contractors license exam prep

3 Benefits of Getting Your Contractor License

The construction industry is one of the fastest growing industries in America. In fact, the construction industry gained 210,000 jobs in 2017 alone, compared to the 155,000 added jobs in 2016. But throughout the industry, there are several different job titles and certifications workers can obtain. One of the most common routes for contractors to take it to obtain a state-issued license. This article is going to explore a few key benefits of becoming a licensed contractor.

What Does it Mean to Be a Licensed Contractor?

Being a licensed contractor essentially gives you the right to buy certain tools and take on big projects, like building houses and office buildings. These jobs require the help of a licensed contractor because if someone were to hire a contractor without a license, they could risk being scammed or ending up with an unsafe structure. Getting your license tells people that you’ve passed the tests, paid the fees, and are legally allowed to work on construction projects. While there are certainly home services that can be done by contractors without a license, bigger projects, like the ones that need to be bid on, should always be done by licensed professionals.

Benefits of Getting a Contractor License

There are several benefits to getting your Nevada contractor license. First and foremost, going through a Nevada contractor bond service gives you more credibility as a contractor. When potential customers see that you have a contractor license, they’re not only more likely to hire you for the job, but they’re also more likely to instill their trust in you. Along with increased credibility, having a license also opens up the opportunity for taking on higher-paying jobs. This can be done by taking on larger jobs or simply asking for higher rates from customers. Additionally, having a license allows you to work on your own time — since you’re essentially you’re own boss, you can decide when to work, which jobs to take, and overall do what you want in regards to taking on work. And because you’re licensed, you can have other contractors or laborers work under you, meaning you can take on more projects for higher profit. All in all, there are numerous benefits to looking into Nevada contractor licenses.

Hopefully, this article provided some insight into the great benefits of becoming a licensed contractor. If you’re interested in learning more about the Nevada contractor license requirements, call Contractor’s Exam Center Inc. today for more information.

arizona contractor license

Demystifying Contractor Bonds: FAQs

With a market share of approximately 10%, the United States has the second largest construction market in the world. The construction industry is so massive that regulating it is a formidable task. Regulatory laws vary around the United States, but contractor license bonding is a national process that can be a little confusing.

As we mentioned, contractor bonding differs per state. We work specifically with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the Nevada State Contractors Board, but across the country, the intent behind contractor bonding is largely the same.

Let’s unpack some frequently asked questions.

What Is A Contractor Bond?

A contractor bond acts as an agreement between three parties. Between the contractor, the entities the contractor is completing work for, and the legislative body issuing the bond. The agreement ensures accountability between all parties. It’s a mark of professional confidence for contractors. It protects the public, as well. Should a bonded contractor’s work be below the standards or against regulations set forth by the bond, the bonding agency pays for any damages incurred. The contractor, in turn, owes that money back to the issuing agency.

Why Should I Become Bonded?

Becoming bonded is a mark of quality in the contracting profession. You’re publicly informing potential customers that you’re confident in the quality of work you’ll perform for them. There have been horror stories of people being ripped off by contractors who weren’t bonded and there being little to no recompense for the ripped off parties. People look for bonded contractors because it’s a safety net in the case of poor building practices.

Which Bond Should I Opt For?

An Arizona contractor license will look different from other states. Even within the state, there are various types of different contractor bonds and values that really have to do with the type of contracting work you’ll be doing. For instance, the Arizona contractor licenses are based on the scope and size of work, specialty versus general contracting, and residential/commercial contracting. Which you opt for depends entirely on what work you do as a contractor.

Arizona contractor bonds and Nevada contractor bonds may have different hoops to jump through, but now you can see why becoming bonded would be beneficial for your contracting business. It ensures professional service and provides coverage to the people who hire contractors that perform work that breaks the bond agreement.

Contractors Business Tips

Contractors Business Tips to Get You Started

Once your exam is passed, your bonding is in place, and your license number is issued, what next? Here are some important contractors business tips compiled from numerous sources to keep in mind when starting your new business. Each State Contractor Licensing Board has laws that should be reviewed for changes and updates on laws on Contractor Requirements. Go to the following websites for Nevada, California and Arizona Contractor License  requirements.

Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board

California: Contractors State License Board

Arizona: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Contractors Business Tips: Follow These Steps

  1. Enlist the services of required professionals, (legal, accounting, insurance, etc)
  2. Research and obtain general liability and other required insurance. Contractors Exam Center can assist you with this step.
  3. Obtain required state, city, and county licenses.
  4. Finalize your Business Plan. A great resource is SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) https://www.score.org/ , Small Business Administration https://www.sba.gov/  and Minority Business Enterprise http://www.mwbe-enterprises.com/mbe/.
  5. Research sources for financing.
  6. Hire necessary employees.
  7. Secure Workers Compensation For quotes: http://contractorsexam.com/contact-us/
  8. Obtain pre approval for contract bonding, for more information: http://contractorsexam.com/bonding-services-arizona-nevada/
  9. Print Business Cards, great deals can be found at: http://www.vistaprint.com/?couponAutoload=1&GP=7%2f25%2f2016+4%3a32%3a59+PM&GPS=4021502237&GNF=0.
  10. Order tools and Equipment.
  11. Prepare Contracts .
  12. Check to ensure licenses or persons with whom you contract are active and valid.
  13. Be sure that the contract is within the scope of work/license classification. If any additional licenses are required we offer exam prep and possible exam waivers, contact us at: Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.
  14. If it is not in your contract, it doesn’t exist. Make sure all change orders are in writing and signed by all parties.
  15. Make sure your license number is on all business advertisements, vehicles, business cards, letterhead, website, and any other place your business name appears in public.
  16. If your address or other pertinent information about your business changes, notify your state Board immediately.

Bonding Insurance Evaluation

Please call and check with one of our experienced license agents for your bonding and insurance needs Contractors License Center has a new instant quote page,  Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.

Contractor Insurance – What You Need To Know

Do Contractors Really Need Insurance?

Contractor Insurance isn’t always required as part of the initial licensing process. It’s after the Contractor’s License is issued that Contractor Insurance may become a requirement. If you are sub-contractor, the General you are bidding to will most likely require that you be insured. If you are going to be bidding on large, commercial or government jobs you will  be asked to show proof that you have the required insurance.  For a competitive quote and analysis we are here to assist you at www.contractorsexam.com.  Individual states’ guidelines can differ. Click these links for Nevada State guidelines and Arizona state guidelines.

Types of Contractor Insurance

There are many types of Contractor Insurance, such as Property, Liability, and Employee Benefits. Liability Coverage is determined to defend and pay for claims by third parties, business and contractual expenses, judgements, and legal expenses resulting from civil actions against the contractor, and actions caused by sub-contractors and employee. Liability Insurance can actually be a great tool to help the Contractor as part of their business plan as a method to transfer risk. Workers Compensation is required as part of the licensing process if you plan or hiring employees or acting as a subcontractor.

Where to get a Competitive Quote

We have a great market to offer Contractor Insurance quotes, both credit based or non-credit. We are eager to offer you competitive quotes, just contact us at:  Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.  If you are being asked for a certain type of Contractor Insurance, or certain limits, please let us know and we can work with our Agent to get you the best comprehensive quote. We work with James Newkirk, who specializes in obtaining competitive quotes for Contractors. He can be reached directly at 702-372-2045 or at James@crestlineins.com.

Contractor’s License Surety Bonds: AZ, NV, CA

Understanding Contractor’s License Surety Bonds

Contractor License Bonds are a type of Surety Bond, and are typically required from a variety of businesses, such as Contractors, as a pre-licensing requirement.  California, Arizona and Nevada Contractors are all required to post Contractor’s License Surety Bonds or a cash deposit. This type of bond is a guarantee that the contractor will satisfactorily complete all work for the owner according to the contract, and that all construction costs be paid. This is a three party agreement between the Surety Company (Guarantor), the Contractor (Principal) and the Owner (Obligee, such as in this case, the Contractors Board).

Each State Contractor Licensing Board has their own specific bond form and amounts required. Nevada, California and Arizona Contractor’s License Surety Bond requirements can be found using these links: Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board; California: Contractors State License Board; and Arizona: Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Contractors Exam Center is ready to help you acquire your bond. You can start your application here.

Is a Contractor’s License Surety Bond an Insurance Policy?

Contractor License Surety Bonds are not insurance. They do not protect the Contractor. The Contractor, who defaults, will be responsible pay back any money spent to complete the project.  Bonds function as a credit guarantee to the owner.

How much do Contractor’s License Surety Bonds cost?

Most contractors purchase a Contractor’s License Surety Bond in lieu of putting up a large cash deposit for a long period of time. For example, if the Nevada State Contractors Board requires a $10,000.00 bond, they would require a cashier’s check for $10,000.00 and a biennial fee of $200.00. If a Contractor opted to purchase a bond instead, the Surety Company would charge a premium of the bond amount which usually paid annually.  You can see bond rates here.

An important factor in determining premium is credit score based, however, some are instant issue. As a premium example from above, a $10,000.00 Nevada Contractors License with good credit could cost an experienced contractor approximately $300.00 annually, and discounts are offered in multi years.  Most Nevada Contractor License Surety Bonds $2,000.00 and under are instant issue, as are most Arizona Contractor License Commercial Surety Bonds.

Other Types of Surety Bonds

After a Contractor is licensed, they may be asked for additional bonding for public works, or large construction projects. These are called Contract Bonds, which are different than a Contractor’s License Surety Bond and include bid, payment and performance bonds. These guarantee the Contractor fulfills his contractual agreement as promised and that subcontractors are paid.

Contractors Exam Center is a great source to discuss these needs with you after licensing, as well as Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation. We can be reached at Contact Us – Contractors Exam Center – Arizona and Nevada Contractor’s License.   Next month we will discuss Liability and Workers Compensation in more detail.