Contractors’ Top 10 Favorite Things to Do – A Lighthearted Look at the Construction Life

Being a contractor isn’t just about hammers, nails, and blueprints—it’s a lifestyle. Whether they’re on a job site, picking up supplies, or running their business, contractors have certain things they just love to do. If you know a contractor, work with one, or are one, you’ll recognize some of these right away.

Here’s a look at the Top 10 Favorite Things Contractors Love to Do—presented with humor, but absolutely true!

1. Buying More Tools Than They Actually Need

Ask any contractor, “How many tools do you have?” The answer is always, “Not enough.” Contractors love tools the way kids love candy. It doesn’t matter if they already have three of the same drill; if a newer model with one extra feature is released, it’s coming home with them.

Plus, if they can justify it as a “business expense”, that makes the purchase even sweeter.

2. Talking About “That One Nightmare Client”

Every contractor has a story about The One. The homeowner who wanted a 3-week job done in 3 days, the client who changed their mind 20 times, or the person who insisted their brother-in-law could do it cheaper. These stories aren’t just rants; they’re battle scars of the trade.

And yes, they love sharing them—just don’t expect a short version.

3. Driving a Truck That Doubles as a Storage Unit

Every contractor’s truck is a rolling Home Depot. There’s a toolbox, a second toolbox, and a backup toolbox—plus an entire inventory of screws, nails, and miscellaneous parts collected over the years.

Need a tape measure? There are at least five scattered inside. Looking for lunch? There’s probably a half-eaten sandwich under a pile of blueprints.

4. Arguing Over Which Brand Is the Best

Every contractor has a strong opinion on the best tool brand. Some are die-hard DeWalt fans, others swear by Milwaukee, and then there’s always that one guy who refuses to use anything but Makita.

These debates can get heated. Friendships have been tested. But at the end of the day, all that matters is that the job gets done… and that their brand of choice is the best.

5. Staring at Other People’s Work and Critiquing It

Contractors can’t walk into a building, restaurant, or even a friend’s house without analyzing the construction work.

“Who did this drywall? Looks like they rushed the taping.”

“This tile job is all wrong—look at those uneven grout lines.”

“I’d love to know who installed this deck… and then never called a level.”

They don’t mean to judge—it’s just in their blood.

6. Taking a ‘Quick’ Trip to the Supply Store (That Lasts 3 Hours)

Contractors say, “I just need to grab a couple of things,” before heading to the supply store. Their spouses know this means they’ll be back in half a day.

They’ll run into at least three people they know, spend 45 minutes debating the best wood screws, and somehow walk out with three carts full of materials instead of just the one item they originally needed.

7. Using Construction Terms No One Understands

Contractors love speaking in their own language. If you don’t work in construction, you’ve probably heard things like:

? “We need to sister those joists.”

? “That wall is out of plumb.”

? “Throw a few Simpson ties on it and call it a day.”

To them, this makes perfect sense. To everyone else? It might as well be a foreign language.

8. Giving ‘Ballpark’ Estimates That Are Always Vague

“How much will this cost?” is the worst question to ask a contractor. The response is always:

? “Depends on what you want.”

? “It could be anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.”

? “I’ll have to run the numbers.”

It’s not that they’re trying to be difficult—there are a lot of variables. But let’s be honest, the real answer is: “More than you think, but worth every penny.”

9. Taking Pride in the ‘Calloused Hands, Sunburned Neck’ Look

A contractor’s hands tell their story. Covered in cuts, callouses, and probably some dried paint, they’re proof of hard work.

And let’s not forget the contractor’s tan—where the neck and arms are deeply tanned, but everything under the shirt is ghostly pale. It’s a badge of honor.

10. Complaining About the Job While Loving Every Second of It

Ask a contractor how work is going, and they’ll tell you, “It’s a nightmare.”

The weather’s been awful. The permits took forever. The supplier delivered the wrong materials.

But watch them on the job, and you’ll see the truth: They wouldn’t trade it for anything. There’s a pride in building something from the ground up that no desk job can match.

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Contractors Work Hard—BGES Group Helps Protect Them

Being a contractor is tough, and making sure you have the right workers’ compensation insurance is crucial. That’s where BGES Group comes in.

We specialize in workers’ compensation for contractors and can help you get new coverage if needed. Whether you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, or run a construction business, we have programs tailored for you.

We proudly serve the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) and, through our affiliate, we have programs available that cover contractors nationwide.

Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance? Contact BGES Group!

? Gary Wallach – Your Workers’ Comp Specialist

? Phone: 914-806-5853

? Email: [email protected]

? Website: www.bgesgroup.com

If you’re a contractor, you take care of building everything else—let BGES Group take care of your workers’ compensation insurance. Give us a call today!