Month: August 2017

Five great iOS apps for contractors

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Five great iOS apps for contractors

 

Let’s face it: If you’re not using your iPhone to “life hack” – that is, take a shortcut in a novel way to boost productivity or save time – you’re missing out big time. That small-ish Apple computer in your pocket can do a lot – more than you probably think.

 

Contractors throughout the country are increasingly turning to low-cost mobile apps to help with everyday tasks, at a time when the construction industry has been slow to adopt time-saving technologies, according to the 5th Annual Construction Technology Report, a study co-developed by Texas A&M University.

 

Here are five affordable, top-rated iOS apps for contractors that will help make the workday a little easier:

 

  1. Fieldwire by Fieldwire (https://appsto.re/us/nggGU.i)

 

Fieldwire is an easy-to-use task management app designed by construction professionals for construction professionals. The free trial version is ideal for small teams, and allows contractors to view and share blueprints, create and delegate task lists and track issues. In-app upgrades offer additional project management features.

 

Cost: Free trial version; $29 per user for Pro version, $39 per user for Business version

 

  1. Photo Measures by Big Blue Pixel Inc. (https://appsto.re/us/d1pVy.i)

 

Photo Measures allows contractors to photograph a space and note dimensions on those photos – a helpful way to remember the layout of a work site. Measurements can be edited, comments can be added and photos are easily imported or exported as .jpeg or .pdf files.

 

Cost: $6.99; free lite version

 

  1. RoomScan Pro by Locometric (https://appsto.re/us/dj3jO.i)

 

Draft floor plans by touching the walls of a room with your iPhone – no tape measure required. Contractors can easily add doors to blueprints by touching doorframes — or stairs by placing the phone on the top and bottom steps.

 

Cost: $4.99

 

  1. Home Builder Pro Calcs by Double Dog Studios (http://appsto.re/us/qvgeA.i)

 

Home Builder Pro Calcs offers hundreds of home improvement calculations and unit conversions – from roofing and framing to concrete and paving – as well as estimators for business expenses, materials and work hours. Calculations can be easily emailed from the app.

 

Cost: $4.99

 

  1. iHandy Level by iHandy Inc. (https://appsto.re/us/rp23r.i)

 

Level is a simple app with a range of uses beyond straightening wall photos. From angle measurements to roof pitch calculations, the app essentially replaces one of the longest tools in your toolbox. iHandy’s Carpenter ($1.99) adds additional features such as a plumb bob level and 0-to-180-degree protractor, but the enhanced app’s ruler reportedly doesn’t work well with the iPhone 7.

 

Cost: Free

 

For contractor news, updates and other helpful information, check out our company blog, which is updated frequently.  We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To obtain a Florida contractor’s license, click our Florida Contractor’s License page or call 239-777-1028.

Requirements for a Florida Contracting License

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In order to legally perform contractor services in the state of Florida, you will need to obtain a Florida contracting license. If you fail to undergo the testing and licensing, you will be subject to fines and other penalties for failure to comply. What follows is a brief rundown of the guidelines and requirements entailed in applying for a contracting license.

 

First, you will have to take two brief exams that cover topics related to finance and the trade(s) you are looking to become licensed in. If you are an electrical contractor, you will need to undergo a slightly different process. You will not be required to take these tests, but rather, will have to undergo trade specific tests due to the complex and potentially dangerous nature of the work.
In order to qualify for the appropriate tests, you will need to be able to show proof of having at least four years of work experience in the construction or trade field. If you are looking to get a contracting license for a business, you will also need to provide proof of financial assets. Requirements for total assets may range from $2,500-20,000, depending on the type of certification you are looking to obtain. You will also be required to carry and show proof of a current liability insurance plan.

 

For licensed contractors in the state of Florida, your license must be renewed every two years. Additionally, you will need to undergo at least 14 hours of continued education (details on what qualifies can be found on the state’s website) during that time period as well. This is to help ensure that all contractors regularly get training in the newest regulations and techniques.

 

There are different registration periods during which you can apply for a contract as an individual or as a business. For individuals, you can apply from May 1 in even years or September 1 in odd years. For businesses, you can apply from May 1 in even years and September 1 in odd years as well. The fees for registration run about $300 for both individuals and businesses.

 

For those who are looking to become individual licensed contractors or who wish to start a contracting business in the state of Florida, it is important to be properly licensed to avoid fees and other penalties. In order to obtain a license, you will need to take a number of basic tests, provide a proof of income, work experience, and apply during the appropriate time period. Your license will be valid for two years and you must received at least 14 hours of continued education related to your field in order to qualify to be relicensed.

 

Are you looking to get your Florida contractor’s license? Let us help you! We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To get started on the application process, click here or call 239-777-1028.

An ‘active’ year predicted for hurricanes in Florida

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It’s mid-July, and we’re 1½ months into the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. Weather forecasters have predicted an active hurricane season, with as many as 17 storms expected (and named, from Franklin to Jose, Ophelia to Tammy). A handful of those could turn from tropical storms into hurricanes, with sustained winds up to 74 to 95 mph — the range for a Category 1 storm – or higher.

 

Officials say it’s never too early to start preparing for the uncertainty of hurricane season. 2016 was the most active year for hurricanes in the Sunshine State since 2012, with four major storms wreaking havoc along the state’s eastern seaboard. Hurricanes Matthew and Hermine together caused more than $1.5 billion in property damage, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

 

And while hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30, the potential for severe weather remains year-round: In January, a series of tornadoes ripped through areas of Florida and Georgia over two days, causing extensive property damage and killing more than a dozen people.

 

Wild weather poses unique challenges for contractors – whether they’re installing solar panels, repairing swimming pools or remodeling homes. Here are some things to consider as the hurricane season advances into August:

 

–With storms developing by the week, it’s important to keep tabs daily – or even hourly — on changes in weather systems, so that project schedules can be adjusted at job sites.

 

–Communicate regularly with workers about emergency procedures and safety plans. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes guidelines for storm preparedness.

 

–With major storms closing in, contractors should clean up and secure work sites, especially those with heavy machinery and equipment. Objects such as portable bathrooms, garbage bins, tools and loose building materials can turn into damaging projectiles during high-wind events. Board-up windows and seal doorways, and expect localized flooding.

 

In a storm’s aftermath, when the demand for emergency repairs is high, don’t get caught performing unlicensed work. Roof repairs, the installation of new windows, plumbing work, electrical rewiring and the rebuilding of marine docks all require a license – and not just one single license. The penalties for performing unlicensed work, even for first-time offenders, are stiff — up to one year in prison or 12 months of probation, and a fine of $1,000.

 

That’s especially important to know for out-of-state contractors seeking work in Florida.

 

A Florida contractor licensing company can help companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida Contractor Licensing website or call 239-777-1028.

Renewing a Florida Contracting License

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Pretty much all states have their own rules and regulations surrounding how one legally operates as a contractor within their state. Florida is, of course, no different. To legally work within the state of Florida as a residential or independent contractor, you are required to be licensed by the state. Basically, what this entails is that you provide certain proof of skills and other requirements, and then take a couple of tests related to your field.

 

Most people know that they need a license to operate in Florida, but many are less sure about what goes into renewing your license, which is something you will need to do every two years to remain in good legal standing. If all your information with the state of Florida is up to date, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail about a month before your license is set to expire.

 

This is incredibly helpful as, two years in, you are likely amid working on a variety of projects that are at different levels of progress. When you receive your renewal notice, you are going to be prompted to double check all your information such as address, phone number, email address, etc. It might not seem like a big deal, but failing to make sure that all your information is up to date can lead to delays in getting your license renewed, so it is imperative that you look this information over and update anything necessary.

 

You will also be asked to supply a few other pieces of information to renew your license, as well. You will need to show proof of continuing education and training. You may also be asked to provide current proof of insurance and perhaps a few smaller pieces of information. Be sure to look over your renewal documents carefully to ensure that you have included all required information. Certain counties may require slightly different types of documentation.

 

While it is a hassle, it is important to be ready and prepared when your two-year contracting license renewal information comes in the mail, it is important to gather all the pertinent information, as this will make it a lot easier to get your renewal through and approved without any delay. The paperwork you receive about your renewal will tell you all the pieces of information you will need to provide to approve your renewal. Having all your proverbial ducks in a row helps to make this a simple and smooth process.

 

Let us help you renew (or get) your Florida contractor’s license. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. Click here or call us at 239-777-1028 to get started on the process today.

Do You Want a Career in Roofing?

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If you like working with your hands, and doing physical labor, a job as a roofing contractor could be a great match for you. Well, unless you’re afraid of heights!

What does a roofing contractor do? They install, maintain, repair, alter, extend and design everything to do with roofs. They are skilled in knowing how to waterproof, coat, repair, stop leaks, and more. Roofing contractors repair and replace and install roofs in both residential homes and commercial buildings. A roofer can be self-employed or work for a larger construction-based company. This job  will never be put out of work as roofs will always be found on homes and buildings across the country and world.

You can’t just have knowledge of roofing to become a roofer. You need a license. Without the license, you are practicing illegally and unsafely. If any problem occurs, you can get into a lot of legal trouble.

As a roofer, you can also have a specialty. Roofs are made from all different materials. Roofers can choose which type of roofs they are exceptionally skilled at installing or repair, like metal or tile, and some even do solar panels.

As a contractor licensing company, we can help you get your Florida roofer contractor’s license. We have helped thousands complete their application successfully and get their license fast. As part of the application process, there are certain requirements and experience needed in order to get a license. Here is a list of what is required.

  • Four years of experience working under a licensed roofing contractor. This experience can be reduced by up to 3 years with college credits and/or military service.
  • At least one year out of the four years of work experience must have been as a foreman
  • You have to show experience from this employment period that shows substantial compliance with statutory experience requirements in all of these areas:
    • Built-up Roofing Systems
    • Built-up Roofing
    • Roll Roofing
    • Modified Bitumen
    • Cold Process
    • Single-ply Systems
    • Single-ply
    • Foam
    • Architectural Metal Roofing
    • Concrete and Tile Roofing
    • Shingles & Shakes
    • Gutters and Downspouts

 

If you’re ready to get your Florida roofer contractor’s license, please contact us to get started. The process can be stressful and complicated, but we know the ins and outs of everything needed. We will do all the hard work for you. Click here or call 239-777-1028 to get started on the contractor license process today.