Month: July 2019

Want to be a roofer? Doesn’t matter if you went to a four-year college, are fresh out of high school, or are changing careers, you can be a roofer with the right training.  What does a roofer do exactly? And, how do you become a roofer?

To be a roofer, you need your Florida roofing contractor’s license.

According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations, a roofing contractor is defined as a contractor whose “services are unlimited in the roofing trade and who has the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, and use materials and items used in the installation, maintenance, extension, and alteration of all kinds of roofing, waterproofing, and coating, except when coating is not represented to protect, repair, waterproof, stop leaks, or extend the life of the roof. The scope of work of a roofing contractor also includes skylights and any related work, required roof-deck attachments, and any repair or replacement of wood roof sheathing or fascia as needed during roof repair or replacement and any related work.”

 

As a roofer, you do not need formal education credentials, but on-the-job training or an apprenticeship will allow for a you to gain the skills needed for this position.

 

Here are specific requirements to get your roofing contractor’s license:

• 4 years of experience under a licensed roofing contractor. This 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 experience must have been as a foreman
• Show experience from this employment period that demonstrates substantial compliance with statutory experience requirements in all of the following areas:
  • Built-up Roofing Systems
  • Built-up Roofing
  • Roll Roofing
  • Modified Bitumen
  • Cold Process
  • Single-ply Systems
  • Foam
  • Architectural Metal Roofing
  • Concrete and Tile Roofing
  • Shingles & Shakes
  • Gutters and Downspouts

 

In 2015, the average pay for a roofer was $36,720. In 2014, 123,400 people held jobs as roofers, and there is predicted to be an increase in the number of jobs available in this field by 13 percent by 2024.

 

Roofers have a physically demanding job; they do a lot of heavy lifting, climbing, bending, kneeling, grabbing, carrying, and more. Sometimes, roofers have to work in bad weather like really hot temperatures, because summertime is a popular time people get work done on their roofs.

If there are roofs on buildings, roofers will always exist! Looking to get your Florida roofing contractor license?  We can help.  The contractor licensing process can be complex and confusing, so we are here to help you get through the licensed process. To get your Florida contractor license, call 239-777-1028.

 

Every construction project as stages, regardless of size, complexity, or budget. With improving technologies, stages within projects are running more smoothly. For this article, we wanted to share a little bit about each stage of a construction project with you.

• Project conception – The client usually comes to the contractor with an idea and usually a thought to where the project will take place. This stage can take a few days or months. Construction workers don’t have much input in this stage.
• Design – Once the project is closer to happening, it’s time to talk about design and the bidding process. An architect or engineer is usually in charge of design. This person makes sure all state regulations and codes are met. In the design stage, there are four steps: programming and feasibility, schematic design, design development, and contract documents. In these stages, the goals and objectives are outlined, sketches are drawn up, contracts are drawn up, and all this work is used in the field by those placing bids.
• Pre-construction – After bidding, this stage begins when the contractor has been chosen. A construction team is put together. The team is usually made up of a Contract administrator, Project manager, Superintendent, Field engineer, and Health and safety manager. The team prepares the site and does a site examination. City authorities will have to approve the plan.
• Procurement – At this stage, the team orders and gets materials, equipment, and people to work.
• Construction – A pre-construction meeting is held to make sure everyone is on the same page. Once all questions are cleared up, the work can begin.
• Post-construction – After construction, an inspection of the building needs to be done. After inspection, the project team can show the owner how to use and maintain the area/building. Next, the owner can take the building. the project team has to close the project and make sure it is free from any legal burden.

How to Get Your Contractor’s License

 

To be part of this long and rewarding construction process, you need a contractor’s license.

We can help get you licensed for any speciality. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license.

We will complete and submit a completed application to the Construction Licensing Board on your behalf after getting information from you.

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

 

Want to be a plumber? If piping exists, plumbing will be a career. Plumbing, especially if you work for yourself, can bring in a lot of money. You don’t need a college degree, and with the proper training, you can become a plumber at any stage of your life.

What does a plumber do exactly? And, how do you become a plumber?

To be a plumber, you need your Florida plumbing contractor’s license.

According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, a plumbing contractor “is a contractor whose serves are unlimited in the plumbing trade. This includes contracting business “of the execution of contracts requiring the experience, financial means, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, alter, extend, or, if not prohibited by law, design plumbing.” A plumbing contractor’s job includes installation, maintenance, repairs, alterations, and designing in the following: sanitary drainage or storage drainage facilities, water plants, sewer plants, venting systems, water supply systems, septic tanks, wells, swimming pool piping, irrigation systems, and solar heating water systems and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in boilers, pressure process piping, water, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and related venting, and storm and sanitary sewer lines. The plumber does not need to obtain an additional local license, certificate, or registration for this work.”

 

Plumbers work with fire line standpipes, chemical lines, drain cleaning, and medical gas systems on public and private property. A plumber’s job can be 24/7 as  problems with pipes can happen at any time!

 

As a plumber, you do not need formal education credentials, but on-the-job training or an apprenticeship will allow for a you to gain the skills needed for this position. Most people start out as a plumber by attending a technical school, followed an apprenticeship. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.

 

Here are specific requirements to get your plumbing contractor’s license:

• 4 years of experience (one year must be as a foreman) or a combination of college or military service and experiencedoing all of the areas below if you wish to negate the need for board review:

• Roof and Storm Drainage
• Sanitary Drainage
• Drainage Venting
• Waste Piping
• Water Distribution Systems
• Water Distribution Lines
• Backflow Prevention Devices
• Natural Gas and Liquid Petroleum Piping and Venting Systems
• Medical Gas (must have a Certification)

 

Unfortunately, a job in plumbing has a high rate of injury and illnesses. Plumbers also have a physically demanding job; they do a lot of heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, grabbing, carrying, and more.

 

Think plumbing is right for you? We can help you be a plumber!  Looking to get your Florida plumbing contractor license?  The contractor licensing process can be complex and confusing, so we are here to help you get through the licensed process. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To get your Florida contractor license, call 239-777-1028.

 

 

Change can be hard, especially if your team has been used to doing projects a certain way for many years. However, new technology is truly making contractors’ jobs easier. Sometimes, getting everyone on board with the new technology can be a challenge, especially with training involved. People can be resistant to change their day-to-day work schedules and habits.

How can you slowly bring digital software changes into the workplace?

• Standardize your systems and programs. Define your workflow.
• Show your team how new construction software will help work better and faster. Show them why this is a benefit for them personally (less time at the site more time at home).
• Start small when rolling out the new software. You want your team to get familiar with the new solutions so mistakes are minimal.
• Get the basics down on the new software before learning more advances features. You will learn the entire software platform in time.
• Don’t put too much pressure on your team. Let them test the tool and get used to it.
• Encourage group engagement so people are exchanging and sharing documents and updates in real time.
• Make training a priority.
• Let your team know exactly how you expect them to use the software and how often.
• Check in with your team often to make sure there are no issues with the new program.
• Look at your data often to see how the new software is helping your team.

Brining in new digital tools and software can be overwhelming, but in the long run, it can help your team function better.

The construction industry is an industry that is adopting all sorts of new technology. Want to get into this field? You’ll need a contractor license.

We can help get you licensed for any contractor specialty.  We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, general, and so much more.

We will complete and submit a completed application to the Construction Licensing Board on your behalf after getting information from you by phone or email.

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

 

 

Construction projects can get pricey, but we wanted to share some tips on how you can save as much money as possible during a project.

 

1. Plan well and properly. Know what you want from the start. Provide the contractor with all information in the beginning stages – this will avoid any costly surprises.
2. Get your contractor involved right from the start, even before the architect is done drafting up the design. Contractors know the most about trends and codes that can help with the design. The contractor can also let the architect know what materials and options practical and what ones are not. You want the contractor involved early in the design process.
3. Adopt lean construction principles. You want to reduce waste. Waste materials make a project less economical.
4. Keep a close eye on metrics throughout a project so your construction costs don’t spiral out of control. You can spot issues faster if you pay attention.
5. Use construction takeoff software to estimate the cost of a construction project. This type of software helps track the amount of materials needed for a project and how much the materials will cost. This software can help determine the cost of a project.
6. Choose and use cost-effective materials. Think about not only the material’s price but how much it will cost to install.

The construction industry is all about problem-solving, and how to keep costs low is a great problem-solving exercise. Construction work isn’t just manually it’s a lot of mental processes.

The construction industry is a place for you to learn so many new skills. Want to be part of an ever-learning and growing industry? We can help make you a contractor.

We can help get you licensed for any contractor specialty, and you need a contractor license to practice legally.  We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license.

We will fill out and submit a completed application to the Construction Licensing Board on your behalf after getting information from you by phone or email.

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

 

 

As a contractor licensing company, we work with contractors daily. We like to share important information with them. Since we help so many people become contractors, we thought that we’d share some statistics about the industry in the last few years.

• 7% of the total U.S. GDP was in construction.
• 77% of construction spending occurred in the private sector in 2018.
• Construction spending in the United States was at $1.23 trillion in 2017
• 14% in spending on home improvement projects in 2017.
• 6 million people worked in the construction industry in 2017.
• 15% of construction firms have more than 1,000 people on staff.
• $29.95 was the average hourly wage of construction workers in 2017.
• 52% of construction employees were born between 1960 and 1979.
• 32% of construction employees were born after 1980.
• 91% of construction workers are male.
• 89% of construction workers are white, 30% are Hispanic/Latino, 6% are black/African American, and 2% are Asian.
• 20% of construction occurs in NY, Dallas, Houston, LA, and Washington, D.C.
• The top 5 states renting equipment are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
• 64% of on-the-job-fatalities occurring from falls, electrocution, getting hit by an object or getting crushed.
• 1,034 fatalities occurred in 2016.
• 75% of construction firms promote themselves on social media.
• 37% of construction firms experiment with drones.
• 11% of contractors use wearable technology.
• Commercial construction brought in $85 billion in 2017, up 11% from 2016.
• 35% of construction-related companies increased their staff numbers in 2017.
• 82% of contractors agree that BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the future of project information

Want to be part of a growing and thriving industry? You’ll need to have your contractor license. It is illegal to work as a contractor without a license in many states.

We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We have contractors across the United States get their contractor license.

We submit a completed application to the Construction Licensing Board on your behalf.

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

 

 

If you’re a contractor, you need liability insurance. If you don’t have it, make sure your boss does and that it covers you. For one, liability insurance will give you peace of mind that if something bad happens, you won’t be at fault and you will be covered. Second, you are likely to be hired by more people. Many clients don’t want to take on a contractor who doesn’t carry insurance as too many problems could arise.

Liability insurance helps protect business owners, contractors, and homeowners from liability related to on-job accidents, products, and other forms of liability like contractual liability.

It is in your best interest to purchase contractor liability insurance. This insurance protects the contractor, the business, or the assets of the business when it’s being sued. If you don’t carry this insurance, you may not be hired for many jobs. With this insurance, a homeowner or business owner feels protected, and can see that you took measures to protect yourself and them.

You can often bid for work without this insurance but are unable to work without it. Contractor’s liability insurance doesn’t protect contractors again poor workmanship or construction defects.

This type of insurance is important because claims against contractors happen and can be very expensive. You don’t want to pay this out of pocket!

Contractor liability insurance isn’t required by Florida, but many counties do require it. In Florida, covered claims can include bodily injury, property damage, negligence, personal injury, general damages, compensatory damages, and damage from slander or false advertising. In Florida, most companies consider this insurance essential. By contacting the county that you’re working in, you can find out if insurance is required.

What liability insurance should you purchase? Research different insurance companies and ask peer contractors what companies they’re using and why. Look at these company’s ratings.

 

Ask for quotes to compare. For general and building contractors, these are the minimum amounts for liability insurance are around: $300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage. Make sure you receive proof of insurance from whichever insurance company you choose to go through. This certificate of insurance usually needs to be shown before you can start a job or needs to be at the job site. Ask the company for the original certificate and not a copy.

 

Protecting yourself as a contractor is important – you will save money and stress less. Even though it’s not required by the state, you are better of being insured.

If you have questions about general liability insurance, looking to apply or renew your Florida contractor’s license or need help forming or running your business, our Florida contractor licensing  team can help make the process easier and faster.

Please call us at 239-777-1028 to get help from us right away or click our Florida contractor license page to learn more.

 

 

Want to be a contractor? There are a few things you need to do prior to becoming a contractor. You must take a contractor’s license exam. In the state of Florida, a contractor must pass this exam in order to be a licensed general contractor.

 

In Florida, a licensed certified contractor applicant must have passing score on all the parts of the Florida DBPR/BET qualifying examination, be at least 18 years old, meet educational and experience requirements, pay all applicable fees, obtain work’s compensation coverage, demonstrate financial responsibility, and have good moral character.

 

There are a lot of tests, and you must make sure to take the proper tests that will make you eligible for your license. Most exams are open book. In Florida, the test is around $215, which includes all fees.

 

How do you prepare for the exam? You can study on your own. There are books and reference materials suggested by the state. The PSI Online Bookstore and iContractor.net are third-party booksellers of contracting-based books. There are also several organizations online that offer web-based practice exams and courses. Organizations like Dewalt and PSI Learning Academy offer practice exams for the tests. Some home-study based courses in Florida include Cam Tech School and Gold Coast Schools.

If you need or prefer to learn and study in a classroom setting, there are schools across the country that offer courses and tutoring for specific exams. Some schools and bookstores in Florida include: AES, 4EzExam.com, Sane Fe College, Gulf Coast School of Construction, KCC Estimating & Construction Services, Inc., Florida International University, Contractor’s Library in Hudson, and more.

 

Once you pass the contractor’s exam, it’s time to apply for your contractor’s license. We can help get you licensed for any specialty. We can make the contractor licensing process faster and easier for you.  We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We have helped thousands of contractors across the United States get their contractor license.

We will complete and submit a completed application to the Construction Licensing Board for you.

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

 

 

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) continue to grow each year. In fact, the industries are expected to have a total revenue of $150 billion in 2020, which is a big increase from $5.2 billion in 2016.

VR is a computer-generated simulation of a real-life environment. It stimulates the user’s vision and hearing like they are directly experiencing simulated reality. AR blends digital components into the real world. Users interact with virtual things while still being able to distinguish between real and virtual.

AR and VR facts:

• 6o to 70% of consumers see benefits in using AR devices in life or at work.
• AR and VR will become important tools in the workplace:
  • Training will be more engaging
  • Training will be more time efficient
  • Training will be less expensive
  • Training will be more visually accurate
  • Training will be safer
• Team meetings can be more effective and productive by using a 3D display for data visualization in a virtual environment.
• There will be improved quality for video conferences.
• Can be used to experience different scenarios and environments.
• Can help employees learn and acquire more skills.
• This technology helps businesses invest in employees.
• Geographical locations won’t be relevant when applying to jobs.
• Remote staff can be brought together easier.
• Trainings, interviews, and meetings can be made easier.
• It can give designers and architects and contractors a more exact idea of what a project will look like.
• It can enhance product and project design since physical presence isn’t required for feedback.
• Smaller production costs since the project.

As the AR and VR industries grow, more construction companies are using them for their projects. Want to use these technologies on the job? Become a contractor! We can help make you a licensed contractor.

Remember, you need a contractor license to work legally. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We have contractors across the United States get their contractor license.

We submit a completed application to the Construction Licensing Board on your behalf after getting information from you by phone or email. We know what the Board is looking for.

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