Category Archives: Construction

If you’re a contractor, engineer, or someone looking to begin a career down either of these paths, you have probably wondered about the CSLB Class A General Engineering License. This license covers all the activities of a general engineering contractor in California – everything from planning an interstate highway project to fixing the irrigation system on the Capitol building. We’ll …
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If you’re a new California contractor or you’re simply looking to become a construction contractor in the state, it may seem like a daunting task to stay compliant and within the bounds of the legal requirements put forth by the State and the various authorities in charge of maintaining safety and construction standards. California is notorious for its regulatory eagerness, …
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If you’re a general contractor or a person hiring a general contractor, there’s always a nagging question in the back of your mind: “What happens if something goes wrong?” In many states, there’s automatic legal protection for the public in the form of licensing, insurance, and contractor’s bonds, but many states don’t require contractors to be licensed or monitored by …
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General Contractors: Team Captain The general contractor (GC) is the linchpin of on-site activities, making sure that everything runs smoothly, on-time and on-budget. They’re the ones actually getting their hands “dirty”, so to speak, working on the site itself and making sure that everything is going according to plan. With guidance from the CM and the PM, GCs are actively …
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You’re a contractor. You’ve just finished a job (with a contract!) and now, when it comes time for the client to hold up their end of the bargain – nada. “No worries,” you think. This client seems legit. They’ll pay, they’re just forgetful is all. Yada yada. Days go by, then weeks, and still nothing hits your account number. You …
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As a California contractor, if there’s one nuisance that will crop up time and time again in your contracting career, it’s building codes. Considering the mountains of red tape and bureaucracy that you have to go through to even get your contractor’s license or get a project approved, the last thing contractors want is to deal with building codes. These …
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It seems that you need a degree to get any entry-level job these days. When you read the listings, you might be amazed by what some industries think is “entry-level.” Construction is a bit different in that there are many people who start at the bottom and manage to work their way up without a college education. With this information, …
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With big plans for construction in California mixed with a labor shortage, trying to balance everything you need for your business can be tricky. There’s a lot of potential for steady work in the next few years. A significant amount of your success hangs on the consistency of your supply chain. Here’s a few ways you can manage your supply …
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There’s a lot of new development happening in California right now, but on occasion, you’ll be working in an old building. Historic buildings, and even the ones that are just a few decades old, often need retrofits and other upgrades so that they can stay functional. The problem, of course, is what happens when you get inside and realize that …
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Skilled subcontractors will help you tackle complicated projects with ease, meet your project deadline, and expand your service offerings. Learn how to find and hire good subcontractors. Where to Find Good Subcontractors Ask around your personal network, beginning with your existing subcontractors and any other contractors you know. Trades professionals are always happy to recommend a good person. If your …
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Wood and steel are both common materials used in construction. Until relatively recently, steel and concrete were practically the only realistic choices for many types of buildings. Now, mass timber is revolutionizing the industry in a variety of ways. Here’s how. What Is Mass Timber? A single piece of wood is not generally considered to be particularly strong or supportive. …
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With a lot of focus on self-driving cars, you knew it was coming. Self-driving vehicles have reached the construction site. The innovation of semi-autonomous construction equipment seems like a futuristic answer to the construction labor shortage, but it’s actually available right now through several companies. Here’s what has been happening in the industry and how self-driving equipment might work with …
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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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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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If you have spent some time researching online marketing for your construction business, you probably already understand that having a solid online presence is key. But, how do you know that you have a solid online presence? With these tips and tools, you can get back-end analysis of your marketing approaches. That way, you can target your budget in the …
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If you have a project that requires a construction general permit, the state of California says you may need to create a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan with a qualified developer. Even if stormwater runoff management is not a part of your regular business dealings, you will probably have instances where you work on a project that requires an SWPPP. Here are the …
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In your contracting business, you learn quickly that your margins will make or break your ability to pay your bills (and yourself). Setting fair prices for the work you do and improving your overall business efficiency is key to keeping your business afloat. This guide identifies ways that you can increase your profit margins wherever you can. Market Value Over …
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Ever since the housing crisis, the construction industry has faced a significant shortage of skilled workers in a variety of fields. With this information, you will understand the extent of construction’s labor shortage, and what that might mean for your future in the industry. Why Is There a Labor Shortage in Construction? The housing crisis dealt a terrible blow to …
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As you start to develop more experience in your chosen field, you might decide to apply for another classification on your contractor’s license. For a small business, adding a new classification might noticeably expand your ability to provide services to various customers. If you think you might be ready, here’s what you need to know. Why Might I Add Another …
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When you first enter a jobsite, one of the first things you have to confirm is its security. The construction jobsite can be a major target for theft, vandalism or even terrorism, if it is not properly secured. Your equipment and materials could be at risk, if the site does not have adequate security features and regular monitoring. These technological …
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Did you know that what you don’t do at a jobsite may be as important as what you do? Clean-up before, during and after a project isn’t just a good business practice. This guide identifies some of the regulations you have to follow for proper site preparation and clean-up. Soil and Environmental Testing Before you start to dig at a …
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When the days are short, the nights are long and the weather is inconsistent, it can be more difficult to make progress with your education. If you want to make 2018 the year you become a licensed contractor, you can use these tips to increase your studying success, no matter what the temperature is like outside. Keep a Comfortable Temperature …
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If you prepared to start your business under tax rules that ended in 2017, you should know that a lot of factors are about to change, especially for businesses. From tax rates on businesses to the kinds of deductions homeowners are allowed to claim, tax reform has the potential to influence the way you run your business, as well as …
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You’ve heard the old adage that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The trick, as it turns out, is never to become an old dog. When you take opportunities to keep your construction education fresh, you will maintain your relevance in the industry and expand your influence. Maintain Existing Licenses and Skills Working as a contractor is not …
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Some parts of the country, like Southern California, can keep running outdoor construction all year long. Others have to take a break due to snow and cold weather. With these tips, you can keep your revenue stream flowing during the slow season. 1. Move Indoors If the weather outside is absolutely miserable, one of the easiest transitions you may be …
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When you start your contracting business, you have to make some practical decisions about purchasing or renting equipment. With these tips, you can make a useful long-term investment for your business. What Is the Cost to Rent vs Buy? The first aspect you want to determine is cost, since what you pay matters a great deal for your bottom line. …
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Construction is a competitive field with an amazing amount of growth potential. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that construction jobs will increase in number about 5-10 percent by 2024. This means that the industry is growing faster than the average, with average pay about 17 percent higher than the national average. Licensed workers in some positions are …
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Experienced contractors groan when they hear the phrase “scope creep.” They know that this little term spells headaches, late nights, and long conversations with clients until the difference in your visions is resolved. Learn what scope creep means, why it’s a contractor’s nightmare, and how to prevent it in your jobs. What is Scope Creep? Scope creep refers to the …
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While modular homes are not new, experts are forecasting they will claim a larger market share in the future. Since modular homes are becoming more popular, what do builders need to know about working with prefab homes vs. conventional homes? Why Consumers Are Choosing Modular Homes   Compared with a new construction home, modular homes have a cheaper price point. …
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