Month: February 2019

What is a Contractor?

On: By: admin

If you’re a contractor, you already know the answer to this; however, there’s many people out there that may not know exactly what a contractor does for a living.

In the construction industry, a contractor (organization or person) is hired to work on and complete a project – it could be residential, commercial or something else. A contractor has a certain specialty and hires other contractors (or subcontractors) to help with work that is needed for another type of skill/specialty.

When a general contractor is hired, he/she/the company finds individuals to help get the job done. They also find the right materials, tools, and equipment to complete the task. They draw up the construction contract, as well. Contractors also deal with getting permits, purchasing facilities, safety, site surveying, scheduling, payroll, waste management, and more. The general contractor is the one who works with the client and communicates with them.

Along with a general contractor, there is the construction manager who helps develop the project and initiates the construction phase of the project. The manager manages subcontractors. He/she has the most responsibilities.

A prime contractor (similar to general contractor) monitors progress, plans, manages workload, make sure safety codes are being followed, updating the project, and more.

Design-and-build contractors are in charge of designing and developing the project.

Contractors control projects, manage problems, fix problems, act fast, manage a team, delegate tasks, give updates, communicate with clients, and much more.

Whether you want to be a general contractor or a specialty contractor, you will have a lot of responsibilities and things to know. The more you know and do, the more valuable you are.

Ready to get your contractor’s license? As a contractor licensing company, we can help! We have helped thousands of contractors get their contractor license in Florida and in other states. To get your contractor license, click our Florida contractor’s license page to learn more or call 239-777-1028.

Questions to Ask a General Contractor

On: By: admin

Before you begin working with anyone, it’s totally normal and essential to ask him/her questions before you start a project. You want to make sure you’re working with the right person for the job. We wanted to share with you some questions you should ask a general contractor before hiring them for a job.

  • How is your business organized?
    • Who is the owner?
    • Who is in charge of projects and tasks?
  • Do you have experience with projects like mine? Same type and size?
  • Can I have the contact information for past clients?
  • How you do handle and manage scheduling?
  • What technology do you use?
  • How many subcontractors do you work with?
  • How many people will be working on this project?
  • Who will be in contact with me? How often?
  • Will I be given a timeline?
  • What happens if there is a delay?
  • Who will be supervising my project? And how?
  • Do you have workers compensation and liability insurance?
  • How do you settle disputes?
  • How much do you expect me to put down?
  • How long have you been in this line of work?

Finding the right contractor takes time and research. Talk to friends and get referrals. You want to work with someone trustworthy. The above question will help you get a better idea if this contractor makes sense to work with.

Want to become a contractor yourself? Or know someone who does? You’ll need a contractor license to practice legally in Florida and many other states.  We are a contractor licensing company. We have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license, and we want to help you too. We are based in Florida. When you contact us, we will ask you to provide us with some basic information on your skills, background, testing, education, etc. Then, we will fill out all the paperwork, let you know if you are missing anything, have you send us the correct/new info, finish up the application, and submit it to the Board on your behalf to get you approved. We get you approved the first time

To get your contractor license, click our Florida contractor’s license page to get started with us or call 239-777-1028.

 

Different Types of Construction Fraud

On: By: admin

Construction fraud is real, and it happens more frequently than one may thing. Construction companies and contractors can lose big money on this fraud. Fraud, especially at first, can be hard to spot, especially if a company has many employees, suppliers, and job sites. Often, an owner does not realize the fraud is occurring until it is too late.

We wanted to share with you the different types of fraud owners may have to deal with in the construction industry:

  • Time fraud – Workers can show up late or leave early or take too many breaks – this is stealing time and slowing down productivity. Over time, this can lose the company money. Workers will usually write down/punch in times they were working when they were not, so they’re getting paid for work and hours they did not do. Employers can fight this by installing security cameras near time clocks.
  • Fake injuries – Some employees have been known to fake injuries to get paid (with workers’ compensation) without having to work.  These fake injuries can cause a company’s workers compensation benefits rates to increase. Just like the time clock, cameras can prove if an employee did actually harm him/herself.
  • Bills for no work – Some subcontractors will bill the contractor for work and time they did not to. They can say they worked more hours than they did, say they used equipment and tools when they didn’t, and say what they completed, and they didn’t.  to fight this, it’s best to hire a licensed, well-respected subcontractor. It’s a good idea to hire someone you know already or know through someone else – this will reduce your chances of being robbed.
  • Stolen equipment. Whether it’s a machine or tool, stolen equipment can cost a contractor thousands. To combat this, GPS trackers on devices and security cameras can potentially track down the thief.

To avoid fraud before it happens, think about conducting background checks, have people in the company monitoring fraud, reviewing invoices, etc.  not all fraud can be avoided, but there’s a lot you can do to prevent it or stop it right in its tracks.

Ready to be a contractor? You will need to get your contractor license. As a contractor licensing company, we have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license, and we want to help you too. First, you provide us with some basic information on your skills, background, testing, education, etc. Then, we will fill out all the paperwork, let you know if you are missing anything, have you send us the correct/new info, finish up the application, and submit it to the Board on your behalf to get you approved. We know all the requirements and deadlines.

To get your contractor license, click our Florida contractor’s license page to learn more and get started with us or call 239-777-1028.

 

 

What Skills Does a Construction Worker Need?

On: By: admin

Do you have what it takes to work in construction? Besides acquiring a license, do you know what skills you need? Construction workers need a variety of different mental and physical skills to be good at their jobs.

As a construction licensing company, we know what kind of background, education, skills, etc., are necessary for any type of contractor work. For this article, we wanted to share with you the skills a contractor needs in order to be successful at his/her job.

  • Construction workers need skills specific to their field or the jobs they choose. They need experience in everything from laying bricks, to installing windows to carpentry. For a specialized skill like plumbing or electrical work, they need more experience and another license.
  • High-level of problem-solving skills. They need to fix problems fast, as well.
  • Quick thinking is a must.
  • They need to know how to read blueprints.
  • They need analytical skills.
  • They need to be physically fit.
  • They need to be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Workers need to be coordinated and have dexterity.
  • They need to have a great memory.
  • They need to know when they need to work independently and also when and how to work as a team.
  • Workers need communication and listening skills.
  • Workers need to have decision-making skills.
  • Workers need to be organized.
  • Workers need to be fast learners and pick up on new technology and equipment quickly.
  • They need to work well with others.

If you have these skills, you will be a successful construction worker. Always try to improve on your skills or learn new ones. You want to be a asset to your company.

Need a contractor’s license? Want to upgrade your license? Or, do you need a specialty license? We can help. We know what the Contractor Licensing Board in your state is looking for you to get approved. We are a contractor licensing company. We have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license.

To get your contractor license, click our Florida contractor’s license page to get started with us or call 239-777-1028.