Tag: florida contractor tips

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.

 

 

 

Great Contractor Web Tools

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contractor web toolsContractors need to be on top of everything in their industry. Why? For many reasons! By staying up with current technologies, rules, developments, contractors remain relevant, knowledgeable, on top of their game, and are able to compete with other contractors for jobs. There are many technology tools out there to help contractors bring their expertise and business to a whole other level.

Here are some great web tools contractors should use to help them better themselves and their career as a whole.

  1. BRL-CAD – This program is a cross platform, open-source modeling system. It included interactive 3D solid geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing support for rendering and geometric anaylsis, image and signal processing tools, network-distributed framebuffer support, path-tracing and photon mapping support for realistic image synthesis, and more! This CAD system has been used by the U.S. military for more than 20 years to model weapons systems. It is a collection of more than 400 tools, utilities, and applications with more than a million lines of source code.
  2. Inkscape – This is professional-quality vector graphic software that is able to run on Windows, Mac OS X and GNU/Linux. With this program, contractors can create graphics, illustrations, icons, logos, diagrams, web graphics, and maps.
  3. Wufoo – This program is an online form designer that can help contractors create all kinds of forms, like contact forms. This platform has more than 300 templates to work with and even allows the user to collect payments online through the forms.
  4. Basecamp – This is a web-based project management tool. This helps keeps everyone working on a project on the same page. Everything a person needs for this project lives in the same place, and it’s all organized. Basecamp allow lets people know what they should be doing on a project.
  5. LinkedIn – This social media platform allows people to create professional pages for themselves. In this tool, contractors can advertise/showcase themselves and their business. People can also promote other people’s skills and expertise on this site, and even write reviews.

Some other great web-based tools: Google Docs, Gimp, PDFCreator, Imperium, ProcessMaker, Dropbox, and WordPress.

Staying on top of things in the contracting world is crucial to a successful career. The above tools can help a contractor plan, organize, and work better. If you’re currently 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.

 

Great Book Resources for Contractors

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contractor booksContractors have a lot to think about, know, and learn on a daily basis. A contractor’s job is constantly evolving as time, guidelines, methods, the environment, and people’s needs change. This means, a contractor has a lot to know whether he or she is about to become a contractor or has been one for many years.

 

Once a contractor has earned his or her contractor’s license, the learning doesn’t stop! New information to be learned can include: how to run a business, workplace safety, ongoing training, and more. There is so much information out there, and at times, it can be overwhelming. Here at Licenses, Etc. we’re here to help point our contractor clients in the right direction and help them succeed in their careers.

 

Below we’ve gathered a list of the best book resources for contractors. These books offer the latest and best industry news, practices, and tips. These resources can help a contractor improve their skill set, increase business, better communication skills, increase value to a customer, and more.

 

501 Contractor Tips by Greg Vanden Berge –  This author has worked in the construction business for more than 30 years.  He offers unique business techniques that have worked for him and many other contractors. He shares his own successes and failures. This book offers contractors tips to make more money, build a better business, and be more successful.

 

The Power of Positive Pricing by Matt Michel – In this book, Michel addresses a common mistake that many contractors make: pricing poorly. He says pricing must be figured out for everything else to work correctly. According to him, pricing is about strategy and presentation, not just a billing rate.

 

HVAC Spells Wealth by Ron Smith – This book is a wealth of knowledge on service contracting. Smith, a Contracting Business Hall of Fame member, wrote this to explain how to run an HVAC company from start to finish. This book has been read by thousands of contractors, distributors, alliances, vendors, associations, consolidators, and manufacturers.

 

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber – In this book, the author dispels any myths around starting a business by showing how commonplace assumptions can get in the way of running a business. He shows the distinction between working on your business and working in your business.

 

Knowledge is power; the more contractors known about their field and the business world, the better their services and value will be to the customer. These are just a few titles, but there are plenty of more books out there to help contractors with other tips or to prepare for the exam.

 

If you’re currently looking to apply or renew your Florida contractor’s license or need help forming or running your business, the team at 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.

 

 

 

How to Renew a Contractor License

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contractor license

Is it time to renew your Florida contractor license? Unsure of what to do? You’ve come to the right place. This post will simplify the steps and information you need to successfully renew your contractor license to keep your business going.

 

There are two parts of renewing a Florida contractor license: paying the renewal fee, and completing continuing education (CEU) courses. But before we talk about these parts, let’s talk about where to go to renew your license and how to do it.

 

Being a licensed contractor, you are most likely registered online with Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).  Click here for DBPR’s website. As a returning user, you can enter your login information. The DBPR’s online services allow you to: link you license with your profile, attach any necessary documents, check your application status, renew licenses, make payments, update an address, view CEU history, maintain license relationship, and work on incomplete submissions.

If you are not registered with the DBPR online or you need a new account, click here for a tutorial on how to create your account and how to link your license to the online account.

 

Once you’re logged in, here are the steps to renew:

  1. Click on the license that you like to renew from those listed on the right.
  2. Select “Renew” from the options shown.
  3. A disclaimer screen explaining CEU information will pop up. Read it, then select “Next.”
  4. A screen with your name, birthday and SSN will pop up. Select “Next.”
  5. A screen with your main address will pop up. If you need to change the address, click the “Main Address” button, and you can update it. If you’d like to add an additional address (license location, license mailing) or add a new phone number, click “Add.” Otherwise, click “Next.”
  6. A summary page will pop up to conform any changes. It will provide the information about to be saved into the system. Read this page. If it looks good, select “Next.” Otherwise, select “Previous” to go back and make any changes.
  7. Complete the Attest Statement by selecting “Yes,” followed by “Submit.”
  8. A payment screen will pop up showing the price of your renewal. Click “Pay Now” to complete the transaction or click “Submit Additional Applications” if you have more than one license that needs to be renewed.
    1. You can pay by credit card or electronic check. Once you have entered the proper information, select “Next.” Your card will be process and a confirmation number will be provided for you to save for your own records.

Parts of the License Renewal

 

Paying Renewal Fees – In 2016, the current two-year license renewal fee is $209 for both certified and registered contractors. A $5 unlicensed activity fee and $4 fee, that will go to the Department of Community Affairs to fund projects related to building construction or continuing education in the building construction industry in Florida, are added to this amount

 

CEU Requirement – Florida requires contractors to complete 14 hours of board-approved CEU hours for each two-year renewal cycle. A contractor must complete at least one hour about workplace safety, one hour on worker’s compensation, one hour on business practices, one hour on Florida laws and rules, two hours of false alarm prevention (for alarm contractors and electrical contractors who perform alarm work), and one hour on Florida Building Code advanced modules.  Seven course hours will come from the specific type of technical contracting work you do (electrical, construction, home inspector, mold). Any remaining hours are considered general credit.

 

There are many places where you can take CEU course. You can choose to take courses online or straight in the classroom. You can decide which course provider and their options best suit your needs based on your schedule, location, and learning preferences. Here are a few places that offer CEU courses for contractor licenses:

 

Gold Coast Schools: www.goldcoastschools.com
Red Vector: www.redvector.com

Need More Assistance with Your Florida Contractor License?

 

The above steps and information should be able to help you easily get through the contractor license renewal process. If you’re having any difficulty, our experts here can help you with the process. If you’re looking to apply for a license for the first time, we can help you get a better chance of approval. To schedule a free consultation or for help, contact us at 239-777-1028.

 

Check out the Miami Construction Forum

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contractor license

The Miami Construction Forum is a great resource for contractors, and we’d like to share this great opportunity with you. The forum is free and there are no required meetings or events to attend. It’s all about learning.

The Forum meets the third Wednesday of each month for a complimentary lunch and learn session. Construction professionals (company owners, manager, subcontractors, suppliers) gather to hear a presentation by an industry expert. Not only is this a chance for you to learn about legal and business developments affecting the construction the industry, it is also a great opportunity for people to network with other professionals in the field. The meetings are held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at The Landing at MIA, 7415 Corporate Center Drive (NW 19th Street), Suite H, Miami, Florida.

On April 20, the topic of the session will be “Outsourcing: The Pros, Cons & Accounting Ramifications;” “Dealing with Inspectors” will be held on May 18; “Staying Smart About Credit: 10 Strategies that Work” will be held on June 15; and “Job Site Safety: OSHA Compliance Requirements” will be held on July 20. For a full list of future Forum topics, click here.

To attend and reserve a sport a Miami Construction Forum, contact Nancy at ninterian@barthey.com or at 305-347-5296. For more information about the Forum, click here.

 

Contractor Licensing Help

Looking to get your Florida contractor’s license? Or need help with becoming an LLC or filing an annual report? The team here has been helping thousands of Florida contractors get their license since 2007.  We pride ourselves on giving the best service in our industry.; we make it as simple as we can. For a free consultation, please contact us at 239-777-1028 or 954-573-2700 or click here. We can help you obtain a Florida contractor’s license, a Georgia contractor’s license, or any other state contractor’s license.

Continuing Education (CEU) as a Florida Contractor

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contractor license

As a Florida contractor, that state requires you to further your education. What does this mean exactly? The state needs you to complete 14 hours of Construction Industry Licensing Board-approved continuing education (CEU) every two years prior to the renewal period for both certified and registered contractors. If you happen to have more than one certificate or registration issued by the board, you only are required to complete the CEU requirements once during each two-year renewal period for both certificates and registrations.

 

CEU is important. The courses keep you up-to-date on the latest information in the industry while allowing you to stay competitive in the field.  With any requirements, there can be a lot of information to sort through. Below is a quick summary of helpful information, along with CEU options for you to choose from.

 

Florida CEU Courses

Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) says that Florida contactors CEU must fall under specific topics. A contractor must complete at least one hour about workplace safety, one hour on worker’s compensation, one hour on business practices, one hour on Florida laws and rules, two hours of false alarm prevention (for alarm contractors and electrical contractors who perform alarm work), and one hour on Florida Building Code advanced modules.  The other seven course hours will come from the specific type of technical contracting work you do (electrical, construction, home inspector, mold). Any remaining hours are considered general credit. These courses will help you be well rounded, have better job performance, and increase the quality of your work.

In Florida, there are several ways for you to complete the courses, including classroom courses and internet courses. Whether you prefer to sit in a classroom every week or weekend or work at your leisure from your home computer, the decision of how you want to take the courses is up to you. Here are some places that offer courses in continuing education for Florida contractors:

 

Gold Coast Schools – This school is one of the country’s largest providers of classroom and online learning in many fields, including construction education. This school is good for both preparing people for their initial contractor license, as well as those who wants to continue their training to enhance and renew their currents license. They have locations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Tamarac, North Miami, and South Dade.

Red Vector – This company provides online education and training for many industries and has its headquarters in Tampa. Red Vector has been helping contractors renew their licenses for more than a decade. They offer different course packages currently priced at $149.

Working with Us

Education is key. Florida Contractors who stay current with new information, technology, laws, and safety measures in their trade will develop a higher success rate on the job with positive customer feedback, more referrals, and less liabilities.

If you still haven’t applied for a Florida contractor license or need help with renewing you license, We can help you with that process; there are a lot of details, and one mistake could get your application denied. Our expertise and years of experience has allowed for 95 percent of our applications to be accepted by the State with no problem. If you have any questions about getting your contractor license or CEU for a license renewal, click here or call us at 239-777-1028.