A builder oversees the entire process of construction projects. They supervise, coordinate and work on building, excavating, demolishing and renovating homes and commercial or industrial buildings. Some further specialise in their work, such as focusing on custom homes, green homes, housing developments or specific styles of homes. They have a broad knowledge of all aspects of construction so they can:
arrange and communicate with subcontractors
assess job sites
get permits
plan and manage the building process
provide cost estimates
read and interpret plans.
Builders may work for firms, but they’re often self-employed. If they work for a firm, the firm’s size may affect the types of projects that they do. However, if they’re self-employed, builders are responsible for coordinating all subcontractors, ensuring the safety of their team, sourcing all materials and completing on-site clean-up.
Responsibilities of a builder:
address problems that may occur
complete building work as needed
comply with safety regulations
coordinate land surveying to prepare for a project
ensure building plans satisfy client specifications and code requirements
follow up with local authorities or councils to ensure they issue building permits
interpret architectural drawings and building plans
manage the project budget
organise contractors to work on the project, such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters
oversee the purchase and delivery of building materials
prepare project quotes and timelines for clients to review
schedule the building process for each project
submit project plans to local authorities for review and approval
supervise the entire construction crew, including hired contractors
update clients about the project process and receive their input when required
work with building inspectors during the process to ensure projects meet requirements.
Builders often rely on a variety of skills, including:
Builders need a broad understanding of construction. It’s important for them to understand construction theories and concepts, and they may need to have the technical abilities to assist with building. This may include knowing how to work with materials like:
bricks
concrete
iron
lime
mortar
plasterboard
steel
stone
terracotta
wood.
Builders may also operate heavy machinery and work with tools like:
brick hammer
brush
concrete vibrator
drill
hammer
laser level
measuring tape
pick
plastering trowel
pliers
plumb line
saw
scalpel
shovel
spirit level
taping knife
trowel
wheelbarrow.
The ability to work under pressure allows builders to work calmly in stressful situations. Working on a job site often means there are many things happening at once, and some scenarios may involve risky situations or dangerous equipment. Also, builders are responsible for ensuring they complete projects by the agreed-upon deadline.
Attention to detail refers to the ability to complete tasks with precision and without error. It’s important for builders to have excellent attention to detail and be able to think in an organised, logical way. This helps them effectively oversee their team, ensure all aspects of a project are complete and prevent issues when interpreting building plans or architectural drawings.
Problem-solving skills are essential for evaluating situations to identify the causes of problems and develop solutions. Builders need excellent problem-solving skills so they’re able to respond to the range of challenges that may occur during construction. For example, they may need to handle budget issues or time constraints for meeting a deadline.
Leadership skills include the traits that enable someone to organise a team to achieve a common goal. Builders need leadership skills to motivate a variety of professionals to complete their tasks. These skills also help them create a safe, productive work environment.
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