Nine years after the Great Recession we’re finally starting to see construction ramp up again in many parts of the country. After several lackluster years, real estate markets are starting to recover and there’s a renewed need for housing and commercial construction.

Even though there are now sophisticated ERP systems for managing construction projects you still need manpower to get the job done. Dozens of people are involved in the planning and construction phases.

Who will you have to hire to complete a construction project? Here are some of the key players who specialize in home building and construction.

Architects

Before you can break ground and begin construction, you need to have a building plan. Architects are highly trained professionals who can create a floor plan for the structure as well as a blueprint for the construction team to follow.

Engineers

Building is a complex process that requires exact calculations. For that reason, engineers are needed for a variety of tasks to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. They can provide architecture, land surveying, construction testing, inspections and environmental services.

Engineering consulting firms can offer a variety of these services and help plan out the project at each phase.

General Contractors

A general contractor is like the project manager. They oversee the construction project and manage the people who are doing the work. The general contractor will order all of the materials, line up laborers, secure equipment and hire subcontractors as needed.

The general contractor is the point man for the construction project. They are the person to contact when you need a progress update on the project.

General Construction Laborers

The crew of workers that do much of the building are construction laborers. The handle a lot of the grunt work like clearing and loading/unloading as well as assisting specialized craftspeople. Some construction laborers are also experienced in specific tasks. For example, they may know how to operate a piece of machinery.

Carpenters

Carpenters specialize in woodwork. They are often hired to build the framework of a structure, cabinets, door frames, rafters, and stairways. If the construction project includes a deck a carpenter is often involved.

Some carpenters are specialists while others offer a broad range of services. In addition to woodwork, carpenters may also install drywall and siding.

Electricians

Electricians are licensed professionals who install and repair electrical systems. They can assist in planning out the electrical system, installing lighting fixtures and outlets, installing the wiring and inspecting for safety.

This is dangerous work that can cause injury or a fire. Even if your state doesn’t require licensure, it’s in your best interest to hire a licensed electrician.

Plumbers

An intricate network of piping lies beneath the walls and the foundation of a building. Plumbers are the professionals charged with installing the pipes and ensuring the system functions properly. They must decide where pipes will be located, connect to the main water line and fit pipes together seamlessly so there are no leaks in the system.

Here again, it’s in your best interest to hire a licensed plumber even if it’s not a requirement in your state.

Masons

Any work that includes the use of stone, concrete or brick materials is handled by a mason. They are trained in cutting and building with these difficult materials, which is a specialized skill set. Usually, their work is on the exterior of a building. Masons are hired to construct retaining walls, porches, pillars, fireplaces, and fences.

Roofers

When it’s time to cap off the structure, roofers are hired to get the job done. They work with a variety of roofing materials that range from standard shingles to intricate tiles. Roofers must also inspect the roof decking, install a drip edge and lay down a roofing felt before the roof materials can be installed.

Roofers have a physically demanding job that comes with increased risk. Experienced roofers take safety seriously and follow best practices to avoid injuries.

Equipment Operators

The construction of a building involves heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and cranes. The people who run the machines are known as equipment operators. While many people learn how to operate equipment on the job, some equipment operators complete a training program or apprenticeship.

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