What is a commercial builder?
A commercial builder seldom does labour work on commercial buildings, however, they do delegate labour work on site. They are responsible for managing and arranging the transportation of the components of building work (concrete mix, wiring, piping, tools etc.) for the construction of commercial buildings and structures. In addition to this, a commercial builder is responsible for the following tasks:
- Communicate with the client
- Inspect the site with the project manager
- Supply materials for the build
- Submit plans and tenders for approval
- Manage work crews
- Ensure the building is up to code
Conscientious commercial builders also keep learning by learning new strategies, attending workshops and keeping abreast of building legislation, laws and trends in the industry.
How to get a commercial builder’s licence?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a commercial builder’s licence in NSW. There is, however, a general builder’s licence which is required for any residential builder in NSW by the NSW Fair Trading. Commercial builders in NSW are not required to get licensed by NSW Fair Trading.
However, if you need to supervise building work on-site, which is one of the tasks of a commercial builder, you will have to get a White Card.
A White Card is a legal requirement for anyone in NSW who needs to step foot on a construction site. To acquire the White Card, you must do the following.
- You must complete a general construction induction training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
- Find a white card trainer in your area and attend their construction induction training course.
- Once successful, you will receive a statement of attainment as proof of your completion and be able to work until your card arrives in the mail.
What qualities do you need as a commercial builder?
Like most professions, builders work their way up to becoming a commercial builder. They may have had experience as a contractor or residential builder previously. However, commercial builders are in control of a lot more than their subcontractors. Their supervisorial role requires much more than physical ability. Commercial builders do very little physical labour. Instead, a commercial builder seeking to succeed in the construction industry must possess the following skills and qualities:
- Organisational skills
- On a site, there are many moving parts. From deadlines to material arrivals and client requests, commercial builders are responsible for coordinating many different elements on a site. It is key that a commercial builder is organised in order for a project to be executed successfully.
- Leadership skills
- Leadership skills are required for a commercial builder to successfully lead his team through what can sometimes be frustrating and exhausting times on site. If a commercial builder can’t lead, then it can ultimately affect the team.
- Solution-oriented personality
- A construction site will always have issues. From altered client requests to missed deliveries, a problem can come from anywhere. The success of the project is determined by the response of the team and their leader. A solution-oriented leader will approach every problem in a practical manner and ensure that regardless of the situation, the project is completed.
- Communicative
- There are many parties involved in a project’s construction and all require seamless communication. A commercial builder plays an important role in ensuring that the client, project manager and his construction team all receive the necessary information in a timely manner.
We hope that this article was helpful for anyone who may be interested in becoming a commercial builder or hiring one.
At FMR Constructions, our team of commercial builders is committed to providing expert and high-quality services for your projects. With consistent communication and stellar results, we will provide an excellent experience for you and your company, from our initial contact all the way through to the handover of the keys to your property.
If you’re in the Sydney metropolitan area, and you require construction services for multi-level apartments, duplexes, houses, home or building renovations or any general residential and commercial projects, then email us at admin@fmr.com.au or give us a call on 0420 972 665.
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