How to Become a Contractor

What Does It Mean to Be a Contractor?

A contractor is someone who offers skilled services for projects — like building houses, wiring electricity, plumbing, interior design, or even IT work.

We don’t work as full-time employees. Instead, we take on jobs by contract. That means a client hires us to do something specific — like build a wall, install electrical wiring, or manage an entire construction site. Contractors can be:

• Construction contractors (masonry, carpentry, tiling)
• Electrical or plumbing contractors
• Interior designers or architects
• IT contractors or consultants

Becoming a contractor is not just a job — it’s a career you can scale over time. You build your own brand, choose your projects, and even grow a team of skilled workers. It’s also highly respected in countries like Bangladesh, especially in the building and development sector.

*If you’re planning to start your contracting journey, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it right. *

Step 1: Learn the Trade and Gain Hands-On Experience

Start by learning a trade — like masonry, electrical, plumbing, or drawing plans — and get real field experience.

In construction, nothing beats hands-on knowledge. Work under experienced contractors or join an apprenticeship. As a beginner:

• Watch how projects are planned and completed.
• Learn how to talk to clients and workers.
• Get familiar with tools, safety, and basic estimating.

If you’re in white-collar contracting (like IT, design, or consultation), learn how to manage clients and lead projects.

Pro tip: When you apply for a license or pitch for big jobs later, experience counts more than just theory. It builds your credibility.

Step 2: Get the Right Education and Training

You don’t always need a university degree, but education helps you go further.

Minimum requirement is usually a high school certificate (SSC or HSC).

If you want to go further, you can study:

• Diploma or B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management
• Trade courses in plumbing, electrical, welding, etc.
• Vocational training from public centers like Technical Education Board of Bangladesh

Also, learn about local safety rules, building codes, and project management. Understanding these helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Step 3: Understand and Meet Licensing Requirements

Contractors in Bangladesh (and most other countries) need licenses to work legally.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

In Bangladesh:

You must apply under local departments:

• PWD (Public Works Department) for government building projects
• LGED (Local Government Engineering Department) for rural and municipal development
• RAJUK or City Corporation for housing/building approvals

You need:

• Proof of work experience
• Trade license
• TIN certificate
• Bank solvency letter
• Safety qualifications

Some trades like electrical or plumbing also require special trade licenses or testing from Bangladesh Electrical Licensing Board.

Visit their official sites for forms, fees, and application steps.

Step 4: Register and Set Up Your Contracting Business

Once you’re skilled and licensed, set up your business for real work.

Steps:

1. Pick a legal setup:

• Sole proprietor (individual)
• Partnership (two or more people)
• Private Limited Company (to scale)

2. Register your business name with RJSC in Bangladesh

3. Get your TIN number from National Board of Revenue (NBR)

4. Open a business bank account to receive payments officially

5. Create a simple business plan:

• What services you offer
• Where you want to work (city, village)
• What you’ll charge
• How much equipment or staff you’ll need

Keep records of every job. It helps with taxes, licenses, and tracking your growth.

Step 5: Get Insured and Bonded

Insurance protects your work, your workers, and your clients.

Here are the main types:

• Public Liability Insurance: If someone gets hurt on your site.
• Professional Indemnity: For design or planning mistakes.
• Workers' Compensation: If you hire workers.
• Contractors All Risk (CAR) Insurance: Covers damage/loss during the project.

Also, get surety bonds for government tenders. These show you’re serious and trustworthy.

Clients feel safer hiring you when you’re insured and bonded. It shows you’re responsible.

Step 6: Build Your Portfolio and Reputation

People trust your work when they can see it.

Start building a portfolio — a collection of previous jobs. Even basic jobs or unpaid ones during apprenticeships count.

Things to include:

• Photos of completed work
• What materials you used
• Budget and timeline
• Client feedback

Also, build an online presence:

• A simple website or a page on Facebook
• Share before-after pictures, reviews, or job updates
• Join platforms like LinkedIn or Archiconnect to connect with clients

Join trade associations in Bangladesh — it helps with networking and shows professionalism.

Step 7: Find Your First Projects

It’s hard to get the first client. Here are proven ways:

• Work as a subcontractor under an experienced professional
• Apply for small government tenders listed on e-GP (Electronic Government Procurement)
• Offer competitive pricing at first
• Ask happy clients to refer or recommend you
• Sign up on platforms like Archiconnect, where we match contractors with verified projects and clients.

First jobs matter. Build trust by showing up on time, being clear with pricing, and delivering quality work.

Step 8: Continue Learning and Stay Compliant

Good contractors never stop learning.

Stay updated:

• Renew your license on time
• Learn new tools, green building techniques, and tech
• Attend workshops and short courses (offered by REHAB, PWD, etc.)

Upskilled contractors:

• Get better contracts
• Earn higher profits
• Build better teams

How to Become a Contractor With No Experience

No experience? No problem. Here’s how I started:

• Work as a helper or assistant
• Take short-term training courses (3–6 months)
• Offer to do small freelance jobs — like fixing things or small room renovations
• Shadow senior contractors and learn how they talk, plan, and build
• Be on time, polite, and deliver what you promise

Reputation is gold in our industry. People hire those they trust.

How to Become a Government Contractor in Bangladesh

Government projects are big business in construction here.

Steps:

1. Register on e-GP portal https://www.eprocure.gov.bd
2. Apply for registration as a contractor through:

• Public Works Department (PWD)
• LGED or Roads and Highways Department (RHD)

3. Submit:

• TIN Certificate
• Trade License
• Experience certificates
• Bank statement
• Equipment list

4. Start with small tenders, then take on bigger ones.

Focus on safety, past experience, punctual work, and legal documents. Government clients look for reliability more than low prices.

Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming a Successful Contractor

Becoming a contractor is a journey — but it leads to independence, growth, and respect.

It starts with a skill, grows with training, and thrives on trust. Whether you want to build homes, wire apartments, or plan roads — there's space for you in this industry.

At Archiconnect, we help local contractors connect with real clients, grow their business, and build their brand.

FAQs

Q: How do I start a career as a contractor?

Start by learning a trade, then get hands-on experience. Register your business, get a trade license, and build up small projects to gain trust.

Q: What are the qualifications of a contractor?

Usually, you need some field experience, a trade license, and for government projects — PWD or LGED certification.

Q: How do I start as a contractor with no experience?

Start working under someone. Take training courses or certifications. Offer small jobs through friends or community to build trust.

Q: What degree is best for contractors?

Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture. But even diploma holders and skilled workers can become successful contractors.