All About a Home Inspector

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Ever thought about being a home inspector? It’s a great career path, and we wanted to share some basic info on the profession here for you. Home inspectors, in Florida, perform a visual inspection, followed by a written professional opinion of the state and condition of the home. It’s the inspector’s job to describe the current condition of the home at the time of the inspection; however, this doesn’t guarantee the condition of the home in the future.

During an inspection, a home inspector looks at the home’s structure, electrical system, HVAC system, roof covering, plumbing system, and site conditions. Whenever a house is on the market, potential buyers will request for a home inspection to be done. In Florida, more homes are being built all the time, which means the need for home inspectors continues to grow.

In order to get a Florida home inspector’s license, a person needs to pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE); this exam is given by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI). A person also has to complete a 120-hour pre-licensing course, submit to a criminal background check, have good moral character, have a $300,000 commercial general liability insurance policy, and submit an application with fee.

On average, a home inspector make $53,410 a year in Florida. The minimum education a home inspector needs is a high school degree, but many employers expect people to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of home inspector jobs is predicted to increase by 18 percent, which is 4 percent above the national average.

Looking to get your home inspector’s license? Or, just a contractor’s license in Florida? We can help! For the last 10 years, we have helped thousands of Florida contractors get their licenses. To contact us, click here. We will help make the process easy and stress free for you.

Vanessa Puleo At Led2Serve Talks On How Helping Your Community Makes The Difference

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The team of led2serve, a Florida-based 501(c) (3), continually creates engaging and life-changing Service Journeys for people to join. Their collaborative efforts with community partners result in supporting local projects wherever they go!

While led2serve is a non-religious organization, many of its leaders have a faith foundation and lead a particular Journey called a “Service Mission Journey”. On these trips they take teams into a community location and serve on projects which have a faith founded message throughout. Often times the theme is “servant leadership” or “serving higher”.

Founded in 2009, led2serve was created to equip, inspire, and mobilize individuals to serve others locally, nationally, and through many regions of Costa Rica. Its founder, Vanessa Puleo, was inspired to start the non-profit after her own meaningful trip to Egypt in 2006, “It was on that trip I realized that leaving a legacy was going to mean I significantly changed my life.” stated Puleo. It was not long after that trip she sold her business and applied a “service before self” attitude.

One of the tag lines of the organization is “Serve Hard, Play Hard”, and they take that quite seriously! All journeys have fun and adventurous activities built into their schedule while serving at any of the over 20 partner locations throughout the USA and Costa Rica. Recently, the organization added an Adventures Director, Yolanda Puleo. Yolanda creates options for the ‘down time’ during each journey for team members to explore, adventure, and play. Fun activities may include hiking Rio Celeste in Costa Rica, white water rafting down the stunning rivers of North Carolina, or snorkeling in Key Largo.

During a Service Journey team members will join local projects that have been pre-arranged with led2serve’s community partners. One of their newer partnerships, with the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, is in the beautiful state of Tennessee. This wonderful organization cares for the practical needs of so many. Last year led2serve mobilized a team of high school boys during Thanksgiving break. They helped prepare meals for over 700 people that day. What else did the team do while they were in town? They joined in the “cave crawl”, enjoyed local meals as a team, and of course they enjoyed hiking and laser-tag!

Interested in requesting a Service Journey to be customized for your group, school, family or team? Complete a group request on the Led2Serve Website.

Email: connect@led2serve.org
Phone: (863)354-0137
Website: www.led2serve.org

Handyman vs. Contractor

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Is there a difference between a handyman and a contractor? And can I call them to do the same thing? No, they are not the same. There are some projects a handyman is not licensed to do, such as plumbing or electrical work. If you need specialty work that requires a license, you will need to hire a contractor. When someone works on your home and isn’t license, you could be liable financially.

Although there is a “handyman license,” also known as a maintenance license,  it only allows for a person to do certain odd jobs, but those jobs are very limited. There is no such “one” license that will allow people to fix holes in drywall, repair leaky faucets and pipes, paint walls, replace doors, install lights, patch up roofs, install screens, fix toilets, etc. In order to do all of this work, a person would need many licenses.

If you’re looking to patch a roof, you’d get a roofing license. To fix pipes, you would need a plumbing license. To install lights, a person needs an electrical license. There is a license for all trades whether it’s given by the county or state.

A “handyman license” differs from county to county in what it allows people to do. If you’re looking to obtain a handyman license in Collier County, Florida, this is what the license allows you to do.

  • You can assemble exercise equipment, toys, furniture, gas grills
  • Change light bulbs
  • Clean and change ceiling fan blades
  • Clean garages and gutters
  • Hang pictures
  • Mow lawns
  • Wash windows
  • Move furniture
  • Pressure clean driveways and walkways
  • Replace and repair door handles, caulking, and screens
  • Lawn edging
  • Residential and/or commercial cleaning
  • Install garage organizers

If you’re looking to obtain a handyman license, make sure it covers what you want to be able to do. If you think the work you want do get requires a contractor license, we can help you work toward getting that license. If you have any questions about any type of license, give us a call. We help people get their contractor licenses fast. Click here to contact us.

What is a Gypsum Drywall Contractor?

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If you’re thinking about going into the field of contracting, there are many specialties to choose from. For this post, we wanted to focus on one specific genre of contracting: Gypsum drywall specialty. A gypsum drywall contractor is a specialty contractor. In the state of Florida, a specialty contractor is a person whose work is limited to a particular part of construction.

 

As a gypsum drywall contractor, the scope of work is limited to the installation of metal accessories (studs, runners, hangers, channels, drywall metal suspension accessories, and prefabricated ceiling materials). This contractor also prepares the surface over which drywall is to be applied, which includes applying base and finishing coats. This doesn’t include plastering, block and/or wood partitions.

 

To become a gypsum drywall contractor in Florida, a person must:

 

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Must pass the stat certifications of drywall, business, and finance
  • Four years of a construction related degree and one year proven experience; or one year experience as a foreman and no less than three years of credits from a college; or one year experience as a worker, one year as a foreman and two years credits from a college; or two years’ experiences as a worker, one year as a foreman, and one year of credits from a college; or four years’ experience as a worker or forman, atleast one year must have been a foreman.
  • Have a background check.
  • Take the gypsum drywall exam which is an open-book test with 80 questions.
  • Take the business and finance exam which lasts 6.5 hours and contains 120 questions.

On average, a drywall contractor earns $44,000 per year.

 

Think this sounds like the right career path for you? You can make this dream of being a Florida gypsum drywall contractor a reality with your Florida contractor’s license. Let us help you get it fast and easy. For more information, click here. We are a company who helps contractors get their licenses.

 

 

What is a Gas Line Specialty Contractor?

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Contracting is a huge industry with many specialties to choose from. If you enjoy the field of construction, there is bound to be a specialty that will spark your interest. For this post, we wanted to focus on one specialty: gas line specialty. As a gas line specialty contractor, a person can install, modify, alter, test, repair and maintain natural gas transmission systems, and natural gas distribution systems. This is a specialty contractor position.

Many plumbers are considered natural gas plumbers because they are licensed to work on or install natural gas lines. If a plumber has a master plumbing license, this shows the plumber has a lot of experience and all the right qualifications for the job. With a gas specialty license, contractors can help people build a built-in grill or a natural gas fireplace in their home.

These type of contractors are also known as pipefitters; they install pipes that provide natural gas to heating and cooling systems, as well as stoves. They also install and repair pipes in power plants.

Gas can be a dangerous element to work with so contractors are held accountable to strict safety standards.  These contractors/plumbers work in factories, homes, businesses, and wherever there are pipes or septic systems.

To be this type of contractor, a person need a high school diploma at minimum and an apprenticeship.

On average, a contractor with a gas line specialty can make around $50,000 per year.  The job outlook for these workers is expected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024. With more construction, there will be a bigger need for plumbers and gas line specialists to properly install gas lines.

Unfortunately, these positions have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses due to the tools and pipes they work with. These jobs require a lot of night and weekend work, as well; they are called for emergencies and overtime often.

Looking to get your gas line specialty license? Let us help you. We make it a simple and stress-free process with no application or lengthy forms for you to fill out. Call us today! Click here to start the process.

What is a Demolition Contractor?

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Thinking of a job in contracting? How about a career as a demolition contractor? As a demolition contractor, you can work on and be involved in the demolition of buildings, structures or sites, these could be residential or commercial. A demolition contractor removes parts of a building or structure from a property. In order to hold this position in the state of Florida, you need a specialty contractor’s license. The license is “Certified Building Demolition Specialty Contractor.”

Demolition uses hydraulic equipment (with cranes, wrecking balls, explosives, loaders) to demolish a building or structure. This field is very regulated because demolition contractors often work on structures that have been damaged by fire, weather, or have structure deficiencies. The healthy and safety standards are strong and high in this field.

The average salary for a demolition contractor is $46,474.

After passing Florida’s state certification exam, a person who wants a license as a certified contractor needs to complete the license application form. You must obtain the license within four years of receiving your exam score.

This license was added in the state of Florida so people could be licensed for work on steel tanks 50 feet or less in height, towers 50 feet or less in height, structures 50 feet or less in height.  In short, this license allows a person to demolish any residential or commercial structure under four stories. If the person needs to do work that requires demolishing a building that is more than four stories, you need a certified general contractor license.

Previously to this license being added in the state of Florida, a Division 1 License (CRC, CBC, or CGC) would have to have been acquired for the demolition to occur. In 2012, a bill was passed that amended the definition of contractor in the Florida Statues. The definition changed from demolishing only certain building to demolishing all buildings regardless of height or number of stories.

Get Your Florida Contractor’s License

Looking for a contracting job? Or a job in demolition? We can help you get your contractor’s license. We take pride in getting contractors their licenses fast and easy. To learn more and to get started, click here.

What is a Drywall Contractor?

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Thinking about a job in contracting? How about a job as a dry wall contractor. Drywall contractors do the installation and repairs of dry wall in buildings and homes. Drywall is also known as gypsum, wall board, and sheetrock. Drywall contractors work will other contractors and homeowners and business or building owners.

In order to be a drywall contractor, a high school diploma or GED is at least required. People can enter into a drywall apprenticeship program where they will get on-the-job training and classroom instruction that pays them. This program can run from two to four years. Another way to become a drywall contractor is to work for an experienced drywaller, and train with them for up to a year. As time goes on, the person will rise in rank and take on more and more responsibilities.

To become a drywaller, you will need a contractor license. The type of license a drywaller needs varies from state to state. Some states require a general contractor’s license and other states require a specialty license. In order to get the license, a person must have the correct amount of work experience and pass an examination about drywalling and business operations. Some states also require a person to have a college degree related to construction or a minimum amount of college credits. It’s important to find out what the state you work in requires so you will be working legally.

This job is hard, as it is physically demanding; a drywaller has to stand, bend, climb, and lift heavy objects often. On average, objects can weigh 50 to 100 pounds so physical strength and stamina is necessary.

A drywaller can work independently or work with a crew of drywallers. As a business owner (and a drywaller) a business license is needed to practice. Also, many states require drywall contractors to have liabirty and workers’ compensation insurance.

Get a Florida Contractor’s License

Looking to get a Florida Contractor’s License or other state contractor’s license? Look no further! Our team here can help. We specialize in helping our clients get their contractor’s fast, and we make the process so easy. To start the process, click here or call 239-777-1028.

What is a Glass and Glazing Contractor?

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The world of contracting is vast. If you’re interested in working with your hands and jumping into the contractor world, there’s so many specialties to choose from. You are bound to find one you like! For this article, we wanted to focus on one contractor specialty: a glass and glazing contractor.

What does a glass and glazing contractor do exactly? According to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, a glass and glazing contractor is a specialty contractor whose services include (but are not limited to) installing, attaching, maintaining, repairing, altering, fabricating, and designing all types of windows, glass, and mirrors in residential and commercial buildings and areas. The windows, glass, and mirrors can be fixed or moveable (such as sliding glass doors).

In the state of Florida, a state certified license is not required to perform non-structural glass and glazing work, which includes the installation of glass and mirrors. If you plan on working with the installation of doors, windows, store-front frames, and structurally anchored things, a contractor’s license is required. Some counties will even require a specialize license specifically for glass and glazing work.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay for a glass or glazing contractor is $42,090.

To be a glass or glazing contactor, a person must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many glass and glazing contractors enter an apprenticeship program to learn the trade; some people learn trades in vocational school, and others just learn the trade under a licensed professional.

A glass and glazing contractor’s duties include things like cutting glass, installing skylights, display glasses, front-entry walls, installation and repair of windows on high-rise buildings, and basic window and door frame glass installation.

Apply for a Contractor’s License

Does a glass and glazing contractor job sound like the job for you? If so, you should think about getting your Florida glass and glazing contractor’s license. We can help make it happen for you. Our team specializes in helping people get their contractor licenses fast and with little stress as possible. We also can help you get your license in other states, as well. To start the license process today, contact us at 239-777-1028 or click here to learn more.

 

 

What is a Pollutant Storage Contractor?

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Contracting is a very lucrative career. A career in contracting has many specialties for a person to choose from. Through training and apprenticeships, a person generally can find their niche in such a large field. For this article, we will focus on a pollutant storage contractor. After reading the details of this occupation, you may have a better idea if this is the right type of contracting work for you.

To become a pollutant storage contractor in the state of Florida, a person must:

  • Be at least 18
  • Have four years of experience in the trade with at least one year of supervisory work
  • Have a four-year construction-related degreed from an accredited college and one year related experience.
  • One year as a foreman and not less than three years of credits from accredited college level courses.
  • One year as a workman, one year experience as a foreman, two years of credits from accredited college courses.
  • Two years as a workman, one year as a foreman, 1 year of any college level courses.
  • Three years of college credit can substitute experience.

Pollutant storage contractors install, maintain, alter, extend, and design pollutant storage tanks. Pollutant storage contractors has knowledge and expertise in pre-installation and site preparation, material handling, excavation, tank installation, leak detection, tank removal, piping, and many other topics within this field. The state of Florida requires 14 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years before the licenses renewal period for certified and registered contractors.

This job is very hands on and requires a lot of physical work. If you think you’d be up for the challenge, try out an apprenticeship with a pollutant storage installation contractor or take a class or two to help you decide. Once you are ready to get your Florida contractor’s license, let us help you. Contractor licensing applications can be tricky and complicated, so just give us all your information and we will do all the hard work for you. We help you get your license fast. To learn more about our services, click here or call 239-777-1028.

What is a Sheet Metal Worker?

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Did you know that a sheet metal worker is a varied and diverse skill and trade? In fact, it’s one of the most diverse. Sheet metal contractors work with lots of different people in different trades on commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. If you enjoy math and laying out plans and designs, this is the contracting job for you.

What does a sheet metal worker do? A sheet metal worker uses sheet metal to construct roofs, gutters, ventilation, siding, heating and AC systems, restaurant equipment, cars, signage, handrails, and many other things that are built with metal. Along with sheet metal, these workers also know how to work with fiberglass and plastic. They are trained in the testing, adjusting, and balancing of mechanical systems.

On the job, sheet metal workers determine the type and amount of materials needed for a specific project or job. Then, they will take the materials and measure, cut, bend, etc. to them to make products.

Here are some other job responsibilities of a sheet metal worker:

Drill holes in metal
Install metal sheets
Fasten seams or joints
Alter parts
Measure and mark dimensions
Select the sheet metal or nonmetallic material
Sheet Metal workers work both in a shop and at construction sites. Sometimes, sheet metal workers maintain equipment. There work can be done in both places but most often on site.

To become a sheet metal contractor in the State of Florida, a person mu pass the Florida Business and Finance exam and the Florida sheet metal exam to get a contractor’s license. There are seminars to help prepare people for the exam. Various levels and combinations of experience is required to get the license.

Think you want to be a sheet metal worker? This job can be very creative. You get to test your mind and physical strength daily. Looking to get your Florida Contractor’s license? We can help you get you license fast and easy. Click here or call us at 239-777-1028.