Gain The Competitive Edge

As the Construction market landscape continues to be more competitive now more than ever it is important to obtain a Contractor’s License and or additional licenses to obtain a competitive edge. With limited dollars to spend on home improvement and construction consumers are compelled to hire the best Contractor they can find and are looking for the most cost effective opportunities.

Many Consumers are not taking a chance at hiring an unlicensed Contractor for fear of potential additional cost to their projects. Consumer skepticism includes fear of unlicensed operator’s not carrying adequate insurance coverage necessary to protect them from potential claims. Unlicensed operators do not carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees as required by California Labor Code or the contractor license bonds required by the state’s Business and Professions (B&P) Code. In this case, should a problem arise the homeowner may be liable if a worker is hurt on their property and without financial recourse if something goes wrong with the project. Many consumers want to avoid costly pitfalls such as these by hiring an experienced Licensed Contractor. For example “badly installed heating or air-conditioning units cost California families money, harm the state’s ability to meet important energy and environmental goals, and can even make people sick,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. Additionally, Failure to obtain a building department permit and have proper follow-up by a California Energy Commission-certified inspector could result in additional expense and risk for the homeowner. A deficient HVAC system may affect a property’s resale value, and could harm the state’s air quality and environment. Inspections ensure that a system is safe, will produce lower utility bills, and help the state and consumer meet energy-efficiency goals. [CSLB]

B&P Code also requires licensees to place their license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed contractors can advertise and perform projects valued at less than $500 but must state in their ads that they are not licensed. A Licensed Contractor in this case would be a more competitive candidate.

The Contractors State Licensing Board works diligently to protect California Consumers from costly mistakes. Recently, four unlicensed operators contracting to replace the air-conditioning unit of a Rancho Bernardo condominium were among the 13 snared for violating California home improvement contracting laws during an undercover contractor sting operation on July 28 and 29, 2010. The Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) was assisted by the San Diego Police and City Attorney, San Diego County District Attorney, and the California Department of Insurance. SWIFT members posed as homeowners seeking bids for the installation of a new air conditioner, and for plumbing, painting, and tile work. “Stings like this help keep California consumers from making an expensive mistake.”

Several industries and occupations also require or prefer licensed contractors which equates to a competitive landscape:

 

 

 

 

How might you gain a competitive edge?

Get Licensed

 Network with other contractors for more business

 Continue your education with seminars and certification programs

 Advertise effectively

 Create a Corporation or DBA to protect your company

 Network and get connected via social media outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

 Price competitively

 Do the best work and build a stellar reputation

 Ask for referrals

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About CSLS

Contractors State License Service (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 23 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. From our main offices in Southern California, CSLS operates over 25 locations with full-service support and classrooms. We have grown to this extent by providing quality, professional services. In comparison, this provides 7 times the number of convenient locations than the second largest contractor school. Contractors State License Services is one of the only contractor schools in the state that is run by educators, not lawyers or people mostly interested in the bonding and insurance business. Contractors State License Services formerly operated under the oversight of the State of California's Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education. As of January 1 2010, the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) came into existence replacing the BPPVE. CSLS now operates under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (CPPEA), Article 4 Section 94874(f). Our Mission is simple; We can help you pass your California Contractors License Exam. Celebrating our 25th year, CSLS has helped over 120,000 students pass the California contractor licensing exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California. Additionally, we offer complete home study and online contractor’s license programs to help you pass your California contractors license exam. CSLS offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including General Engineering Contractor, General Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, Insulation and Acoustical Contractor, Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor, Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor, Concrete Contractor, Drywall Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Elevator Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. For a complete list of contractor licenses, visit www.MakeMeAContractor.com and tuned for more informative posts.