How to Become a Concrete Contractor

How to become a concrete contractor, before you enter the concrete business, bear in mind that the competition is stiff, therefore be ready to work really hard to make it big. Once you are mentally ready for this intensive business, you can initially penetrate the market working on small residential projects and even multi-level commercial jobs. Your first year of operation would be the hardest, but by producing work to the customers’ satisfaction, you can ensure the success of your concrete company.

How to Become a Concrete Contractor in California?

There are certain things you will need to take care of to enter into this business. Have a look:

Education Requirements:

To become a concrete contractor, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in civil engineering or a related field. After that, you will need to obtain a license, which is a requirement in every state.

Experience:

No matter how learned you are on the topic in terms of theory, you will still need to gather a sufficient amount of experience. The industry you are dealing with is vast, and will require an understanding of a lot of difficult concepts and procedures. For this purpose, you are advised to get firsthand experience, both on the field and in terms of office work. This will allow you to work directly with materials, suppliers, homeowners and contractors.

Target Market:

You’ll need to know your target market. You may want to focus on commercial projects such as offices, schools and public works, or you can go for residential work that would involve pouring walkways and patios in people’s yards, etc. Concrete companies that work on both residential and commercial projects are very few, since the tools, skills and expertise required for both vary a great deal. Decide at the start which sector you want to work in.

Business Plan:

You need to have a business plan in place before anything. You will need to know the direction of your business, your goals, and strategies and so on. Even if you can finance the business on your own, having a proper plan will help you remain focused on the important matters at hand. Within this document, add your target market segments, your company’s mission and philosophy and your projected financial data. You can revise the plan semi-annually to keep it updated.

Purchase/Lease Equipment:

This would be particularly important if you are planning to work in the commercial field. For work in this area, you will need to get your hands on heavy duty mixers, vehicles and other required professional quality tools.

Legal Aspects:

This is one of the first things you should take care of when you plan on starting a business. Get in touch with a lawyer and discuss your options. You can consider forming an LLC or a corporation in order to make sure your personal assets are protected. You will also need to obtain liability, company auto insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.

Suppliers:

As soon as you initiate the planning phase of your concrete business, you will need to start looking for trustworthy suppliers. It is common for certified concrete contractors to arrange for a supplier who provides them with pre-mixed concrete. There are a lot of concerns you will need to keep in mind in terms of the supply chain, including scheduling of orders, drying of the concrete, the weather, etc.

Marketing:

To get into the commercial world, you have to start somewhere. You are recommended to start with the Blue Book’s BB Bid System. This is a free book service that lists every contractor in the US according to region. You can get a hand on a copy of this book in any contractor’s office. This helps you list your company for free. Contractors will then begin inviting you to place bids on projects as soon as you are listed. In addition to that, you are advised to meet with local contractors and request your company to be added to their bid list. And as far as the residential work projects go, you should ask any one you know to spread the word about your business and help you grow.

Once you have taken care of all of these matters, you can begin your business activities as a certified concrete contractors.

How to a Get Low Voltage License

According to the California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications,

     “A communication and low voltage contractor installs, services and maintains all types of communication and low voltage systems which are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts. These systems include, but are not limited to telephone systems, sound systems, cable television systems, closed-circuit video systems, satellite dish antennas, instrumentation and temperature controls, and low voltage landscape lighting. Low voltage fire alarm systems are specifically not included in this section.”

The C-7 Contractor’s License is required by installers and technicians etc. who are involved in the process of installing, servicing or maintaining all types of low voltage systems. This license does not allow the licensee to work on low voltage fire alarm systems, fire protection equipment, lock and security equipment and solar equipment.

How to Get Low Voltage License?

Low Voltage contractors need a license to practice. For this, they have to follow a certain procedure, pay fees and provide several documents to complete an application and verification process. The licensing requirements vary from state to state.  If you need state-specific details, you can check the National Electrical Contractors Association website that lists in detail requirements for each state.

The following contains requirements for the C7 Low Voltage Contractors License in California.

California Low Voltage Systems License C-7 Requirements

You are advised to gather complete information on all relevant matters before beginning. The process itself can be a little complicated, therefore, being sufficiently prepared for it will be of great help. Have a look at the basic criteria you will need to meet and the kind of experience that you might be given credit for:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age or older
  • You must have at least 4 years experience of performing or supervising low voltage work (personal experience is also accepted by the state now)
  • A person with any kind of first-hand knowledge of your experience, such as the homeowner or certain employer, must be able to verify the experience
  • College degree or trade school credits can be counted as up to 3 years of the needed trade experience
  • Obtain the “Application for Original Contractor’s License” from the Contractor’s State Board office or by calling them. You can also download this application from the CSLB website
  • To get the Low Voltage License, you have to pass the Low Voltage Systems Examination along with the Law and Business Exam

California Low Voltage Systems Contractor Exam C-7 Details

If you are getting licensed for the first time, you will need to take both the law and trade exams, along with the actual contractor’s exam.  The actual contractor’s exam has 100-120 questions, with a time limit of 2-1/2 hours (around 150 minutes). You will require pre-approval from the state to sit for the examination. In addition, bear in mind that you will need at least 70% marks to pass the exam.

Exam Content

The content for a C-7 Low Voltage Contractors License Exam includes a number of topics relating to the various aspects of low voltage equipment, their installation, and maintenance and servicing. You will be exposed to topics such as job design and planning, material selections and estimation, wire/cable installation and termination, component installation, testing, troubleshooting, repairing and safety while installing.

There are several organizations that provide detailed study guides to help applicants prepare for this exam. Even if you are reapplying for a second or third time and have “mastered” the exam content, you’d still be better off preparing for the exam. This is necessary since requirements keep on changing. In addition, low voltage equipment also frequently gets updated.

Preparing for the Exam

The first thing you need to do is get your hands on the right kind of study materials. Ideally, you should cover major topics such as basic electrical theory, plan and circuit symbols, electrical materials, low voltage relay circuit, first aid, satellite antenna systems, optic fiber and computer networking processes. You might also want to cover some aspects of the health and safety orders that would be relevant to the low voltage exam and subsequent practice in the field.

California Low Voltage Systems Contractors C-7 Fees

To apply for a license, a certain amount of money needs to be paid for processing fees and application charges. The State of California has an initial application fee of $330 for new applicants. The fee amount is the same for contractors who are reapplying for licensure. There is an additional fee ($200) for a two-year license card. Following the approval of your application by the Contractors State License Board, you will be notified regarding your test date and further test-related details. In addition to these, further financial requirements need you to have at least $2,500 in working capital (this can be in cash form or equipment that will need to be verified). Along with these requirements, applicants are also required to file a bond with the Registrar in the amount of $15,000.

Receiving the C-7 Low Voltage Contractor’s License Certificate

Once you have successfully passed the examination, you will receive a wall certificate and a pocket license, certifying that you are a licensed C-7 contractor.

Further Contact Details

If you have any other queries regarding the license, its requirements, exam, fee structure or application process, following is the address to get in touch with the California State Licensing Board.

California State Licensing Board

9821 Business Park Drive

Sacramento, CA, 95826-0026

You can also get in touch with them on their website:

Website: www.cslb.ca.gov/

Note: All relevant information and guidelines are provided in great detail on the website. You will find Application for Original Contractor License in PDF – this will guide you through the application process.

How to Become a “Licensed Contractor” in California

Construction is a science which requires precision. Lack of precision can lead to faulty construction resulting in loss of life and property. This is why the construction industry in California is regulated by the state of which licensing is just one part.

Safeguarding California residents’ lives and their right to enjoy property, the state requires specific contractors to be licensed. Licensing confirm the individual’s knowledge in the area and authenticates that their work is of a certain standard. This ensures safe and quality construction work.

What do I need to become a Contractor

From the outset, all prospective contractors in California must know that they may be required to get a construction license if they wish to pursue this trade. California makes it mandatory for all contractors to be licensed especially if they intend to bid for a project which is valued at $500 or more. This includes both the project’s material and labor costs. Therefore, one of the biggest incentives in getting licensed in California is the ability to bid for high value, big construction projects. Unlicensed contractors can only bid for small construction projects.

The state of California repeatedly reminds its residents to ONLY hire state-licensed contractors. Smart consumers will ask to see a contractor’s “pocket license”. It is therefore in the contractor’s own interest to get licensed both to avoid state penalties, including jail term and more importantly, build customer confidence, leading to a long-term business relationship.

Why-Become-a-Licensed-Contractor-in-California

Prospective contractors must contact the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for licensing. While in-depth information is available on CSLB’s website, the following may help in getting started:

  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Post a license bond
  • Pass exams (business and trade and license law)
  • Verify four years of journey-level experience in the trade

Getting licensed may be a time consuming process and therefore it is advised that all prospective contractors start early.

Penalties for Unlicensed Contractors in California

The CSLB was established to protect consumers. The Board ensures high construction standards through regulation and penalizes those who are found to be in violation of state construction laws.

Unlicensed contractors through faulty construction can put peoples’ lives in danger. In addition, they give a bad name to the whole industry and avoid taxation through engaging in unlawful trade activities. To curb this practice, the CSLB’s team called Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) conducts undercover operations to unearth illegal construction rackets.

The first offence is classified as a misdemeanor, which is punishable with up to 6 months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. The convicted may be sentenced with an additional administrative fine of $200 to $15,000. After serving the sentence, if the contractor continues with their old ways, they could be slapped with a fine of $5,000 or 20% of the contract price. Furthermore, second offence automatically attracts a jail term of 90-days.

It must be remembered that not all violations of California’s construction laws result in a misdemeanor; some are classified as felony as well. Those who misrepresent themselves as licensed contractors or use another person’s license for the purpose can be convicted of a felony. Felons serve jail time in state prison.

Is California Contractor’s License worth the Effort?

Yes! In addition to the reasons given above, there is one more reason which should stop an unlicensed contractor – unlicensed contractors can be “ripped off”. Unlicensed contractors cannot legally sue for non-payment. Imagine a shady customer finding out their contractor’s licensing status and refusing to pay once the project is completed?

How to Become a Licensed Flooring Contractor

Educational Requirements for How to Become a Licensed Flooring Contractor

Flooring Contractors LicenseAre you wondering how to become a licensed flooring contractor? Before you can apply for your licensure, it would be wise to take care of the educational requirements first. Even though this occupation does not require a formal degree, you should consider getting an associate degree in business management, since independent contractors are practically small business operators. An associate degree program would teach students the main concepts of operating a business, including the management of human resource, information and finances. In addition to getting a degree, you can also opt for some on-the-job training. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpet and flooring installers typically do not have any formal training. It is not even required by most employers in this field that workers come in with a lot of professional experience. Rather, these workers are expected to learn all the skills they need on the job. They start out as helpers and go on to become more experienced workers. With the passage of time, the complexity of the work they get assigned increases. In case of a large employer, you might even get the opportunity to complete a sponsored apprenticeship program.

How to Become a Flooring Contractor

To get licensed as a flooring contractor, you will need to meet certain requirements. These requirements would vary according to state. For the purpose of this article, the state of California and its particular laws are discussed below:

Following are the steps you need to follow to obtain a Flooring Contractors License:

  1. Acquire 4 years of experience in the trade for which you plan to get the license for. Working as a contractor, journeyman, foreman or a supervisor would help you meet the experience criteria.
  2. After this, you will have to take two exams: the California Law and Business Exam and the Flooring & Floor Covering C-15 exam.
  3. To take this exam, you will first need to apply through the Application for Original Contractor’s License and pay the application processing fee of $250. An addition $150 in fees would have to be paid after both exams have been successfully passed.
  4. Once you receive the notification for the approval of your application, you will need to submit fingerprints for a background check.
  5. You will also be required to meet additional financial requirements: $2,500 in working capital for flooring projects; contractor surety bonds of $7,500 and $12,500. Along with these financial concerns, you will also be required to provide workers compensation insurance if you plan on hiring other individuals.

Becoming an Independent Carpet and Flooring Contractor

Once you have gathered the relevant experience and gotten hold of your practicing license, the next step is to become an independent carpet and flooring contractor. In addition to the duties pertaining to the flooring contractor’s job description, you will also be taking care of business and finance matters. Supervising, coordinating, installing and monitoring tasks become an addition to their existing job descriptions.

After you have established yourself as an independent contractor, the next order of business can be developing and expanding your clientele. To keep your business afloat, you will need to invest time and money into building a strong customer base. Marketing techniques such as advertisements, flyers and newspaper ads might help you become more visible to your desired market segment.

Obtaining a flooring contractors license is not a simple or small process. But it is certainly worth your time and money. Once you have established your expertise in the market, you will most likely be a highly sought-after professional.

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How to Get a HVAC Contractors License

Hvac Study GuideHow to Get HVAC Contractors License: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) license is required by individuals who install, repair or maintain heating and cooling systems in residential or commercial constructions. This is especially true of projects that exceed $500. It will also be a requirement for people who sell service contracts to new and existing clients.

Education Requirements for Obtaining your HVAC License (C-20)

There are several factors you will need to ensure to get the HVAC contractors license Proper educational requirements will have to be fulfilled. A prospective HVAC technician must successfully finish high school or receive a GED. During this time, they should ideally take classes in industrial arts, math, electronics, physics and mechanical drawing. After completing school, the candidate may join an accredited HVAC training program. These training programs offer a curriculum based on studying the principles of HVAC installation and repair along with subjects such as blueprint reading, equipment design and temperature control. These programs may take six months to two years to complete.

Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship program may last anywhere from 3-5 years. Formal programs might allow candidates to combine their theoretical and practical learning practices. During an apprenticeship program, the prospective HVAC technician would shadow a licensed HVAC technician and simultaneously receive classroom training as well. These programs are offered by professional unions.

License Examination

Once you are finished with your apprenticeship program, the next step would be taking the actual HVAC License Exam. These exams test a prospective HVAC technician’s ability to exhibit a satisfactory knowledge of the various aspects of HVAC installation and repair. In addition to that, some exams might also test the applicant’s knowledge of electrical codes. Bear in mind that HVAC technicians who intend to work with refrigerants are also required to acquire an additional certification. For this, they must pass a second written examination that focuses on the relevant subject matter Hvac Study Guide can be helpful for such exams.

The following pointers must be kept in mind before applying for your exams:

  • The eligibility requirements will vary according to the classification and the state you are giving the exam in
  • You will be required to pay an application fee
  • You will be required to sit for two exams: business and law and trade
  • Before you sit for the exams, the board must approve your application
  • You will need a pre-approval from the state to sit for the exam
  • You will be required to have at least 4 years of experience to qualify for the exam – experience at the journeyman level, foreman or supervisor level, contractor level or as an owner/builder will be taken into consideration
  • All experience must be verifiable
  • All applicants must have a working capital of at least $2,500
  • All applicants must file a bond with the Registrar in the amount of $10,000
  • The exam has nearly 100 questions and a maximum time of around 2-2.5 hours
  • You will need at least 72% marks on the exam to pass it

(Note: Some of these requirements are specific to the State of California – for your state specific requirements, please check the relevant websites.)

What Topics to Prepare For the Exam?

There are numerous study guides available online and otherwise to help you prepare for the exams. These would include text book materials on the areas you need to cover, along with some practice tests. Whether or not you are purchasing a study guide, you should ideally have a good grasp on the following topics:

  • HVAC System Evacuation & Design
  • Duct System Design
  • Installation
  • Duct System Fabrication
  • Air Distribution and Duct Systems
  • Service, Maintenance and Repair
  • System Checks
  • Safety
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Documentation of Hazardous Materials
  • System Installation and Start Up
  • Electrical, Plumbing & Refrigeration Components
  • Air Filtration Installation
  • Duct Repair and Sealing
  • Installation and Replacement of Thermostats
  • New Installation and Routine Maintenance of AC & Heating Systems
  • Heat Pump Installation

This is a general overview of the subject areas you might be questioned on. Be sure to check the detailed topics covered, as guided by the official State Boards.

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