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Builder's Labourer
Building Contractor
Project Builder



Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs



Practical or MechanicalClerical or OrganisingSkill Level 3Skill Level 4


Builders organise the materials and equipment required to construct a building, as well as manage the construction of a building.Future Growth Static

Builders plan building constructions for buildings such as houses, hotels, schools, shops, office blocks or hospitals. They supervise the construction of the building to ensure that it follows building standards, is safe and is well made.

Builders manage all aspects of the construction of a building and ensure that there are enough labourers and materials. They talk with other people who may be involved in the building project, such as architects, engineers and local council inspectors, to ensure that the building is constructed according to the plan.

Builders examine and interpret a clients' plans or arrange for an architect or drawer to develop plans to meet building regulations and client requirements. They may also arrange the  submission of plans to local councils for approval and arrange inspections of the building work at various stages throughout the construction process.
 

Builders oversee and undertake a range of projects in the construction industry. These may include the construction of homes or other buildings, the repair of existing building structures, or the alteration of buildings to give them new form and function. They may liaise with clients to work out the best way to undertake a project, work out quotes for the project, arrange plans for the project with local authorities, organise subcontractors to complete particular work, make calculations about quantities of materials needed, supervise the project and co-ordinate the activities of the building team and other staff, and undertake some of the building work themselves.


ANZSCO description: 133112: Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the construction, alteration and renovation of dwellings and other buildings, and the physical and human resources involved in the building process. Registration or licensing is required.

Alternative names: Building Contractor, Professional Builder

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Builders need:

  • an thorough knowledge of building methods and standards
  • technical aptitude
  • good time management skills
  • the ability to work as part of a team
  • good communication skills
  • management and leadership skills
  • good organisational skills
  • physical fitness and strength
  • the ability to work at heights
  • an understanding of health and safety requirements
  • a thorough understanding of building codes and regulations
  • problem solving skills.

Frames up

Duties and Tasks

  • submit quotes or prices for the project to clients
  • organise and coordinate subcontractors to carry out various stages of the building and negotiate rates of pay
  • calculate the quantities of building materials required for a project and order these from building suppliers
  • supervise the work of subcontractors to ensure buildings are of an acceptable standard and are proceeding according to schedule
  • coordinate payment of accounts for materials and wages for subcontractors
  • study architectural plans or drafted drawings
  • estimate and order building supplies required
  • manage and supervise employees and subcontractors to maintain quality and deadlines
  • make sure the building work meets all rules and regulations
  • arrange for any necessary inspections.
  • communicate with lawyers and banks on matters relating to loans and contracts for building projects
  • perform various parts of the building work personally.

Working conditions

Builders usually work outdoors as part of a construction team, often in large industrial conditions, with loud, and potentially dangerous equipment. They work with building materials such as wood, steel, cement, plaster and stone, and the fittings and materials that are used to join and finish these. Due to the hazardous nature of much construction work and the exposure to the elements that accompanies it, builders are usually required to wear safety equipment such as hard hats, steel-capped work boots, ear protection and protective wet-weather clothing.

Builders may also work in offices co-ordinating the administrative elements of a building project, or liaising with clients or local authorities.

Tools and technologies Builder

As they work on construction sites, builders will usually need to know how to use a range of construction-related equipment such as power and hand tools, measuring equipment, machinery like cement mixers and utility vehicles. They also need to know how to use building materials such as timber, steel, cement and plaster, and how to work with these in construction processes.

As they may also work in an office undertaking administrative tasks, they may also be required to use general office equipment, including computers.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a builder, you usually need to complete a formal qualification in building and construction or construction management. A range of training options exist, with formal qualifications available at certificate, diploma and degree levels.

Training is available through completion of an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery. The length of your training can vary and may be undertaken both on and off the job. Entry requirements  generally require at least successful completion of Year 10.

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) [Builder’s Registration] and the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) are offered at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can also complete a degree majoring in construction management.

Some universities in Australia offer relevant courses.

Most builders will generally have worked for a number of years in building and construction positions before progressing to a project builder role. They may be required to complete further studies in construction management.

Workers in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (commonly known as a “white card”). 

 

 

Did You Know?

The Great Pyramid of Giza consists of 2,300,000 blocks each weighing 2.5 tons!

There are more than 10 million bricks in the Empire State Building!

Great Pyramid of Giza

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Floor Finisher

Plasterer

Upholsterer

Interior Decorator

Pool Technician

Cabinetmaker

Roofer

Builder

Handyperson

cleaner

Nanny

Home Improvement Installer

Joiner

Furniture Polisher

Airconditioning Refrigeration Mechanic

Glazier

gardener

Gasfitter

Lift Mechanic

Construction Project Manager

Quantity Surveyor

Construction Rigger

Fencer

Solar Panel Installer

Architect

 

Electrician

Bricklayer

Plumber

Painter

Construction Worker

Concreter

Carpenter

Tiler

Interior Designer

Floor Finisher

Plasterer

Upholsterer

Interior Decorator

Pool Technician

Cabinetmaker

Roofer

Builder

Handyperson

cleaner

Nanny

Home Improvement Installer

Joiner

Furniture Polisher

Airconditioning Refrigeration Mechanic

Glazier

gardener

Gasfitter

Lift Mechanic

Construction Project Manager

Quantity Surveyor