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Being able to say that you work with sustainable construction materials can be a boon for your construction business. When you evaluate supplies for their sustainability, you’re looking at consumption, waste and regeneration. Most materials can be sustainable, but you’ll have to do some research to confirm that your supply line is following best practices. This means that even if …
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As a contracting business owner, you want to provide all the details in your communications with prospective and current customers. The trouble is getting them to read all of it and remember it. If clients can’t get the relevant information from a proposal, email or estimate, they might take up a lot of your time asking for details you’ve already …
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In building, sustainability has certainly become a buzzword. The problem with sustainability is that it can mean different things to different people. Knowing the basics can help you to understand why sustainability is trending, and how you can make it a part of your strategy for your contracting business. Here are the basics of sustainability and how it applies to …
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In building, sustainability has certainly become a buzzword. The problem with sustainability is that it can mean different things to different people. Knowing the basics can help you to understand why sustainability is trending, and how you can make it a part of your strategy for your contracting business. Here are the basics of sustainability and how it applies to …
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Have you ever finished reading a page and realized that you recall almost none of it? Being able to read through documents quickly is a benefit, but only if you can retain the most important points. Preparing for the contractor licensing exams requires a lot of reading, and you will need to do a fair bit in your business, as …
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Fires at construction sites cost hundreds of millions of dollars in damage each year. This industry is at a higher risk for fires with a greater likelihood of major losses. Fortunately, there are many methods you can use to minimize the chance of causing a fire, and protect yourself and your investment. Consider these common guidelines in your safety analysis …
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With so many possible jobs that are closely related, your current experience might apply to a host of contracting fields. Once you get your license and start working, you want to be sure that you’ve made the right decision. Ask yourself these questions to help refine the field that will make the best start for your contracting business. What Kind …
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They happen several times a year, and they have the potential to really mess up your timelines. The holidays may be a time for making merry or getting together with family and friends, but you also want to be sure you can stick to your schedule for your contracting business projects. Here are a few tips you can use to …
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In this industry, you learn as much from practice and guidance as you do from study. That’s why you have to spend a fair bit of time gathering experience under a licensed contractor before you can attempt the exam and get a license of your own. While you’re working on your own qualifications, you have an excellent opportunity to learn …
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Does your contractors licensing school have to be local, or can you save a few dollars by traveling farther?

We have always felt that it’s important to get the lessons you need in your own neighborhood. That’s why we have 25 different campuses around the state – we want to make it as convenient and affordable as possible for you to learn, while still giving you the very best education from experienced construction professionals.
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The California State Licensing Board requires you to have four years of experience before you can take a licensing exam. With the completion of certain types of degree and certificate programs, you may be able to waive up to three of those years. This means that some people can get a license with one year of practical experience. No matter …
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A lot of the time, people who start a contracting business begin with exactly one employee–themselves. If you are really good at time management and you have a lot of time and energy to devote, this might seem fairly straightforward. However, it can be hard to avoid overextending yourself and put your health (and your projects) at risk. Here are …
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The construction industry labor shortage is well-known, and it’s not going away anytime soon. If you can’t keep or even find good employees, the quickest answer may be to rent them from a qualified organization. Here’s how it works, and what you need to know to be sure you hire someone who will get the job done. What Is a …
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Whether you’re sitting in a downpour in San Diego or facing five-foot snowdrifts high in the Sierra-Nevadas, you want to be prepared for the weather. The one truth about winter is that it can put any contractor at risk. Here’s a few tips to ensure that you can finish your projects without injuring yourself or your employees. Keep Tabs on …
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When you run a business in the construction industry, you may have to manage a lot of available materials. If you spend a lot of your work time at jobsites or on the road, you might not be able to quickly check your warehouse. Inventory management is the key to keeping your business running smoothly. Here are a few tips …
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It happens every year or two–a big wildfire or flash flood. In the aftermath, cities all over California need good contractors who can rebuild their homes and businesses. It’s a time when stress and emotions are running high. Here are a few ways you can be a respected source of information and service for people when they need it most. …
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In the busy world of construction, you might be handling sales calls on your way to and from the jobsite. When you get a lead, the trick is to avoid letting it go cold. Try these tips to keep prospective customers interested, and give them everything they need to make the right decision. Make Contact Quickly When clients are at …
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You’ve got the business, and the referrals are coming in. They want to see a portfolio of your past work. But what does this mean, and how do you give it to them in an ideal package? How do you distinguish between your residential and commercial services? Here’s what you should consider putting in your contractor’s portfolio. Make Details Easy …
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When business is booming, you might take on a few employees to help you complete your construction projects or handle administration tasks you don’t have the time to do. Finding good employees is difficult. In an industry with a labor shortage, keeping a great worker can be even harder. Here’s a few tips you can use to ensure that you …
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Despite the recent U.S. tariff on imports of solar energy equipment, the solar industry continues to grow. In fact, this industry offers huge potential for anyone who wants to get on board. If this is an area you’d like to explore with your contracting business, there are a few trends you should watch. Here’s what you need to know. Solar …
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