Things To Do In SW Florida

Construction companies are evolving and improving each year. One way to take your construction company to the next level is with a construction management tool. With this tool, you can speed up and even eliminate redundant processes. Although this took is very beneficial, you will likely receive pushback from employees who are hesitant to learn something new and change their process.

We wanted to share some tips when introducing a new construction management tool with your team that will make them actually want to adopt the new ways of working. Convincing your employees may not be easy and there will likely be resistance.

• Choose the right tool for your company. Pick one that meets your company’s needs. This tool should do more than your old tools while lowering costs. Identify how this new tool can fit into current processes.
• Use managers and key employees as change ambassadors. Top workers, senior leadership, management, and other influencers in the business should be the first to learn and use the tool. These are the people who should promote and train the rest of the team on the benefits of the new tool and how to use it.
• Create an introduction and training plan of the new tool – this eases the transition. Be clear and open. Answer all questions and make sure everyone understands what’s going on.
• Be open to feedback. Give employees the opportunity to provide all kinds of feedback. If there are a lot of shortcomings with the tool, you may need to switch to another tool or find work arounds.

Even if your employees may not see it at first, a new tool can be very good for your business. In time, everyone will be on board.

Looking to be part of the contractor world? We can help you.

We are a Florida contractor licensing company, and we can help you get your contractor’s license. We help contractors across the United States get their contractor license. We help you succeed from the start. read more

What is a punch list? A punch list is a list of items which define the work that doesn’t comply with the contract requirements after a good part of a project is completed.

For this article, we wanted to share some questions you should have on your punch list:

Are the holes for lighting and ventilation being made properly in the ceiling?

Can you notice any drywall tape joints in the ceiling?

Are there any cracks in the ceiling?

Is the sealing of skylights completed on the ceiling?

Is the attic easily accessible?

Has the attic been insulated correctly?

Are smoke detectors properly installed?

Are smoke detectors properly working?

Can you spot any cracks on the door and/or windows?

Is there any screw heads burst through the gypsum board?

Are there any nail heads burst in wood framing?

Is the painting completed?

Are there any scratches, dents or buckling on the frames?

Do the doors close and open smoothly?

Are all exterior doors weatherstripped?

Do door hinges miss any screws?

Can you spot any gaps between the wall and the door frame?

Are the doors undercut in order to allow air movement?

Can you close and open the cabinet doors without any problems?

Is the sink sealed properly to the countertop?

Is the backsplash properly shuttered?

Check if the floor grout is properly sealed.

Has the wall base been attached correctly?

Can you spot any cracks between the wall and the base? Between the flooring and the base?

Check if the registers and diffusers are fully-functional.

Do you notice any problems with the installation of the thermostat(s)?

Are the furnace filters clean?

Check if the dryer vent is fully functional.

Are all cover plates installed?

Do you notice any malfunction at the garage door?

Check if the irrigation clock is working properly.

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To be a contractor in Florida, you need a contractor’s license, otherwise you are working illegally and could be fined or jailed. As a Florida contractor licensing company, we wanted to share guidelines and requirements entailed in applying for a contracting license in Florida.

First, you will have to take two brief exams that cover topics related to finance and the trade(s) you are looking to become licensed in. If you are an electrical contractor, you will need to undergo a slightly different process. You will not be required to take these tests, but rather, will have to undergo trade specific tests due to the complex and potentially dangerous nature of the work.
In order to qualify for the appropriate tests, you will need to be able to show proof of having at least four years of work experience in the construction or trade field. If you are looking to get a contracting license for a business, you will also need to provide proof of financial assets. Requirements for total assets may range from $2,500-$20,000, depending on the type of certification you are looking to obtain. You will also be required to carry and show proof of a current liability insurance plan. read more

In Florida, for you to work as a State Certified Contractor, the Department of Business & Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Construction Industry Licensing Board requires all applicants provide credit reports for themselves and the business entity they want to qualify.

Both credit reports must indicate that local, state, and federal records have been searched and personal credit reports must contain a FICO derived credit score.

Our Florida contractor licensing company is on the Florida DBPR’s List of approved Credit Reporting Agencies.

Our credit reports include:

• FICO Score
• Statement that Public Records have been searched at the Local, State and Federal Levels

Your personal credit report enables the State to decide on your financial responsibility enabling them to make sure that the contractor applying for the license is financially responsible.
The State has required that all companies must have a credit report on file. The fact that it is a new company does not negate the need to have a report run on that company.

To obtain your credit reports please follow these simple steps, visit our DBPR Approved Credit Reports page.  These reports cost $50 per report. Your reports will be completed within 48 hours. read more

There’s lots of types of contractors: electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, etc.  But, what does a general contractor do?

In the state of Florida, a general contractor is recognized as a “a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type of work which he or she may do, who may contract for any activity requiring licensure under this part, and who may perform any work requiring licensure under this part, except as otherwise expressly provided in s. 489.113.”

To become a licensed general contractor in Florida, a person must show 48 months on jobs with at least 12 months as a foreman or a combination of college and experience totaling at least 48 months with at least 12 of those months as a foreman. This person must also show at least 1 year or more of experience with habitable structures bigger than 4 stories. He or she must also have responsibility in at least four of the following areas in construction: Foundation/slabs greater than 20,000 sq. ft, Masonry walls, Steel erection, Elevated slabs, Precast concrete structures, Column erection, and Formwork for structural reinforced concrete. read more