Construction and Home Repair

Olim who come to Israel with experience in the construction or home repair business find that they have to relearn many aspects of the industry in order to re-establish themselves professionally. As local mores and standards are inherent to these businesses, it is important to become familiar with them.

Here are some facets of the industry that are significantly different from what you may be accustomed to in North America:

• The construction system itself is generally very different and is based on a concrete frame rather than a wooden one. Interior walls in Israel are traditionally constructed out of cinder blocks. Today, there has been a slight shift towards building with metal studs and drywall/sheet rock since the materials have become available locally. The construction of large hi-rise buildings, however, is more similar to that in North America and is based on a steel frame.
• Many of the construction materials are different, as well. Even the same types of materials may vary because they are manufactured by European rather than North American companies, and they take getting used to.
• The work force can be significantly dissimilar from what you're used to in terms of language and culture. It is important to have a good command of Hebrew in order to communicate and negotiate with subcontractors, laborers and suppliers, and you'll have to become attuned to them culturally, as well. If you were an independent contractor in North America and had built a team of reliable subcontractors and laborers, you'll have to rebuild that team in Israel, a process that can be challenging at first because of the language and cultural barriers.
• You'll have to learn the bureaucratic process in Israel, becoming familiar with the procedure for acquiring permits and conforming to local ordinances and regulations.
• Local pricing structures in Israel may also differ from what you're used to. Learn the "going rate" so that pricing can be competitive with other local contractors.
• Clients' expectations are also subject to local custom and standards and may be significantly different. A term that is considered standard in a construction contract in Israel may be considered supplemental in North America. Expectations of pace, cleanliness and quality may also vary.
• The construction/home repair business is based largely on referrals and word of mouth. Though you may have built an excellent name in North America, you'll have to rebuild your reputation after you arrive.

Taking these differences into consideration, it is generally not advisable for Olim to go out on their own immediately after making Aliyah. You can start by working as an apprentice for a local contractor or try to secure a job with one of the large construction companies in order to "learn the ropes".

A company called Shir HaMaalot acts as a placement agency for large commercial construction projects, and, in particular, for the construction of public buildings with security issues. They hire both trained and untrained workers and can be reached at: shirhamalot@bezeqint.net or (03)687-0651.

In addition, some Olim who have worked in the general home repair business find it most profitable and easiest to transition into a niche market or an area of specialty.

The Israel Contractor's Association (Igud HaKablanim) can be reached at: (03) 567-1200.