What is A Roof Contractor?

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Thinking about a career in contracting? Went to a trade school and want to take your skill further? Contractors are so valuable for many things in this country. You’ll always be able to find work as a contractor. However, there are several specialties within contracting. In this article, we still touch upon the basic information and facts regarding a career as a roof contractor.

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.”

To be a roofer, no formal education credentials are needed, but on-the-job training or an apprenticeship will allow for a person to gain the skills needed for this position.

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

Roofers have a demanding job in the physical sense; they do a lot of heavy lifting, climbing, bending, kneeling, and more. Often times, they have to deal with working in not-so-great-weather like really hot temperatures, because summer time is a popular time people get work done on their roofs. As long as there are roofs on buildings, roofers will have jobs!

Want to be a roof contractor? In order to practice, you’ll need to get your Florida’s contractor license. The contractor licensing process can be complex and confusing, so we are here to help you get through the process and receive your license fast and easy with no rejection or setbacks. To get your contractor license, click here or call 239-777-1028.

What is a Plumbing Contractor?

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If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor, one specialty in contracting that is truly essential to everyday life for people is plumbing. Interested in becoming a plumber? How much do you actually know about the profession? Below, we have shared some basic information about plumbing. From there, you can decide whether a career as a plumbing contractor is right for you!
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 also work with: fire line standpipes, chemical lines, drain cleaning, and medical gas systems on public and private property. Plumbers are often on call, because problems with pipes can happen at any time! For a full definition of this profession by the state, click here.
As of 2015, plumbers made an average of $50,620 a year. Most people start out as a plumber by attending a technical school, followed an apprenticeship. Most states require plumbers to be licensed. In 2014, there were 425,000 plumbers in the United States.
Plumbers work in private residences, corporate offices, factories, businesses, and any other place with pipes or septic systems. Unfortunately, a job in plumbing has a high rate of injury and illnesses.
From 2014 to 2024, it is predicted that there will be a 12 percent job increase in the plumbing field, which is considered faster than most occupations. If you’re looking into becoming a licensed plumber, we can help you get that license! Although licenses aren’t always required for specific jobs, people do trust plumbers that are certified with a license. We make getting your Florida contractor’s license simple and easy. To start the process, reach out to us today! Click here or call us at 239-777-1028.

What is A Mechanical Contractor?

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If you’re thinking about going into a trade for your future career path, it’s a smart decision. Trade occupations, particularly in contracting, pay well, and there are always jobs available across the country, all year long. There are many contracting job specialties out there. In this article, we will focus on the specialty: mechanical contractor. Here, we will share some basic information and facts about the job, and you will be able to decide if this is the right contracting specialty for you to go into!

According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, a mechanical contractor is a contractor who offers services that are unlimited in “the execution of contracts requiring the experience, knowledge, and skill to install, maintain, repair, fabricate, alter, extend, or design, if not prohibited by law, central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work in connection with a complete system if such duct work is performed by the contractor as necessary to complete an air-distribution system, boiler and unfired pressure vessel systems, lift station equipment and piping, and all appurtenances, apparatus, or equipment used in connection therewith, and any duct cleaning and equipment sanitizing that requires at least a partial disassembling of the system.”

For a fuller, more descriptive definition of what a mechanical contractor is defined as by the state of Florida, click here. Here, you can also read when a license is needed for this profession or not.

For this job, long-term, on-the-job training is essential because a lot of the systems, like HVAC system, are complex to work with. For the most part, employers prefer applicants with a postsecondary education and those who go through an apprenticeship.

In 2015, the average pay for a mechanical contractor is $45,110 a year. In 2014, there were 292,000 mechanical contractors in the United States. From 2014 to 2024, it is predicted that there will be a 14 percent increase in the number of mechanical contractor jobs available, which is a much faster increase than the national average for other occupations.

If you’re thinking about becoming a mechanical contractor or any other type of contractor, reach out to us! We are a company that specializes in helping people get their contractor’s license. We will let you know if you need a license, and we will do the application process for you. We make the process easy and simple, and 95% of our applications get approved the first time without rejection! To get started on your contractor license process, call us today at 239-777-1028 or click here.

What Is A Mold Assessor

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mold assessor

Mold can be found anywhere, especially in Southwest Florida. It’s muggy, moist, and hot down here. Mold is a health hazard and can cause people to contract breathing problems, depressions and can impair the entire human system and can possibly even lead to death. Some mold can be seen, but some mold is unseen, which is even more dangerous. We could be breathing it. Good thing we have mold assessors. Yes, it’s an actual career.

Mold accessors perform an assessment of mold in a building or home by taking a physical sample and detailed evaluation. They create a detailed evaluation of the building comes from the building’s history and their inspection to figure out where the origin of the mold was, what kind it is and what the extent of the removal will be. Mold can often be a warning sign of structural issues with a building or home, as well, so these issues need to be addressed quickly by a mold accessor.

The mold accessor will address a remediation (removal) of the mold, which involves cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, and other treatments. In Florida, mold assessors need to be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation; they also need to possess a state-issued mold assessor license. The state also requires that a mold accessor meets specific educational guidelines and stay current by continuing education credits. Florida mold accessors are also required to have insurance coverage.

Mold accessors need to stay up to date on the latest technologies, codes and approaches to mold assessment and abatement because they are constantly changing. A mold accessor is expected to take at least 14 hours of continued education every two years to keep up with changes.

A great accessor has a full understanding of the full cycle of assessment and remediation with mold. Have you thought about getting your mold assessor or mold remediator license? We can help! There are lots of items to pull together to get your license, we can help you make the process smooth and simple. To contact us, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

All About Being A Home Inspector

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home inspector

As a home inspector, you determine the condition of a building or home (or any structure). You help identify problems, if any, with said structures. You’ve received your license and plenty of training. But, what makes you stand out? What makes you an excellent home inspector? Why should a person hire you over anyone else? Below, we will share some tips and information about what people are looking for when thinking about hiring a home inspector. You don’t only want to be good, you want to be seen as great. Having a reputable reputation can go a long way, and help you get more clients in the end.

  • Like stated before, reputation is key. People will ask friends and family for recommendations for inspectors.
  • Your track record. People will read up on your experience, years in the business, and the numbers of inspections you’ve performed.
  • People tend to look for a person with a broad knowledge of a home’s systems and structure, not just someone who just specializes in one category.
  • People will check with the state to verify your license or to see if there have been any complaints about you put on record.
  • They will be looking for an inspector who carries insurance.
  • People want an inspector who will deliver a full and completed report with plenty of time to review it.
  • People look for objective inspectors with no connection to a realtor.
  • Price matters. People are willing to pay more for a better qualified inspector, since inspections are so crucial and important.
  • Many people would like to see a sample report.
  • People will read reviews about you online.
  • People do care about the time It takes you to do the inspection. Anything under two hours may seem suspicious to them, because that shows your work isn’t very thorough.
  • People want you to be very upfront with them. Let them know what you will be inspecting.
  • People will want to attend the inspection. Saying “No” is seen by many as a red flag.
  • Plan on being interviewed by the family, person, or business who is thinking about hiring you.

Haven’t gotten your home inspector license yet? Well, we can help with you that process. The process can be tricky with lots of things to gather and write up properly, but we have years of experience helping people get their home inspector’s license in Florida. To learn more or to get help getting your license, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

Hidden Hazards on the Job

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construction hazards

Some occupations out there are known to be a bit more dangerous than others – contractor jobs definitely are one of them.  Much of the work contractors do is, in fact, inherently dangerous. Big machinery. Live electrical wires. Tall ladders. Sharp tools. Potential dangers are bound to be lurking on any job site, inside or outside. Below, we detail what to look out for on the job and keep a critical eye on to prevent injury.

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you know you’re entering a seemingly dangerous work site. Upon arrival, check the entire site out and get an idea of where everything is. That way, there will be no surprises.

Things that can be hazardous/Things You Should Check

  • Make sure the floor or ground is solid and sturdy before placing ladders or any heavy equipment on it.
  • Check for mold and asbestos. You don’t want to be breathing in these things while on the job every day. This can cause health problems down the road.
  • Check bushes and greenery for anything poisonous, sharp, or filled with dangerous insects that could hurt you (wasps).
  • Look around for sharp objects sticking out anywhere that can get in the way and be harmful.
  • Watch out for any exposed wiring.
  • Check to make sure fluorescent lamps are intact. Broken lamps can potentially release mercury.
  • Double check on any and all types of underground services that may be around (electrical, natural gas, water, septic, sewer, telephone, cable, and more). You don’t want to be striking into any of these lines and causing any environmental damage, property damage, or self harm.
  • Check for any unstable high objects that could potentially fall down on top of you.

These are just a few hazards, in general terms, that contractors (of all kinds) can face on a daily basis. It’s best to identify all hazards and eliminate them or make them safer situations to the best of your ability. Also, make sure you have a first-aid kit on site in case of an emergency. Not all accidents can be prevented.

If you’re looking to get into the contracting business and need to apply for a license, our team can help you get a Florida’s contractor license. We do all the work for you in a quick, easy process. Click here to learn more and get your license today!

All About Electrical Contracting

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electrical contractor

So you’re interesting in becoming an electrical engineer?  Great! How much have you read up on this profession? What is an electrical contractor? What do they actually do? Here, we will detail the profession to you, and you’ll be able to not only learn about the ins and outs of this career, but be able to decide if this is the right type of contracting work for you.

By definition, electrical contracting is a business that allows for power and light into buildings around the world; it’s a $130-billion-dollar industry (annually). Currently in the United States, there are more than 70,000 electrical contracting firms with more than 650,000 electrical workers.

According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, an electrical contractor is defined as a business person or firm that performs construction work related to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. Outside/Line electrical contractors work on high-voltage power transmission and distribution lines. For example, these contractors make sure electricity is working at a power plant. Inside electrical contractors help bring electricity to any structure within a certain property’s boundaries, which can also include outdoor lighting or substations. These type of contractors work on commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. Integrated building systems(IBS)/Voice Data Video (VDV) electrical contractors work on low-voltage installations like climate controls, wireless networks, fiber optics, and security systems.

If that is an electrical contractor, what is an electrician? An electrician is a person who is trained in electrical work and can be employed by an electrical contractor, or be self-employed as an electrical contractor themselves. Most states have different license requirements for a contractor versus an electrician. An electrical contractor also holds required insurances and can employ electric workers. Electricians usually can’t work for the public unless working under a contractor.

Looking to become an electrical contractor? We can help you through the process! We’ve helped many people get their Florida contractors license fast and easy. To contact us, visit here or call 239-777-1028.

Contractor Products, Tools, and Gadgets

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contractor productsThere are a million tools, products, and gadgets out there for contractors to use! Some are more practical than others, but they can all enhance a contractor’s job performance by aiding him or her in whatever they need to be doing on the job.

Below we share some products that are new this year that can really help bring your contractor game to the next level.

 

Cat phone – Cat phone and Note Vault teamed up for a promotion that works great for a contractor’s business and lifestyle.  The promotion: buy a Cat smartphone and get four months of a NoteVault Pro Account free. Cat phones are strong and durable phones – great for job sites. They can withstand more than the average phone. The NoteVault is a cloud and mobile technology created for construction and infrastructure project teams. This is a live reporting system that allows contracting teams to communicate and collaborate on any project to keep people on track and on budget. People can see changes and details on a project in real time so projects get managed more efficiently. This promo is their way of combining the “brains” and “brawn” so contractors have an ideal tool at their fingertips.

 

Urban Armour Case – On many jobs, a contractor will need to bring his or her laptop to a site. Computers are fragile, and job sites are full of many hazards. Accidents can happen. These cases are form fitting and are a hard shell with impact-absorbing corners. For even more protection, there is a dual lock screen closure that secures the display in the shut position while the computer is being moved.

 

POWERSTATION 247 – This is a solar energy usage and storage system with built-in battery storage. It’s good for large and small projects for homeowners and business owners. This system delivers clean, renewable energy to a building or house. It helps the user not to be dependent on traditional energy supplies, which is a more efficient use of energy and an alternative source of electricity. It comes in different sizes and is easy to install and use.

 

Other notable products: VisionPro thermostat, Sandvik DS2710 drill, PayPanther, DeWalt heated jackets, VitroGlaze and Jotashield Extreme.

 

Having the best new products is great, especially if you want to step it up a notch over other contractor, If you’re currently looking to apply or renew your Florida contractor’s license or need help forming your business, contact the team here or call 239-777-1028. We can help make the process easy and fast.

 

 

Preparing for the Contractors Exam

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contractors examJust like many other professions, contractors have to prepare and take a contractor’s license exam. In Florida, a contractor must pass this exam in order to be a licensed general contractor. In Florida, a certified contractor is a contractor who has a certificate of competency issued by the.

 

In Florida, a licensed certified contractor applicant has to have a 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. Test takers need to review the license categories before registering for an examination. People must take the proper tests to make them eligible for their license. Most exams are open book. In Florida, the test is around $215, which includes all fees.

 

There are a few ways a person can prepare for the exam, which can depend on a person’s learning style and what’s available around him. Many people like to study on their own. For these individuals, books and reference materials suggested by the state are great resources for studying. 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 for people to take. Organizations like Dewalt and PSI Learning Academy offer practice exams. Some home-study based courses in Florida include Cam Tech School and Gold Coast Schools.

 

For those who need a classroom setting, there are schools across the country that offer courses and tutoring for specific exams and education courses. 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.

 

There are many ways a person can prepare for the contractor’s exam. It is up to the individual person to decide which method is best for them in order to pass. Once you pass the test, if you are looking to apply for your Florida contractor’s, the team here can help make the process easier and faster. Call us at 239-777-1028 to help you get your license as soon as possible.

 

 

 

Getting Liability Insurance as a Contractor

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liability insuranceContractors should get liability insurance. Better to be safe than sorry, right? This coverage helps protect business owners, contractors, and homeowners from liability related to on-job accidents, products, and other forms of liability like contractual liability. Worker’s compensation cannot protect people from liability, but this insurance can.

As a contractor, 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. Many jobs will require you to have this insurance in order to work. You have a better chance of being hired by a homeowner or a business owner if they feel like they are protected, and saw that you took measures to protect yourself and them.  You can often bid for work without this insurance, but are unable to actually work without it.  As a reminder, contractor’s liability insurance doesn’t protect contractors again poor workmanship or construction defects.

This insurance is important because claims against contractors happen and can be very expensive.  General 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 plan to work in, you can find out if insurance is required.

Shop around for the best liability insurance for you. Research different insurance companies and ask fellow contractors what companies they’re using and why. Make sure to look at these company’s ratings. Also, you’re researching to get the best quotes you can too. For general and building contractors these are the minimum amounts for general 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 need to be shown before you can start a job, or needs to be at the job site. Also, make sure you receive the original certificate and not a copy.

Protecting yourself as a contractor is important – it not only saves you money, but it gives you peace of mind. Even though it’s not required by the state, it is in your best insurance to get yourself 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, the team here can help make the process easier and faster for you. Please call us at 239-777-1028 to get help from us right away.