7 Perks of Working in Construction

Considering a career in the trades? Construction might just be the right path for you! Here’s a look at what working in construction is like, what requirements you may (or may not) need to meet, and what current opportunities are out there.

Why Construction? 7 Benefits

A career in construction can be rewarding in many different ways. Though it’s not the right field for everyone, it does offer a path to a profitable and promising career for many. 

Here are seven reasons why working in construction can be a great choice for the right person (you, maybe!).

1. It’s Easy to Get Started.

Not keen on college? No problem! You can start working in construction without any degree or work experience. 

Many construction companies will hire workers straight out of high school or with no formal education at all. You may start work as an apprentice or general laborer, then continue to learn the trade over the course of a few years before moving onto a role that requires more responsibility and experience. 

Bottom line: as long as you’re a hard worker and you’re willing to learn, most construction companies would be happy to add you to their team.

2. You Can Earn a (More Than) Liveable Wage.

In the construction industry, your pay will greatly vary depending on where you live, what trade you’re in, how many experiences you have, etc. But regardless of these factors, a career in construction can offer you a liveable, often very lucrative, wage. 

Aside from regular wages, most construction companies pay workers hourly, so there’s plenty of opportunity to cash in on overtime compensation. Also, you’ll reap the financial benefits of not paying for college or other secondary education if this is the path you choose early on.

3. There’s Great Job Security.

There is, and pretty much always has been, a shortage of skilled workers in all of the trades. From small-town residential contractors to commercial construction conglomerates, everybody needs workers. If you become one of them, it’s likely that you’ll be guaranteed a job for a long time. 

4. You’ll Stay Active.

Let’s face the facts: sitting at a desk all day, every day, isn’t most people’s dream. Not only does it make days dull, but it also poorly affects your health. Our bodies are designed to move — whether that be walking, running, stretching, lifting, or more. 

A job in construction will get you up and moving every day. This gives you more of a chance at being fit and healthy. While some trades are more physically demanding than others, you’ll never have trouble finding one that keeps you active. 

5. You’ll Never Get Bored.

A career in construction can offer you something new and exciting every day. Every project is different, and no two days are alike. There’s no need to worry about things getting monotonous. 

Whether you’re starting a new project, solving a new problem, learning new skills, or operating a new piece of machinery, the job is sure to give you something new to look forward to at all times.

6. You Can Work in a Team.

Construction work is teamwork. You’ll meet all sorts of new people with similar skills and interests as you — and you’ll all work together to accomplish and build something awesome. While you certainly don’t need to be an extroverted “people person,” you’ll never have to worry about your workdays being lonely and uneventful.

7. The Work Is Meaningful.

There’s something about good, honest work that is so meaningful. By working in construction, you’ll always be working on something that will solve a human need; something that people will use and enjoy every day. 

Whether you’re on a team that builds the homes we live in, the places we work in, the restaurants we gather in, or the roads we drive on, you’ll always feel a sense of pride, accomplishment, and intrinsic satisfaction from your work.

Common Construction Job Requirements

So what does it take to work in construction? Well, here are some of the most common requirements to get started. Keep in mind that these can vary based on company, trade, role, and more. 

• High school diploma (preferred, but not required)
• Similar work experience (preferred, but not required)
• Knowledge of basic engineering and construction principles (preferred, but not required)
• Willingness to learn
• Willingness to obtain relevant licensure to work with hazardous materials and machinery
• Willingness to be a team player
• Ability to analyze and solve work problems
• Ability to life construction materials and work in a construction environment

Working in Construction at Hometown Development

At Hometown Development, we offer unique job opportunities for those interested in working in construction. Below are a few benefits that make us stand out from other construction companies and employers. 

We Offer Ample Opportunities for Growth.

You don’t need any education or experience to join our team of construction professionals. We’ll provide you with the training you need to get started, then you’ll get hands-on experience every day as you work on a variety of projects. 

Throughout your time working with us, you’ll have tons of growth opportunities. If you’d like to define your own career path, continue to develop your skills, and do what you love every day, we’ll make that possible.

You Can Give Back to the Community You Love.

Our team is passionate about the West Michigan neighborhoods we work in. We see every project we take on as a chance to revitalize a unique home and increase the value of a neighborhood. 

At the same time, we’re often helping a homeowner move away from a troublesome home and onto a living situation that better fits their needs. All around, working with us is a unique and rewarding experience — we promise!

You’ll Be a Part of Incredible Transformations.

We flip houses, and we’re really good at it. Not to toot our own horn too much, but we’ve completed incredible transformations in hundreds of West Michigan homes. You can head to our Projects or Facebook page to see some of the before-and-after photos — they’re incredible!

By joining our team, you’d have your own part in helping these transformations come to life. You can put your own style and hard work into a gorgeous home with lots of charm.

You’ll Work with a Small but Mighty & Close-Knit Team.

Currently, our team consists of around 20 people. We’re pretty small, but that doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish a lot. We work hard, but we’re also fun, high-energy, highly motivated individuals who share similar passions about real estate, remodeling, and West Michigan. We enjoy working together to solve problems, and celebrating together in the success of every project.

If you’re looking for a job in construction, we’re looking for you! At Hometown Development, we’re always searching for the right people to fill our open carpenter positions. Check them out on our Careers page, and feel free to contact us with any questions about the application process.