Florida Contractor Forum

Construction is a high-earning industry and a large and growing one. There is currently a construction boom, but it is starting to slow; however, it is not stagnant. There is growth in single-family home developments, and home-improvement projects. More women and minorities are getting jobs in this industry and more new, innovative technologies are being used. There is still a labor shortage, and skilled contractors are needed.

For this article we wanted to share more statistics to show you the current state of the construction industry and where it’s headed in the future:

1. Construction in the Western United States was projected to grow between 7% between 2017 and 2018.
2. 20% of U.S. construction occurs in New York, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Washington.
3. 50% of all construction in the United Cities is expected to occur in only 20 cities over the next five years.
4. New York City is the most expensive city to build in in 2017; it costs $3,900 per square meter to build.
5. The top five states that rent equipment for construction are California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York.
6. Globally, 2.3 million people die due to work-related accidents or diseases every year.
7. About 64% on-the-job fatalities in construction are due to four types of hazards: falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, and being crushed.
8. Falls account for 39% of all construction deaths.
9. In 2016, 1034 workplace fatalities took place in the United States.
10. About 651,279 deaths each year are reported around the world from diseases related to hazardous materials in construction.
11. 54% of construction companies have R&D departments for new technology.
12. Of the companies with R&D departments, 16% have more than five people in their department.
13. 37% of construction firms are experimenting with drones, which has grown 10% from 2016.
14. 57% of companies are considering job-site employee tracking.
15. Only 11% of general contractors use wearable technology.
16. Only 24% of construction employees are “very comfortable” with new technology.

The construction industry is growing with new job opportunities and technology. As a younger worker, you can take charge of the new technologies, bring them into the workplace, and make the entire team comfortable using them to change the nature of the workplace dynamic for the better.

Ready for a career as a contractor? You will need a contractor’s license to work legally in most states. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We help contractors across the United States get their contractor license. We make the process smooth!

We submit a completed contractor’s license application to the Construction Licensing Board on your behalf after getting information from you by phone or email. We make the process easy and get you licensed fast. We know what the Board is looking for so you won’t get rejected.

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

Construction is a high-earning industry and a large and growing one. There is currently a construction boom, but it is starting to slow; however, it is not stagnant. There is growth in single-family home developments, and home-improvement projects. More women and minorities are getting jobs in this industry and more new, innovative technologies are being used. There is still a labor shortage, and skilled contractors are needed.

For this article we wanted to share more statistics to show you the current state of the construction industry and where it’s headed in the future:

1. 35% of construction-related companies increased their staff size in 2017.
2. The average hourly wage of a construction employee is $29.95.
3. The median weekly earnings for a full-time, non-union worker was $840 in 2017.
4. In 2017, the median earnings for a full-time union worker was $1,163 per week.
5. The construction industry has added 297,000 jobs.
6. In July 2018, construction work was estimated to be $1.3 billion dollars.
7. Over $81.2 billion in new contracts were given to the top 10 construction companies in the U.S. in 2017.
8. 90% of U.S. general contractors reported that they are concerned about the labor shortage.
9. 57% of contractors plan on hiring more employees in the next six months.
10. 57% of contractors have trouble finding skilled workers.
11. Only about one-third of employees in the construction industry were born after 1980.
12. 52% of construction employees were born between 1960 and 1979.
13. 30% of the construction workforce are Hispanic or Latino.
14. 9% of the total construction workforces is female.

As you can tell, skilled workers are needed. If you are thinking about getting into contractor or switching careers, this industry needs you, especially if you are born after 1980 and are a woman!

To be a contractor, you need a contractor’s license to work legally in most states. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We help contractors across the United States get their contractor license smoothly.

We submit a completed contractor’s license application to the Construction Licensing Board on your behalf after getting information from you by phone or email. We make the process easy. We know what the Board is looking for to get you licensed fast.

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

Construction is a high-earning industry and a large one at that. There is currently a construction boom, but it is starting to slow. There is growth in single-family home developments, home-improvement projects. More women and minorities are getting jobs in this industry and more technologies are being used. There is still a labor shortage.

For this article we wanted to share some statistics to show you the current state of the construction industry and where it’s headed in the future:

1. In 2017, $1.23 trillion was spent on construction in the United States.
2. Construction costs are expected to rise 4.3% globally.
3. 77% of construction spending occurred in the private sector in 2018, which was about $951 billion dollars.
4. In 2017, construction accounted for between 7% of total U.S. GDP.
5. Single-family home construction is estimated at $267 billion.
6. Multi-family home construction rose by 7% last year, with $65 billion in estimated value.
7. Commercial construction was $85 billion in 2017, which up 11% from 2016.
8. Home improvement spending increased by 14% in 2017.
9. In the last three years, 56% of contractors registered their projects with the U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
10. Construction for manufacturing sector decreased by 16% in 2017.
11. Construction for power and energy distribution fell by 5% in 2017, but it is still valued at $100 billion.
12. Amusement and recreation construction grew by 5%, largely by stadiums and casinos.
13. Conservation and development construction is at $8 billion dollars.
14. Transportation construction rose by 4% in 2017 from mostly work on ports and airports
15. 6 million people worked in the construction industry in 2017.
16. 15% of construction firms have a staff of over 1,000 people.

As you can tell the construction field is growing. You should be a part of it!

To be a contractor, you need a contractor’s license to work legally in most states. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We help 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 you licensed fast. We do all the heavy lifting for you.

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

Every stage of a construction project has its own steps and processes that need to be followed. Despite the size of a project or scope, these stages still exist.

We wanted to share with you the six big stages of any construction project and a little about them:

1. Project conception – This is the idea of the client’s. This idea includes location and specifications. This stage can take a few days or a few months. Construction workers don’t have much input in this stage.
2. Design – once the idea is in place, it is time to talk design. During this stage, the bidding process occurs. An architect and/or an engineer is leading the design and will make sure the project meets all codes and that the project is functional. There are four different steps within the design stage: programming and feasibility, schematic design, design development, and contract documents.
3. Pre-construction stage – In this stage, the bidding is complete and the contractor has been picked. The project team is put together including a contract administrator, project manager, superintendent, field engineer, and health and safety manager. The team will work with the contractor and go to the site to evaluate and predict any and all issues. City authorities will view the findings.
4. Procurement stage – The team now orders and obtains materials, equipment, and workers.
5. Construction stage – A pre-construction meeting is held to make sure everyone is on the same page. All workers are given a schedule. The project begins.
6. Post-construction stage – The work is done. The building must be inspected.

Want to work in construction? You will need a contractor’s license. 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 you licensed fast.

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

We wanted to sum up for you the main benefits of the current mobile technology out there on construction.

• Better record keeping. Data collection can be done in real time. Information can easily be sent from the site to a project manager. With a cloud-based system, everyone can file timecards, daily reports, information requests, work records, and more through a phone or tablet.
• Eliminating paper and pens. No more piles of paper and clutter. No more carrying around files and boxes. Everything is stored in a mobile device. With less paper, there is less chance of miscommunication, errors, and documents being lost. Less waiting.
• Bridges the gap between the field and office. Once information is entered, it can be immediately viewed in the office, so everyone is on the same page. The project is sped up this way and less mistakes occur.
• Promotes health and safety. The information captured from drones, heavy machinery, and smart hard hats are all to boost productivity and safety and improve a project’s efficiency. The OSHA heat safety tool app monitors the risk level faced by workers over heat-related illnesses. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s tool reminds site workers to drink enough fluids, schedule rest breaks, plan for and inform them over what to do with a potential emergency and train them on how to spot heat-related illnesses and symptoms.

Technology is making construction work easier and more efficient and this will continue to occur as technology advances.

If you like to work with the latest technology, contractor work is the right field for you. To be a contractor, you need a contractor’s license to work legally. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We help 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 you licensed fast.

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

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.