and remodelling, including walls, brickwork, or stone construction.
• Door and Window Installation: Installing doors and windows, as well as associated hardware, and subcontracting for framing, roofing, and trim work.
• Electrical Work: Managing electrical repairs and replacements, and ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards.
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems, and working with subcontractors to ensure compliance with codes and standards.

Soft Skills

• Leadership and Communication: Effectively leading and communicating with multiple teams, including primary, secondary, and third-party players, to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
• Problem-Solving: Staying calm and developing action plans when problems arise to keep the project on track.
• Management: Coordinating different teams and professionals to ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.
• Computer and Software Expertise: Leveraging digital tools and software for project planning, modelling, and tracking on-site progress.
• Network Development: Building solid relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and other industry professionals to assemble the best teams for a project.
• Client Communication: Explaining job details to clients, listening to their needs, and managing their expectations.

Education and Training

While a high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum educational requirement, prior experience in construction is highly valued. This experience can be gained through growing up in a trade family, apprenticeships, classes like woodshop, or a college education in a related field like business, civil engineering, or structural engineering.

Licensure and Certification

In New Brunswick, some contractors require a license, while others need a Certification of Qualification (C of Q). The "Red Seal" program provided by the Interprovincial Standards Program is encouraged, especially if you plan to work in Quebec, which has more stringent regulations.

Gaining Experience

Entry-level construction roles, such as construction worker positions, provide valuable experience in the industry and job site safety, which is essential for progressing towards becoming a general contractor.

General contractors need a broad range of skills to succeed in this competitive industry, and a combination of education, training, and experience will help you develop these skills and establish yourself in the field.

Types of contractors

There are many different types of contractors in the construction industry, each with a specialised role. A contractor is anyone who provides labour or services on a construction project, according to a contract with the project owner or another contractor. The term "contractor" is an umbrella term that describes almost everyone involved in a construction project.

The general/prime contractor is the person or firm that contracts directly with the project owner. They steer the ship, hiring, scheduling, and managing subcontractors.

Excavation Contractor

The first subcontractor on the job is the excavation contractor. They prepare the site by digging foundations, drilling columns, grading the land, and cutting trenches for utilities.

Concrete Subcontractor

Concrete subcontractors frame and pour foundations, floors, pads, parking lots, and other concrete surfaces. Some also make concrete-reinforced slabs and deliver them to the site.

Framing Contractor

The framing contractor builds the structure of the building, including wood and metal framing. They may also sheath the building and install windows and doors.

Steel Contractor

Steel contractors erect the structure of the building using steel beams. They are common on commercial projects but may also be called upon for residential builds.

Electrical Subcontractor

The electrical subcontractor is hired by the general contractor to run wires, install electrical boxes, outlets, switches, and lighting.

Plumbing Contractor

Plumbing contractors install backflow preventers and water supply pipes to bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. They also install drains and connect them to the sewer or septic systems.

HVAC Subcontractor

The HVAC subcontractor is responsible for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They install systems to heat and cool buildings, such as air handlers, boilers, and air conditioning units. They may also handle refrigeration tasks for cold storage.

Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Subcontractor

Fire alarm and sprinkler subcontractors install fire control panels, smoke detectors, and other alarm devices. They may also install the sprinkler system and piping. These roles are often contracted to electricians and plumbers, but commercial projects require specialist contractors.

Roofing Subcontractor

Roofing subcontractors install roofing products such as asphalt shingles, rubber roofing membrane, and metal roofing to protect the structure from the elements.

Insulation Subcontractor

With advancements in energy-efficient building, insulation has become a specialised task. Insulation subcontractors use materials like foam, batts, and mineral wool to insulate buildings.

Drywall Subcontractor

Drywall subcontractors hang the wallboard. On larger projects, a dedicated crew is necessary for this task.

Taping Subcontractor

Taping subcontractors are experts in making the taped seams of drywall look smooth and flat.

Plastering Subcontractor

Plastering subcontractors specialise in plastering walls, which is a different process to drywalling.

Flooring Subcontractor

Flooring subcontractors install the finished floor, including vinyl, tile, hardwood, or carpet. Each type of flooring may require a specialist flooring subcontractor.

Finish Carpentry Subcontractor

The finish carpentry subcontractor installs decorative woodwork such as door trim, baseboards, and crown moulding. They usually hang the doors and may also install cabinets.

Painting Contractor

Painting contractors apply coats of paint to the interior and exterior of the building. They may also patch any damage caused by other subcontractors.

Masonry Subcontractor

Masonry subcontractors handle any stone or brickwork, such as installing fireplaces, building patios, or constructing stone walls.

Landscaping Subcontractor

Landscaping subcontractors repair any ground damage caused by construction equipment. They also install gardens, water features, walkways, and other accents to improve the curb appeal of the project.

Special Trade Contractors

Special trade contractors are those that don't fit into the other categories. They include mobile home site setup contractors, postal diggers, turf installers, and bowling alley installers.

Insurance

As a general contractor, you will need a comprehensive insurance policy to protect you and your business. A good insurance policy will allow you to focus on running your business while giving you peace of mind.

The specific insurance requirements for general contractors in New Brunswick, Canada, are unclear. However, general contractors in other locations are typically required to hold several types of business insurance. Here are some common types of insurance that general contractors may need:

• Commercial auto insurance: If your business owns a vehicle, you will likely need commercial auto insurance to meet state requirements. This type of insurance covers property damage, medical bills in the event of an accident, vehicle theft, weather damage, and vandalism.
• General liability insurance: This type of insurance is the foundation of a general contractor's protection. It covers accidental damage to client property and client injuries. Commercial landlords, clients, and lenders may require proof of this liability coverage. Adding commercial umbrella insurance can boost your coverage.
• Workers' compensation insurance: If you have employees, you will need workers' compensation insurance to meet state requirements. This type of insurance covers lost wages and medical bills for work-related injuries.
• Contractor's tools and equipment insurance: This type of insurance protects a general contractor's equipment, such as saws, nail guns, and drills. It covers equipment that moves from place to place.
• Professional liability insurance: This insurance provides protection if you are sued for a professional mistake, such as missing a deadline on a construction project. It is also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
• Contractor surety bonds: Surety bonds guarantee reimbursement for the client if you are unable to fulfil the terms of a contract. Common types include bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.
• Builder's risk insurance: This insurance covers fires, vandalism, equipment theft, and other damage to a structure under construction.

Remember to check with your provincial and local municipal offices in New Brunswick to verify the specific insurance requirements for general contractors.

Marketing

Website and Online Presence

Having a professional website is essential. Hire a web developer to create a site with easy navigation, full details about your services, company information, and contact information. Present yourself as a brand to gain credibility with customers and search engines. Include a contact form so potential customers can easily reach out with queries.

Social Media Marketing

Choose two or three social media platforms that suit your business, such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Keep your pages active and regularly share valuable content, updates, and visuals of your construction projects. Use promotional advertisement services and in-built tools to run campaigns and attract customers.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Optimize your website for organic search to make it more visible to your target customers. Understand your customers' needs and create engaging, relevant content that outperforms your competitors. Use keyword planner tools to identify industry-specific keywords and create content around them, such as "Construction Company near me" or "Construction Company in New Brunswick."

Online Directories

List your business in online directories as people often turn to these directories when searching for service providers in their locality. Provide as many details as possible and regularly check and respond to queries and feedback to build trust and improve your ranking.

Specific and Varied Advertising

Instead of advertising that you can do it all, focus on specific skills or services in your ads. For example, showcase your expertise in modular kitchens, universal design, accessible bathrooms, or innovative lawns in separate advertisements. This keeps your audience engaged and increases their likelihood of contacting you.

Referrals and Relationships

Build relationships with non-competing but related businesses, such as architects, electricians, plumbers, and interior designers. A healthy relationship with subcontractors can result in valuable referrals. Also, consider providing free knowledge through DIY YouTube videos or informative newsletters to attract potential customers and build their confidence in your expertise.

Branding and Graphic Design

Invest in professional graphic design services to create an impressive business logo, car/truck/van wrap design, banner ads, billboards, business cards, flyers, and signage. A well-designed brand logo will be the face of your services and help you stand out.

Employee Involvement

Involve your employees in your marketing campaigns to add a human touch to your business. Feature their photos on your website or social media to showcase the human aspect of your company and build trust with your target audience.

Remember, implementing these strategies takes time and patience, but with consistent effort, you will enhance your reach among target customers and establish a successful general contracting business in New Brunswick.

Frequently asked questions