Licensed contractors in the USA

Become a Licensed Contractor in the USA

How to get started:

• Complete the licensing application for your state.
• Take the state licensing exam (covers legal, business, building codes and other knowledge areas).
• Pay mandatory license fees
• Post a bond,
• Purchase workman’s compensation and liability insurance
• Establish minimum working capital.

Why Become a Licensed Contractor?

Given the time and expense involved, individuals might wonder if they need to become a licensed contractor. There are many reasons to become a licensed general contractor or trade contractor:

• Competitive edge in marketplace = more clients
• Establish credibility instantly
• It's the law for projects over a certain minimum cost.
• Having insurance and bonding protects you as well as your clients.
• You can charge more!

Any client, whether commercial or residential, would want to know they are contracting with a trustworthy firm certified by the state, county or local jurisdiction. Many homeowner's insurance policies require that work be completed by a licensed contractor. Also, more homeowners are becoming smarter shoppers and no that even though it costs more, working with a licensed contractor is much less risky.

--ContractorTabby 19:27, 9 May 2013 (BST)

[edit] External references.

• General contractors license guide.