Category Archives: Business

Becoming a General Contractor – What You Need to Know

Becoming a general contractor requires a passion for construction work, business, and problem-solving skills. Besides earning a six figures salary, you may enjoy numerous benefits from your boss. But how do you become a general contractor? Here are vital things to know about becoming a general contractor. 

The Job of a General Contractor 

A general contractor’s primary role is to oversee a construction project from the beginning to the end. And this includes hiring subcontractors, scheduling construction projects, obtaining permits, outsourcing materials, and conveying progress details to the clients. A general contractor can oversee various construction projects, including commercial office structures and residential properties. Besides the foundational construction knowledge, this expert should also: 

  • Schedule timelines for construction projects 
  • Communicate project expectations 
  • Ensure the project complies with state, federal, and local codes 
  • Ensure OSHA and safe compliance 
  • Bid on construction works 
  • Manage subcontractors 
  • Budget construction projects and ensure proper accounting 
  • Complete paperwork for various projects and acquire the necessary permits 
  • Provide the required construction equipment 
  • Ensure the appropriate disposal of construction debris or waste 
  • Steps to Follow to Become a General Contractor 

To become a general contractor, you require higher education and hands-on work. It’s also worth noting that various states have unique licensing requirements. Therefore, researching your state’s specifics is vital when embarking on the journey to becoming a general contractor. Here are the key steps to follow when becoming a general contractor. 

Set Career Goals 

Before you apply to educational or apprenticeship programs, set career goals. And this may include selecting your trade. Most general contractors start as carpenters, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians. However, remember that a general contractor should be well-versed in various skills. Therefore, avoid sticking to one craft only. 

Acquire Hands-on Experience 

Once you’ve set your career goals, look for opportunities to acquire hands-on experience. And this involves entering an apprentice program. The best program combines on-the-job training with coursework. Construction experience is necessary in most states for people that want to acquire a general contractor’s license. 

Acquire Further Education 

You’ll likely complete some coursework during the apprenticeship. However, furthering your education is a good idea if you want to acquire licensing as a general contractor. A high school diploma is a requirement in most states for people that want to apply for a general contractor’s license. However, additional training and certifications, such as a prelicensure course, may be necessary in some states. 

Acquire Your License 

With proper education and experience, you can acquire a license. Research the process of obtaining a contractor’s license in your area. In some states, a permit is unnecessary. Nevertheless, most states require applicants to be aged at least 18 years, meet legal working requirements, and have a clean record. Some states also require construction experience, passing an exam, and proof of bonding or insurance. 

Create a Plan and Grow Your Business 

Create a clear business plan once you’ve acquired a general contractor’s license. Start and grow your business by providing services that exceed your client’s expectations/ Also, network with vendors and other companies to ensure seamless operations. 

Becoming a general contractor requires hard work and commitment to developing your craft and growing your business. Nevertheless, research is vital because requirements for general contractors may vary from one state to another. 

Our post today was sponsored and brought to us by some of the best bathroom renovation contractors Mississauga can hire for quality renovations.

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Towing Services and Their Benefits

Keeping your car running on the roads does not seem to be a problem until you get ditched by it in the middle of nowhere. At these kinds of moment you may feel like crying for not getting that little repair work done, or curse yourself for not checking the air pressure or oil level due to which your car broke down. But no matter how you regret at that moment you will surely need to get your car towed to a nearby mechanic to get it fixed and bring it back on the road.

There are several reasons which may leave you stranded at the roadside helplessly, and these reasons can be:

Auto break up – Your car might get broke down due to some mechanical fault. It is just a machine and machines are not free from problems. The reason behind the mechanical fault can be your negligence or the condition of the engine itself, but in both the cases you cannot do much when it has already happened.

Flat tire – Tire puncture is one of the most common situations which ruin the flow of your journey. Although most of the vehicles have a spare tire, the situation turns into a problem when the passengers do not know how to change the tire or they don’t have the tools to do it.

Low gas – This may sound stupid but many of us would admit that once or twice in a lifetime they actually forgot to check the fuel level and simply started to drive down the lane. It is when the gas got exhausted they realized the mistake. However nothing more than towing or pushing the car to the nearest gas station can be done.

An unfortunate accident – None of us want to face it, but it happens.

So, to avoid these situations it will be better if you know some good and reliable towing companies. You can call these companies when you need towing support. The points you should consider are: –

Per mile price – Just ask the company about their pricing and see if you find it reasonable or not.

Payment methods – Ask them if you can pay through card or they take cash only and see which way suits you best.

Equipment – Talk to them about the equipments they use, see if they use latest tools to tow your car or they stick with older ones.

A supportive mechanic – if the company you are talking to provides you a mechanic with their tow truck then it is good because then there are chances that your problem will be solved at the site only.

Take suggestions from your friends and trusted circles and choose the best towing company with a good reputation in the community.

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Want To Become A Pro Arborist? Here’s What You Should Know

A professional arborist is an expert in the maintenance and health of trees. This professional is extensively knowledgeable about trees and shrubs. They use their knowledge to make sure that individual trees are healthy.

Among the related services that a professional arborist offers include diagnosis and treatment of diseases and parasites in trees. They also cut dead tree branches. An arborist can also remove a tree if it is felled by a heavy storm or dead. People hire arborists to prune shrubs and trees for safety and decoration purposes. Here are the steps to follow if you want to become a professional arborist.

Earn a University Degree

A university degree is not always a requirement. However, some property owners prefer arborists with a university degree. Arboriculture associate programs include courses in plant pathology, community forestry, and soil fertility. Some students are also taught about turfgrass management. There are also bachelor’s programs in urban forestry or forestry. These include courses in forest ecology, soil science, and botany. It’s also important that you complete your internship to gain hands-on experience. Internships provide a chance for honing skills and preparing for full-time work.

Acquire Experience

Some arborists receive on-the-job training by working with nurseries, tree care companies, municipalities, landscaping companies, and utilities. After securing employment, such arborists interact with different clients. They identify trees and clear debris by pruning shrubs and trees. An entry-level arborist gets a chance to learn how different tools are used to maintain trees. Municipal, utility and commercial ground workers start at the entry-level position too. If you wish to become an arborist by receiving on-the-job training, you need to have leadership skills. Most employers need arborists that can manage a team. Therefore, communicate effectively with clients, management, and peers to build and strengthen your leadership ability.

Get Certification

Some employers prefer working with arborists that have the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification. To be certified by the ISA, you must sit a credentialing exam. Candidates should acquire experience of at least three years. Nevertheless, candidates with an associate’s degree require two years’ experience only. An applicant with a bachelor’s degree only should have an experience of one year. Utility and municipal specialists, tree worker climber, and tree worker aerial-lift specialists can have additional certifications. You can also get a Master Arborist designation from ISA. It’s crucial to note that you must renew your Certified Arborist credential every 3 years. Re-certification qualification requires individuals to obtain 30 units of continuing education and pay a fee.

Tips for Improving Your Career Prospects

You can improve your career prospects by acquiring a certification to spray insecticide on bushes and trees if your employer or state requires it. Because arborists often work in areas with a dense population, it’s important to know how to prepare sprays and operate mist blowing equipment. You also need to know insects and bugs that are bad or good for plant health. This will enable you to identify infestation correctly and provide appropriate treatment. The agriculture department in your state can provide this information or training.

The Bottom Line

An arborist can qualify for an entry-level position with just a high school diploma. However, a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in forestry, arboriculture, or horticulture, as well as, professional certification by the International Society of Arboriculture can help.

Learn from the best, we interviewed a professional Arborist from Tree Service Regina to gather this information for our visitors.

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