My View Of Construction Companies

If you have decided that you want an extension on your house, or you want to build a house from scratch, you need to know of a good construction company. These days, the good construction companies usually have a flashy website to impress you with, so this is important to note. A poor, basic website can often be a reflection on their work. I think most companies these days are aware of the importance of the web and how most people will log on to the Internet and do a Google search to find who they want to use.

However, some construction companies aren't having the business they used to. With the change in the economic climate, i would imagine it is only time before some major construction companies go bust. Take, for example, the news of Taggarts, a Londonderry based construction company. They complete work in Ireland and also in the UK. However, they have just announced that they will be putting their building program "on hold" in Northern Ireland. Work will continue in the UK, apparently. Still, it doesn't bode well does it? I wonder how many more will follow suit.

I think it is safe to say that not many people are going to be having extensions on their house at the moment, as they will be far more inclined to keep hold of the purse strings until things calm down. So what is the future like for construction companies? Well, we will wait to find out.

Construction Jobs - How Do You Apply?

If you want to branch into the world of construction, it might be hard knowing how to get your foot in the door. There's an old saying: "Its not what you know, its who you know" and i think this is important to remember. I was even told this at University in a Careers lecture! Doesn't do much for the old spirit, does it. Nevertheless, if you're looking for construction jobs, don't despair. It might be that you know someone through a family member who works in the trade. Use this contact! They may be able to offer you some part-time work and although the pay might be less than exciting, it is the experience you need. Have the dream that you can one day have your own business and your dream might just come true one day.

It may be that you are going to do a course at College. This will be beneficial to you because they can put you in touch with employers and you can work and study at the same time.

Find out as much information as possible from employers. Even if they cant offer you any work at this moment in time, ask to speak to someone who can give you advice about what employers are looking for and what the job really entails; including all the "grotty" bits. That way, when you go for an interview, you can make the employer aware that you are clued up on exactly what the job will entail. They will see that you have done your research and have a real passion for the work. I know it sounds awful , but "cold calling" can often unearth something really positive. You won't know unless you try and some employers might admire your tenacity.

My nephew is doing a construction apprenticeship at the moment and it is hard work, but he knows it is going to be worth it in the long run. Work like this is a bit of a dying trade, so if you have the skills and the right attitude, you can really go far. I think the problem we have these days is that many fathers / grandfathers have started their trade businesses many years ago and now the next generation aren't wanting to take over the reigns and do that sort of work anymore. Young people are being lured by the big money in the cities and it seems somewhat 'unglamourous' to be a proper grafter these days.

I think its sad that we're not embracing the real trades anymore. Hopefully, young people will realise the potential and want to get into construction.

The Costs Involved

I was thinking yesterday about what costs might be involved when undertaking any form of home construction. That's when i heard about home construction loans.

A home construction loan can be offered when the lender knows the full story behind the construction of the house and it requires interest-only payments while the construction is taking place and then the original investment costs are payed upon completion. Once a house is complete it should receive its certificate of occupancy.

Find out how much money the lender is willing to give you and bear in mind that the land you own ready for the construction of the home could be used as equity on the construction loan.

According to Kent Pinkerton, who wrote an article on home construction loans, you have an option whereby you can go for a "construction-to-permanent financing program" where the loan is then converted into a mortgage loan once the certificate has been issued. This might help make your repayments easier, since there won't be 2 loans.

Make sure you do make some research and compare rates from different lenders and always read the small print so you know you're not going to get caught out. Remember that the lenders are trying to profit too.