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Originally Posted by Fuzz
Neat. How does that usually work with GCing? Do most of them specialize in one trade(going to school), then work towards understanding several trades? Or do most GCers not have any specific knowledge, and rely on their trades to figure it out? More like a manager who doesn't need to know the details?
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For residential it really varies a lot.
Some come at it from a carpentry/trade angle. After working one specific area, say framing, if going to their own business will take on other general tasks (ie. hanging interior doors, installing windows, tiling, trim work, misc. finishing) and sub out any foundation work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mud/tape, roofing. As business grows they tend to have more management to do and have no time, or financial need, or motivation to continue to do physical work.
Others come to it from the office side, say an Architectural or Engineering Technologist who have gained experience with all aspects of the process. Generally they'll just manage most work through sub trades and hopefully have some skilled labour on staff for odds and ends or are able to implement some skill for things hard to sub.
For larger companies you'd see some who have some type of Project Management education and start with zero construction knowledge but figure that out on the job under someone. Don't think I've come across anyone who went this route working or owning a small residential contracting company.