Tag: how to get a contractor license

Construction Jobs Continue to Rise

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Good news for you contractors! Employment in the construction field is continuing a steady growth, which means more job security for you! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at the end of 2017, they revealed continued job growth in the United States with the unemployment rate at 4.1%. Ten percent of the jobs added were in the construction industry; there were 228,000 jobs added in the entire economy.

Construction Employers of America were happy with these statistics showing how valuable and important the construction trade is. Most of all November 2017’s job growth happened in the specialty trade construction sector, which shows that America still needs and values highly-skilled labor.

In November, employment in the construction field was up 24,000 jobs and 22,600 of them were specialty trade jobs. Of this numbers, 12,000 jobs were added in non-residential specialty construction and 10,700 were added in residential specialty construction.

It is believed specialty trader construction is growing because of the extensive and high-quality job training and apprenticeship programs, also customers have projects that are becoming larger and more complex.

Thinking about getting a job in the construction field? Now is the time. As you can see from above, the market is growing. After completely your training and exams, you will be able to find jobs in this field across the country. Never practice without a license. In most states, unlicensed contractor work is illegal. Plus, many people will not hire you if you are not licensed, because they assume you will not deliver a quality product.

Looking to get your Florida contractor’s license? Let us help you! We are a Florida contractor licensing company who has helped thousands of people get their contractor license. We will make the process simple and fast for you! Just tell us some information, and we will complete and submit all the paperwork. Work with us to get your Florida contractor’s license. To get started on the contractor license process, click here or call us at 239-777-1028.

 

Great Hand Tools for Contractors

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Contractors are always using their hands. Whether you’re a general contractor or a plumber, you need your hands to get the job done. For this article, we wanted to share with you some great hand tools for you to purchase for your job! Whether you buy it on your own, or tell your employer about it, you need these hand tools in your life! They’ll make your job so much easier!

C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutters – This product is made by Ridgid. With this tool, you can cut three sizes of copper pip with a ½” and ¾” combined tubing cutter. You can easily switch back and froth between the sizes. There are slots around the outside of the cutter for a flat-head screwdriver to rotate the tool when needed.

Deb1 Deburring and Chamfering Tool – This product is made by Reed. It is used with PVC, CPVC, ABS, PE, and PP pipe that is up to 2 inches in diameter. It comes with an internal pip guide and a knurled grip. You can choose to sharpen or replace the blade.

Pirana II Plastic Pipe Ratchet Cutter – This product is made by J.C. Whitlam. This product can be used with one hand. It comes with a 2” cutter carbon-steel blade. It is heavy duty and makes a clean cut.

Crescent 12” Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench – This product is made by Apex. You can use it with one hand. It has a self-adjusting head that grabs and releases pipe and fasteners; it has fast-ratcheting action. It has a tooth design that allows the jaws of the wrench to bite down deeply and hold tight, even under heavier force. It can fit in tight spaces.

Come back to our blog for more blogs on tool products. We love sharing with you!

In the market for a contractor’s license? You came to the right place. If you’d like to get your Florida contractor’s license, let us help you! We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We will do the work for you! To get started on the contractor license process, click here or call us at 239-777-1028.

Benefits of Hiring a General Contractor

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Being a contractor is a rewarding job. Contractors get to work on a project, and usually see it from start to finish, and can be proud of the work you put in to create an impressive product. The job is a challenging one, both mentally and physically.  Contractors need good management skills, finance skills, you have to stay on top of your licensure, be good with your hands, be physically able to handle tasks, be able to negotiate prices, work with other contractors, deal with on-site job issues, and more. For this article, we wanted to share with you the benefits of hiring a general contractor, instead of doing a job on your own. By looking at these points, you can make an educated guess as to if you need a general contractor and why.

  • You don’t have to lift a finger. Contractors will take care of the entire project.
  • Due to skills and experience, the job will be finished faster than if you did it yourself.
  • Not only will the job be finished faster, it will be done more efficiently.
  • Contractors have connections with other contractors and vendors.
  • It may cost more than if you did the job yourself, but there’s a good chance the project was completed faster, with better materials, and looks more professional.
  • Contractors can get deals on materials you won’t be able to get yourself.
  • Their extensive training and licensure allows them to handle different types and sizes of projects in your home.
  • Complications on the job occur. A contractor mostly likely has been up against all complications before and knows how to handle them, you may not have this expertise.
  • Whenever you build a home, complete a renovation, or put on an addition, you have to abide by building codes. Contractors stay up to date with these codes and they know to comply with them.
  • Contractor’s carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation incase anything serious happens on the job.
  • General contractors usually provide a warranty for their work.

 

If you’d like to get your Florida contractor’s license,, let us help you! We are a Florida contractor licensing company. To get started on the contractor license process, click here or call us at 239-777-1028.

 

 

 

Mobile Apps for Efficiency in Contracting

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There’s an app for everything these days! Did you know there’s apps for contractors that help with efficiency in the field? There are! Each year, more apps are developed to help increase workflow efficiency. These apps feature electronic date capture in the field.

We wanted to share with two of these apps with you. After reading this article, you may want to download these apps and use them in your company!

GoCanvas.com – This is a cloud-based platform that automates the collection of date on mobile devices. On the GoCanvas mobile app, you can input data using forms (pre-made or ones you created). You can submit, store, or archive this data, and retrieve it whenever you want. You can also use this app to get a customer’s signature, take photos, get estimates, create work orders or invoices, create and maintain checklists, do time cards, and accept payments. This app can also manage technicians/contractors in the field. Pricing varies, but you can sign up for a 30-day trial.

iAuditor –  This is a checklist app where you can create safety and quality inspection checklists and reports. You can add photos, time stamps, GPS location, and signatures during an inspection. This app is free for 30 days.

Want to use an app on a bigger screen? Like a tablet? But don’t want to put the tablet down or risk losing it? Since tablets are heavy and large, they cannot be put in your pocket, so what can you do? We have a solution.  The Runnur Tablet Tech Belt system helps you carry your tablet hands-free. It is secured on your hip by a heavy duty black belt and hip pad. It’s easy access!

Thinking about a career in contracting? Let us help you! We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We’ve been in business for awhile helping thousands get licensed. If you’d like to get your Florida contractor’s license, get started today. To work on getting your Florida contractor’s license, click here or call us at 239-777-1028.

 

 

 

Tips to Create a Good Work Culture for Contractors

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A good, successful contractor or construction company isn’t just about quality skills and a finished product… it’s about a good work culture for the entire team. Without a good work culture, projects won’t get completed, things would fall apart, and jobs wouldn’t be done well.  You want your workers/employees to be proud to work for you and your company.

 

As a Florida contractor licensing company, we wanted to share some tips in how you can bolster a good work culture in your business:

  • Create an environment where employees don’t feel overpowered by management.
  • Allows employees an open space for communication, suggestions, ideas.
  • Give incentives to inspire and make people want to put more effort into the company.
  • Reward teamwork.
  • Reward and invoke responsible behavior.
  • Encourage leadership.
  • Develop relationships and connections amongst workers.
  • Be transparent with the business.
  • Don’t guilt employees when they need time off.
  • Minimize/eliminate micromanaging.
  • Give employees freedom so they feel more connected to the company.
  • Think about the different needs of your employees. Some require more space/alone time than others to get work done.
  • Provide education and training for the staff.
  • Make the work culture a reflection of yourself so it’s personal.
  • Communication is key. Figure out ways to always share goals and visions for the company.
  • Encourage collaborations.
  • Schedule group retreats, parties, etc. so people have some fun to look forward to while being part of this team.
  • Treat employees like human beings, not like parts of a machine.

 

Looking to become a Florida contractor, or start up a contractor business of your own? We can help your through the licensure process to make that happen. When applying for a contractor license or business license, there’s a lot of paperwork and requirements. It can be confusing and a hassle, especially with all the deadlines. As a Florida contractor licensing company, we know the ins and outs of the process because we’ve helped thousands of people get their Florida contractor’s license. To get started with us today, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

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.

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

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The holiday season is here! Now is the perfect time to get your favorite contractor (family member or friend) or yourself a great gift that helps them with their train. Contractors need lots of tools, equipment and gadgets in their day to day jobs.  If the contractor you’re buying for owns his own company or is part of a tiny company or is self-employed, they could use a gift, because they most likely don’t have a company supplying tools for them to use.

 

It’s important to note what kind of contractor you’re buying for, since each specialty of contracting does and requires different things.  You need to buy them things they will actually use depending on their role, and try not to purchase items he or she already has, unless of course, it’s a special personalized item. As a contractor licensing company, we wanted to share some great products for you to get for a contractor you know this holiday season.

 

  • Bosch GLM 10 – This is a laser measure that is small, precise and simple. It is a reliable device that takes instant measurements up to 35 feet. It is portable and fits easily in one hand or a pocket. It is easy to use. All you do to measure is press one button!
  • SOG PowerAssist Multi-Tool B66N-CP — This device is a muti-tool solution in one compact form. It has 6 tools in one device. There is a blade, pliers, file, crimpers, a can opener, bottle opener, a v-cutter, screwdrivers, and a ruler.
  • Stanley 7qt Heritage Cooler – This cooler comes with a 1-quart vacuum bottle that can keep drinks hot or cold for 24 hours and iced for 120 hours. It is made from stainless steel.
  • Snap-On Rolling tool bag – This tool bag is built to last and is water resistant. It has a heavy-duty handle and oversized wheels, which makes it easy to bring everywhere.
  • Magnetic wrist bands – These wrist bands are perfect for holding screws, nails, scissors, bolts, and more when you have too much to carry and need another set of hands.

These are just a few gift ideas! There’s a lot out there a contractor friend of yours will love to receive this holiday season.

If you’re looking to get your Florida contractor’s license, let us help you. We are a Florida contractor licensing company. We have helps thousands get their contractor license. To start the license process today, 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.

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.