Construction is a lucrative business, but the red tape can sometimes be confusing. In this article, we’ll look at whether or not you need a contractor’s license, and what the requirements are to apply.
Do I Need A License?
If you are a contractor, you probably need a license to be able to practice. You can do odd jobs for people without a license, but if you want to make a business out of the work you do as a contractor and continue to grow, you need a license. What Types of Contractors Are There?
There are many different kinds of contractors who perform different kinds of work, and they may not have the same license requirements. Check your local regulations for the types of contractor’s licenses available.
A general contractor is allowed to do pretty much any kind of contracting work on both residential and commercial buildings. A commercial contractor specializes in buildings owned by businesses – everything from stores and shopping malls to factories and power plants. A basic residential contractor works on family homes and duplexes, while a residential light contractor only does work on multi-family and multi-residential properties like apartment buildings.
What Do I Need to Apply for A Contractor’s License?
You need to prove that you have the skills and experience necessary to do the job. That means you need to have a relevant degree or qualification and at least a small amount of experience, or an amount of experience that makes education redundant because you have been successfully doing the job.
Although regulations vary according to your local government, you can apply for a contractor’s license if:
- You have a full degree from an accredited four-year university and at least 1 year of experience working under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Or,
- You have four years of verifiable work experience in the construction industry as a tradesperson.
To apply, you need to gather together the relevant documents. You need to submit a copy of your university degree if you have one or contact your university registrar for proof of your credits. You might also need a letter of reference or an official logbook recording your hours from a licensed contractor that you have been working with.
Become a Contractor
If you can prove that you have the skills and experience necessary according to the law in your area, you can become an officially licensed contractor. For example, if you live in the state of Georgia, you can obtain a Georgia Contractor License. The requirements will be different depending on where you live, but you will need both skills and experience.