Tag: florida contractor

Managing Your Inventory as a Contractor

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If you own your own contractor business or manage a lot within the company you work for, you may deal with site inventory. In this position, you take charge of the purchasing and managing of the inventory for the company in order for the company to complete current jobs and land new owns.

When you’re in charge of inventory, you have to be concerned with forecasting, purchasing orders, deliveries, stock levels, fill rates, back orders, and more. You may even have to provide inventory reports on a regular basis to a superior or owner of the company. This position, as you can probably gather, is extremely important.

Being in 2017, there’s a lot of technology out there now that can really help manage job site inventory better. If a job site’s inventory isn’t managed properly, it can cost the company a lot of money, or it can potentially make the company lose clients.

It’s important to keep track of every machine, tool, piece of equipment and other items on the job site. As you move from site to site, it’s always important to double check the equipment and numbers so the chance of loss or things missing gets lowered.

As you work on each job, you can also evaluate if your current inventory is sufficient enough for the types of jobs you’re taking on. Is there not enough equipment? Do you own unnecessary tools? You don’t want to pay for materials that you ultimately have no use for at the present time. As the inventory manager, as long as you keep up with inventory, your materials/tools/machines will accurately reflect the needs and demands of your company.

There are a few different inventory scanner apps (free and not-free) that can help you manage your job better. These apps include: Inventory Tracker, and Inventory Tracking Sheet with Barcoding.

Although the apps are handy and convenient, they’re not the most realiable or efficient. Bar codes and radio frequency identification (RFID), as well as scanner equipment and software, are the best choice to help you. Trusted vendors that produce these products include: ToolWatch, Purple Oak, and GAO RFID Inc. If you are a smaller company with a smaller budget, sticking to mobile apps will be a conservative choice. Scanners and RFID products cost money, but you also get support when using these products. Sometimes, phones can be used as scanners (headed this way) but they aren’t perfect yet; however, a phone scanner is cheaper solution than purchasing a scanner.

Thinking about becoming a contractor? You’ll need your license to practice legally in the state of Florida. We can help. We are a contractor licensing company. We will help you get your Florida contractor’s license fast and painlessly. To get started, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

 

How to keep Your Construction Site Safe

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Did you know that construction equipment theft is a really big problem? Unfortunately, it is. Contractors truly have to concern themselves with this issue. Construction zones and project areas are known to be high-risk targets for theft. In fact, according to the National Equipment Register (NER), only about 25% max of all stolen items are ever found. The average loss of stolen equipment is $46,273. However, the national amount that is stolen each year is between $300 million and #1 billion. That’s a lot!

Is it inevitable that your construction work zone will get robbed? Not necessarily. There’s plenty you can do to protect yourself and equipment as best as possible. However, nothing is fail proof, and you cannot guarantee your equipment’s safety, but you can raise your chances of remaining theft-free.

As a Florida contractor licensing company, we understand the importance of this equipment and it can truly make/break a business if thousands of dollars worth of things go missing. We wanted to share with you a few ideas and tips of things you can do and incorporate in your construction site to protect your equipment.

  • Make sure your equipment is always secured and locked before leaving the site for the day.
  • If you have smaller tools and equipment, store them in a locker/shed/bring them back to an office, so they won’t be out in the open and easy to grab.
  • Surround the work site with a chain-link fence/barb wire to keep out unwanted intruders.
  • Opt for a video surveillance/alarm system if you’re working a big job with expensive equipment.
  • Put up signs telling people that the area is under video surveillance.
  • Manage, monitor, and be restrictive about who has access to keys, codes, and combinations to access work sites.
  • Install security lighting. It’s harder for intruders to get away with theft if they can be easily seen.
  • Always keep an up-to-date log of inventory, so you will know exactly when something is missing.
  • Look for technologies and apps that help improve your security and safety. For example, keyless ignitions and personal ID numbers to gain access to something.

You want to deter thieves from entering your work site. You want to make it look hard for them to steal anything, so that they won’t even bother. Stolen equipment is a headache. You will lose money and it could slow down your project completely. Think about incorporating some of the key tips above to help protect your construction assets.

Are you interested in a career in contracting? Let us help you get your Florida contractor’s license. We are a Florida contractor licensing company who has helped thousands of people get licensed. We do all the work for you. You’ll be licensed in no time! Click our Florida contractor’s license contact page or call us at 239-777-1028 to get started with us today.

 

Communication is Key with the Client for a Contractor

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To be a contractor, you need good communication skills. You don’t necessarily have to be a “people person,” per se, but you do have to know how to effectively communicate with clients, or else projects can end up being disasters. Communication is key as a contractor. Not only do you need to talk with the clients, but you must communicate with your fellow contractors, vendors, managers, supervisors, etc., to be able to get a job done.

It’s essential to develop a relationship with your client. In order to have a positive relationship with the client, a contractor must be clear, honest and in consistent communication with that client. By developing quality, positive relationships with these clients, they may call you back for additional work, or refer you to other clients for more business; they can even review you positively on the internet or an advertisement, which would increase your visibility and trustworthiness leading to more jobs.

So, how does one create this “ideal” relationship with a client? Like stated before, communication Is key, and it has to be hey from start to finish of the project. Get to truly know your clients wants, needs, and expectations. Continue to contact or meet with the client during the process to update them on the work to keep them in the know while letting them have a say in the decision-making process. When talking to the client, keep it clear and simple. Don’t use contractor lingo that is unknown and confusing to the client. You want them to feel comfortable not confused.

Figure out the best way to communicate with your client. Who is the point of contact? Should they be reached by email, telephone, or text? How will the payment occur? How will invoices be dealt with? Answering these questions will help the flow of communication throughout the entire job.

Staying organized will also help with your communication. Relying details in a concise, clear, organized matter with bring great relief and trust in you from the client. Whether you write about the project, send photographs, bring the client to the work site, or contact often with status updates, let them know your process and make them feel like they are working with you.

At the end of the day, you and your client are working together to complete this job, and it benefits both parties greatly if everything works out successfully and runs smoothly.

Bad communication can even lead your client to leave you mid-project, which would be a disaster. So remember, do everything within your power to effectively communicate with them every step of the way.

Looking to become a Florida contractor? Or start your own business? Need a license? We can help! We are a Florida contractor company who helps contractors get their Florida contractor’s licenses and business licenses. For more information and to get started, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

 

The importance of safety glasses

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What do flying debris, airborne dust, and shattering glass have in common?

 

They can all cause eye injuries.

 

It’s no surprise that the construction industry ranks second among occupations with the highest rate of eye injuries, given the number of potential hazards that workers face each day.

 

According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, three out of every five eye injuries in the workplace happen to individuals who are not wearing eye protection. More than 20,000 eye injuries occur at work each year, and reportedly cost an estimated $300 million in lost productivity, medical bills, and workers’ compensation claims.

 

The federal Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains safety standards for eye and face protection; in most cases, personal protective eyewear is mandatory at job sites. Safety glasses with side shields are required for environments in which concrete, metal, and wood particles are in the air.

 

Here are a few tips for picking the right pair of safety glasses and staying safe at work:

 

–Simply put, wearing safety glasses is your best defense against injury. Be sure your eyewear is OSHA-compliant and carries the approval of the American National Standards Institute. Sealed glasses provide the best protection from airborne debris.

 

–Workers exposed to daylong sunlight should wear safety glasses that offer protection from the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Look for glasses marked “UV400,” which provide 100-percent protection. Glasses with variable lenses stay clear indoors, and transition to a dark tint outdoors. Lenses with an anti-fog coating will prevent temperature and humidity changes from obscuring your view.

 

–Take steps to create a safer work environment and make an eye safety checklist. Identify primary hazards at each job site, secure objects that could fall, make sure that safety systems on power tools are functional, and designate specific areas for activities that create dust and debris. Take time at the end of each day to clean up and re-evaluate the workspace for potential issues.

 

–Make sure you have a first-aid kit on hand that contains an ample amount eye wash, which can be used to flush out any specks of debris.  However, a person who has suffered an eye cut or puncture should not flush the eye, and instead seek immediate medical attention.

 

Having the right licenses for the job are just as important as workplace safety. A Florida contractor licensing company can help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida contractor licensing page or call 239-777-1028.

Housing sales ‘heat wave’ continues into July

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 Florida’s housing market continued to heat up in July, as it picked up steam for the second summer month.

 

Florida Realtors reported that July was a strong month for statewide housing sales, with higher median sales prices, more pending sales, and additional new listings. Single-family home sales totaled 24,546 — up 2 percent from July 2016 levels — while condo-townhouse sales totaled 9,246 – up 3.6 percent.

 

Sales and prices were also up in June of this year.

 

“Florida’s housing market gained momentum in July,” said Florida Realtors President Maria Wells in a news release. “More owners decided to put their homes up for sale. However, even with the increase in new listings, inventory remains tight and buyer demand is great. New listings for single-family existing homes rose 6.1 percent year-[to]-year, while new listings for existing condo-townhouse properties rose 5.5 percent.”

 

“Homes continue to sell quickly, resulting in increased pending sales – up 3.3 percent for single-family homes and up 3.6 percent for condo-townhouse units,” she added.

 

Statewide, the median sales price for single-family homes was $240,000 – up 7.1 percent year-to-year, while the median price for condo-townhouses was $170,950 — up 6.8 percent. July reportedly marked the 68th month in a row that statewide median prices for both sectors rose year-over-year.

 

Nationwide, the number of housing starts and completions was mixed in July compared to the same month last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

The number of privately owned housing starts totaled 1.15 million – down 5.6 percent – while housing completions stood at 1.17 million – up 8.2 percent. Housing starts and completions have risen consistently since July 2012.

 

New housing starts are considered to be an indicator of economic strength, and present opportunities for contractors and workers in the construction trades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a slight uptick in new construction industry jobs in July, with most of the increases seen in the residential construction sector.

 

Housing and real estate data for August 2017 was released in mid-September.

 

A Florida contractor licensing company can help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida contractor’s license website or call 239-777-1028.

 

What Does A General Contractor Do?

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Do you know what a general contractor does exactly? What the position entails? There’s so many different types of contractors today that it can be hard to remember who does what. If you’re looking to hire a general contractor for work, you want to make sure he or she has the right skills you need for the job.

In the state of Florida, a general contractor is recognized as a “a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do, who may contract for any activity requiring licensure under this part, and who may perform any work requiring licensure under this part, except as otherwise expressly provided in s. 489.113.”

In order to become a licensed general contractor, a person must show 48 months on jobs with at least 12 months as a foreman or a combination of college and experience totaling at least 48 months with at least 12 of those months as a foreman. This person must also show at least 1 year or more of experience with habitable structures bigger than 4 stories. He or she must also have responsibility in at least four of the following areas in construction: Foundation/slabs greater than 20,000 sq. ft, Masonry walls, Steel erection, Elevated slabs, Precast concrete structures, Column erection, and Formwork for structural reinforced concrete.

If you’re a homeowner and need work done in or outside your home, most likely, you’ll need to call up a general contractor. Looking to build a home theater? Game room? Home office? Hobby room? Outdoor deck? Raised ceilings? Want a second floor? Outdoor kitchen? A total remodeling? A general contractor and his team of subcontractor can plan and execute this project.

A general contractor can help a person or family renovate and improve the look of their home without them having to buy a new home to fulfill their new needs or desires.

If you or someone you know is looking to become a licensed general contractor, we can help. We are a Florida contractor licensing company who has helped thousands of contractors get their license. To learn more about this process, click our Florida general contractor page. We make the process fast and simple. To start working with us today, click our Florida contractor page or call 239-777-1028.

Hone your pitch: Bidding tips for contractors

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You just had a great meeting with a client about a home improvement job, and now you’ve been asked to provide an estimate for the project. You know they’re pricing the work with other contractors, so it’s important to put your bid in writing for the homeowner to review.

 

When it comes to writing a bid, it’s important to be clear and communicate effectively so that your proposal is taken seriously. Consider it your business pitch.

 

Here a few tips for creating a winning proposal:

 

—Presentation counts. In most cases, the format of the bid is up to you, but presentation is important. Use a professional letterhead on white-colored, business-grade paper.

 

On the first page, be sure to include your name (or your company’s name), the client’s name, the address of the project site, and the bid date. Write a short executive summary that provides an overview of the project, as well as your professional qualifications (including any licenses you hold) and/or relevant work experience.

 

Think about how you want to present the bid; offering it in person is always more effective than mailing or emailing it.

 

–Be detailed about the scope of the work. Provide the client with a detailed description of the work you will perform. The estimate, or quote, shouldn’t be buried; it should be easy to find.

 

Be sure to include the number of hours that the project will take, the date that the project will be substantially completed by, and what the final product will look like. A project timeline should include any inspection work that’s required.

 

Project changes are inevitable, so be sure to spell out any uncertainties that could cause potential delays, especially if you’re working on multiple projects at the same time. (For more on how to address project changes, check out Joshua Glazov’s Construction Law Today blog.)

 

Will subcontractors be used? That needs to be spelled out, too.

 

–Be clear about costs and how you’d like to be paid. Your bid should show the client how much materials will cost, and what your hourly wage is. When determining the cost of materials, be sure to factor-in time spent purchasing and transporting them.

 

Be clear about payment terms, including any initial deposits, partial payments, and final payment. Note how long the estimate is good for, as materials prices change over time.

 

—Avoid mistakes. Don’t undercut your work by under-bidding; an unrealistic bid could lead to cost overruns, delays, and complaints.

 

It’s important to be tactful: Don’t ask to see any competing bids; it might make the client doubt that you’re giving them the best price possible.

 

And while it’s important to feel confident you’ll be paid once the job is complete, avoid asking for personal information that’s TOO personal, such as an individual’s credit score, employment status, the bank they use, etc.

 

—Be timely. By offering a bid within 2-3 business days, you’re letting the client know you’re serious about the job. Not getting back to the client within 5-7 business days will likely hurt your chances.

 

Once the bid is approved, it’s time to draft a contract. An example of a residential contract can be found here.

 

Before you submit your bid, make sure you have all the right government-issued licenses to perform the job. A Florida contractor licensing company can help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida contractor licensing page. or call 239-777-1028.

New home starts, sales data signals good news for Florida contractors

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New housing starts and home sales are considered to be indicators of economic strength. So the latest data should signal good news for Florida contractors and workers in the construction trades.

 

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently released statistics that show an uptick in new residential construction activity during the month of June 2017.

 

Nationwide, the number of privately owned, new home construction starts was 1.21 million — up 2.1 percent over the June 2016 level. The number of privately owned housing completions for the month was 1.20 million – up 8.1 percent year-to-year.

 

The news followed a June report by Reuters that noted U.S. homebuilding had fallen for the third-straight month in May. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the construction industry gained 16,000 new jobs in June and 6,000 new jobs in July, with the residential sector fueling growth.

 

Locally, FloridaRealtors reported positive movement in the sale of single-family homes, townhouses/condos and manufactured homes in June, noting that new homes listed in the Sunshine State are selling quickly.

 

Compared to the same month last year, the number of single-family home sales rose 4.3 percent, while townhouses/condo sales increased by 4.9 percent and manufactured homes sales jumped 9.1 percent.

 

Sales prices in June were also higher: The average price of a single-family home was $328,921 (up 7.3 percent); for townhouses/condos, the average price was $255,717 (up 5.9 percent), while the average price for a manufactured home was $87,288 (up 14.8 percent).

 

The data, so far, are in line with what analysts predicted the housing market would look like in 2017. Sales prices are expected to continue to rise with increased demand from homebuyers, with younger individuals born after 1980 increasingly looking to own a home rather than rent. Some experts suggest that there may also be a growing premium on high-end homes because they’re more profitable to build.

 

Housing and real estate data for July 2017 will be released later this month.

 

A Florida contractor licensing company can help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida contractor’s license site or call 239-777-1028.

 

 

Contractor Products to Add To Your Wishlist Part 2

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A contractor needs to be in with the new. Whether it’s the latest trend or technique, he or she has to be well versed in the present and future of contracting. If there is a better and more efficient way to do something, you’ve got to know it! Otherwise, you and your business will fall behind and other contractors will be picked over you for certain jobs. Although certain practices, products and regulations will never go out of style, there are plenty of ways to enhance the field of contracting. With more education and technology in the world, the more advance our work, our techniques, our safety, our products, and our environments can be.

As a Florida contractor licensing company, we take pride in sharing new information with our clients and the contractor community. For this article, we wanted to share a few new products on the market that can benefit a variety of different specialties within the field on contracting. We have shared new products with you before, but there are so many released every year! We want you to know about as many as possible.

Here are a few new tools that you may be interested in investing, especially if you are in the plumbing field of contracting.

Milwaukee: M12 Drain Snake Kit – For plumbing contractors, this tool will help you with tough jobs. It works on jobs through 2-1/2” drain lines. This device weighs 10 pounds, and is the lightest drainage cleaner tool out there. It is powered by a Redlithium battery pack.

Rothenberger Robend 4000 Bending Tool – This tool is powered to bend pipes up to 1 3/8 inches. There is little friction with this tool. When the bent angle is complete, the machine shuts off. It’s strong enough to bend stainless steel.

Ridgid MR-10 Magnetic Locator – This device can find buried iron and steel objects, and it can do it fast. It’s far superior to a regular metal detector, and it gives the user a more accurate reading. It looks specifically for iron and not aluminum or copper.  It can help contractors find septic tanks, drainage grates, studs, pipes, valve boxes, and more. It can find objects up to 10 feet deep in the ground.

A few other new products:  DeWalt Press Tool DCE200, Milwaukee The Cheater™, DeWalt Threaded Rod Cutter DCS350.

It’s always important to be in the know about the latest and greatest gadgets. Some of these tools can truly benefit you.

Are you looking to become a contractor? Or work for one? You’ll need a contractor’s license. In the state of Florida, you cannot work legally without a license. If you need help getting your Florida contractor’s license, we can help! We are a Florida contractor licensing company who helps people get their contractor license fast. We specialize in making the process easy and stress free. To get started on your application, click our Florida contactor’s license page to learn more or call us at 239-777-1028.

 

Help for Running a Contractor Business

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Running a business is hard. It doesn’t matter how many years you’ve put in into the industry, running a business is a lot of work. There’s a lot to do, remember, take care of, etc. etc.  It can be hard to run the day-to-day parts of the business when you need to get a lot of other work done, including working on projects and managing other contractors – that’s where we come in. We are a Florida contractor licensing company who helps people get their Florida contractor’s licenses, as well as help them start a business and continue to run their business.

For this article, we wanted to share with you how we can help you run a business.

We can help you:

  • Keep track of deadlines for your license and business
  • Keep you from paying reinstatement and late fees
  • Give you a comprehensive list of requirements (that your state and county) requires for your business and licenses, even if you have several.
  • Remind you when to file your annual report.
  • Remind you when your continuing education (CEUs) need to be completed.
  • Help you with corporate amendments, foreign qualification, corporate name change, s-corp election, DBA, and registered agent services.

 

Once we have made of list and done all these things, we can offer you a maintenance service to take care of things for you out the year. Some things we can help you with while other things you need to do on your own, but we will make you aware of that. We will take care of everything on time so you won’t be paying late fees. When you work with us, you’ll never have to worry about missing anything.

 

Our services offer you convenience. We will take a lot of work and stress of your plate. If this sounds good to you, let us help you run your business like a well-oiled machine. Contact our contractor licensing team by clicking here or calling 239-777-1028 for a personalized quote! We have helped thousands of contractors get their licenses and businesses. We make the process easy and stress free.