Tag: how do i become a florida contractor

Read Up on the Latest Construction Trends

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Donuts. Cupcakes. Open concept homes. The color gray. Trends are a thing that happen in every industry out there, including the construction industry. It’s important for a contractor to keep up-to-date on the latest trends to not only keep up with the times, but to please, impress, and attract a clientele. Some trends stick, some go away fast, but regardless of their duration it’s good for a contractor business to be in the know of such trends. Being the end of 2017, we wanted to share with you some trends that have been emerging in the industry and will go into 2018.

 

  • Energy efficient wall systems. Commercial construction is starting to used insulating concrete blocks to be integrated into wall systems, which can improve energy efficiency in a building. They make the building stronger, better insulted, have better fire resistance, and reduces noise from the outside. This types of walls aren’t just better at conserving energy (and all the other reasons above), they also are easier to put up for contractors and don’t cost much. These types of walls also can be used in every region of the country.
  • Green design. Just like above, being efficient and “greener” is the way to go these days, especially since the world has started to see the negative effects of climate change. How can a contractor be more green in the things he or she does? Examples include: using recyclable or sustainable materials, improve air quality, better controls for lightings and temperature, more natural lightings, better insulation, etc.
  • Smart Glass. Again, just like the two trends above, this is also with the “green” trend. Smart glass is tinted/glazed in a way that improves energy efficiency. How? This glass can control glare, harsh light, and block heat from the sun’s rays. Smart glass is also known to reduce costs. Soon, people will be able to control smart glass electronically and dictate how much the glass is tinted or how much heat is should absorb. Really cool!

Right now, it seems green is the way to go in terms of trends in the construction world. As a company, it would be in your best interest to implement some of these items into your blueprints. Your clients will be excited and impressed that you offered these components into the design. These above trends not only help you keep up with other contractor businesses, but they truly help improve building design and help the environment.

 

Before you think of contractor trends, it’s important that you are legally licensed to practice contracting work. You don’t want to pay fines or get arrested. If you’re looking to get your Florida contractor’s license, we can help you get through the process fast. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To get started on the process, click here or call us at 239-777-1028.

Facts About Hard Hats

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Even if you think a hard hat looks ridiculous, it’s essential. They didn’t create hard hats for nothing! Contractors have dangerous jobs, and they shouldn’t be removed because a person thinks he or she looks “silly” or that it’s too warm. A head injury can lead to a brain trauma or death. In fact, the year 2012 saw 1,020 die because of head injuries sustained on the job. Employers and managers need to enforce hardhat wearing since dangers are everywhere from falling objects to bumping one’s head.

Did you know different color hard hats mean/signify different things? For example, a manager wears a white hard hat. A visitor to a construction site wears a green hard hat. Electrical contractors often year yellow hard hats. White hard hats are also for people who work on highways. Red hard hats could be a first responder. Orange hats are for people who pick up litter. These colors can vary state to state. Often, hard hat colors are assigned so people can be easily identified by their job.

 

There are three industrial-level classes of hard hats. They include:

  • Class G – General Helmet: These hats provide protection against impact and object penetration. They have up to 2,200-volt protection.
  • Class E – Electrical Helmet – This hat can handle up to 20,000 volts. They also protect against impact and penetration from falling or flying objects.
  • Class C – Conductive Helmet: This helmet is comfortable and offers lightweight impact protection, but cannot protect against electrical hazards.

Did you know you should be caring for a hard hat? Yes! If you don’t properly take care of them, they can fail you, believe it or not. Hard hats should be inspected daily for cracks, perforations and deformities. If any are found, the hat should be tossed out and replaced. Do not put labels or holes into the hat, it may compromise its protectiveness. Don’t leave hats in sunlight, because the extreme heat can damage them.

 

If you’re looking for a Florida contractor’s license, you’ve come to the right place. We are a Florida contractor licensing company who helps contractors get their licenses so they can work legally. We also help people get their license in other states. If you’d like to start the contractor license process, click here or call 239-777-1028.

Best Apps for a Construction Site

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Construction sites are filled with hustle and bustle – there’s always a lot going on. It can be a very demanding job managing all the moving parts of a site. Between workers and equipment, there’s a lot to keep track of. Thankfully, just like every other industry these days, the contractor world has plenty of mobile apps that can actually make life more efficient at a job site. Whether it’s a smartphone or a tablet, contractors are able to change the way they work as they begin to rely on mobile devices for help with tasks throughout the day. For this article, we wanted to focus on some apps that can help out contractors in a construction site.

 

iBlueprint –  ($.99) With this app, users can create and export custom blueprints right at their fingertips! The app will store all the blueprints in one place, safely in your phone. You won’t have to worry about misplacing them, accidently throwing them away, spilling things on them, etc.

 

Builder’s Helper ($14.99) – This is a construction calculator app, calculating simple equations to more difficult formulas dealing with square or cubic measurements. You can save these calculations and even print them out. This is a highly advanced app that is easy to use.

 

BIM 360 Field (FREE) – This app is field management software for 2D and 3D projects.

 

Procore – (FREE) This app allows people working on a job to share data including contact information, project photos, worker hours, to-do lists, and more. This app even can upload and share blueprints.

 

SmartBid – (FREE) This app allows the user to keep track of all subcontractor and vendor interactions like bid information, due dates, status updates, supply updates, measurements, and more. This info is synced to your phone or other device so you can view it even if the internet isn’t available.

 

Using apps is the way the construction world is going. These apps help make a construction site more organized, and a project flow easier. Technology changes and updates all the time, and that includes contractor technology through a mobile app. It’s better to get used to their mobile apps now, so you and your company will not behind the times (or other companies). You want to show your clients that you’re in the know.

 

Looking to get a Florida contractor’s license? As a Florida contractor licensing company, it is our job to help you get licensed, and we make the process stress-free and fast! To get started on getting your contrator’s license, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

Ways to Stay Cool at a Job Site

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The heat is no fun to work in. That hot sun mixed with concrete and humidity – sounds like a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately for those contractors in the Sunshine State, there is rarely a break from the hot weather. Even Florida’s cooler days are extremely hot for workers to spend hours working in. Contractors wear heavy clothing and equipment which can make them even hotter. Hot temperatures combined with strenuous activity could potentially lead to head exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be extremely scary, but also force the worker to be out of work for a bit while he or she recovers. In fact, since 2003, 30 workers have died each year on the job due to heat stroke.

Below, we wanted to share with you some items and ways to keep cool at the work site, so you won’t experience dizzy spells or get sick from those hot days on the job.

  • If you’re at a job site, try and have a trailer with AC for workers to come to throughout the day for breaks and to reset before heading back out on the job.
  • Wear sweatbands. These products will help absorb the sweat and keep you from sweating all over the place.
  • Keep hydrated, which may be the most important thing any person can do to keep heat-related illnesses away. Workers should aim to drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes on hot days.
  • Like sweatbands, there are also products that provide a cooling effect through evaporation. The company Grainger makes a lot of these products. They make headbands, wristbands, vests, and neckbands that can be used over and over again. They provide around 10 hours of cooling.
  • Purchase hard hats with wider brims to block the sun from hitting more spots on your body and eyes.
  • Shift the work day to reflect the temperatures. In the summer, it’s best to start earlier in the morning when the air is still cool.
  • Try to provide or make ways for shade in the work site as spaces for rest and reprieve for the workers. Weather it’s a small tent or an umbrella, this will help keep workers cool during those scorching hot days.
  • Put on sunscreen to prevent burns.
  • Eat lighter meals so your body doesn’t have to work hard to break down heavy foods.
  • Splash cold water onto yourself throughout the day or a cold, damp towel on your neck.
  • Use fans (if you can).

Looking to become a Florida contractor? Or a contractor in any other state? We can help you through the license applicant process. You’ll give us information and we will pull everything together and file it properly and timely for you to get you licensed fast. To contact our Florida contractor licensing company, click here or call 239-777-1028.

DIY Work or a Contractor?

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In today’s world, DIY ( do it yourself) projects are all the rage. From home improvements to a child’s birthday celebration, people are creating, building, and crafting things all up on their own. Why? Well for one, DIY projects can, often times, be more affordable than hiring someone or buying things. Second, many people have fun doing projects themselves and feel a lot of pride when it’s a job well done. However, not every project out there should be a DIY. There’s just some projects that need true expertise, knowledge and skill, especially when it deals with home improvement.  When deciding whether to do a job yourself or hire a contractor, you should consider your skill level, how long the job will take, how much free time you have, and compare the costs.

There’s plenty of work to do with a home: repairs, remodeling, additions, etc. But when choosing what to hire a contractor for in your home, there’s plenty to keep in mind. First off, labor is a bulk (most often) of the cost to do a project. Many times the cost of the materials is cheap but the labor is what makes the bill so high. At this point, you’ll need to decide (labor-wise) what job can you afford to do the work and what job you can’t. Jobs like fixing a cabinet door or painting a room could be projects you take on yourself to avoid hefty bills.

More complicated home jobs such as plumbing, tiling, electrical work, should be left to professionals. Unless you or a loved one has experience doing these type of jobs before, it’s better they are done by a professional. If there are dangerous jobs (roofing, electrical work), jobs that could ruin your home, or required a permit, then leave it to the professionals. You don’t want to destroy your home or get in trouble with your city due to construction you started.

Some jobs around your home are just too specialized; a person with real training and certifications can handle the job easily, but you may fall short. You can also come across problems mid-project that you may not know how to handle, but a professional contractor would.

There’s a lot of things to think about when deciding on whether a job should be DIY or contractor work. Is the job a hassle? Is It costly? It is time consuming? Is it a dangerous job? Do I need a permit? Ultimately, the decision is up to you based on your experience, needs, wants, time, and finances.

Looking to become a licensed contractor? Maybe you love DIY work so much that you want to take it to the next level? We can help you get licensed. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We can help you create and submit a licensing application. To get started, click here or call us at 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.

Picking the right boots will keep your feet safe  

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You’ve just received a license from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and you’re ready to get to work. But before you step onto your next job site, are your feet properly protected?

 

Picking the right boots will keep your feet safe, comfortable, and could even help boost productivity in the long run. Tens of thousands of foot injuries occur each year and result in lost workdays, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

While there are many different kinds of boots that offer an array of safety features, there’s a difference between work boots and safety boots. Safety boots typically have toecaps that protect your feet from heavy falling objects and sole plates that prevent nail punctures, among other features.

 

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires certain types of footwear depending on the type of work involved, so it’s important to know the requirements.

 

Here are a few things to consider before buying:

 

–First, assess the hazards. Worksite conditions will dictate what kind of boots you need, whether you’re working indoors or outdoors. Are there surfaces that could become slippery? Are there heavy objects – such as pipes, beams, sharp tools, tree trunks, or rocks – that could fall at any given time? Are there live wires or conductors of electricity present? Are there any liquids that are corrosive or potentially harmful?

 

Pick the pair that protects you from any adverse conditions you might encounter.

 

Next, do some research. You’ll need boots that are durable, and keep your feet dry in wet weather. Insulated boots will keep your feet warm in cold weather. Boots with a strong outsole grip will help prevent falls from roofs or uneven surfaces.

 

Look online to find reviews that list safety and comfort features and note how a particular brand holds up over time. You’ll want boots that last and don’t start to rip within a few short months.

 

Top-rated boots for the construction industry in 2017 include the Timberland PRO Pit Boss 6-inch Steel Toe Work Boot and the Caterpillar Diagnostic Hi Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot.

 

Boots with composite-toe protection are made with materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber, or plastic; while they’re lighter than steel- or aluminum-toe boots, they’re not quite as strong. However, they offer better protection from electrical hazards and decrease the risk of being shocked.

 

Finally, try them on before buying. While it’s tempting to buy a top-rated pair online to save time, you’ll get more for your money if you know you’ll be comfortable wearing them all day long. The right pair of boots will feel flexible and supportive.

 

Avoid boots that pinch your toes or ankles, and take some time to break them in before wearing them to work. Buying boots that don’t fit correctly will be a distraction, and could not only hurt your feet, but also affect your mood.

 

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 Florida contractor license 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.