Here in California getting the license offers more freedom and opportunity to produce profits, however the business requirements and tax liabilities are alot higher than other states, especially since California has the most amount of licensed contractors in the country, the markets tend to be more competitive and tax reporting is based on a quarterly schedule and also the tax rates are some of the highest. There is also a very low bar for unlicensed contractors which can only perform 500$ jobs including labor and materials so there are limitations in what jobs they can perform. Anyone looking to move here for construction should ensure they have a good connection or opportunity with a large company or union or else it will be pretty rough starting out on your own as a licensed contractor or unlicensed one. There also is weird reciprocity agreements for the licensed contractors here in California you must have 4 years as a licensed business before you are able to transfer your business to any reciprocity agreement states such as Nevada, Arizona, or Louisiana. Also after waiting the 4 year grace period, you have to re-take another exam and meet new requirements which in my opinion is very impractical. Not much of an equal opportunity or "One nation" if every state has separate and opposing business requirements that limit opportunity and growth. Anyways good luck out there to all the new businesses and contractors
Yeah California is not pro small business. I lived their until 2012. We left like most SHOULD. Best of luck for you but I’d recommend moving to a state that is pro business at least not anti business!
@@RenovationsandRepair I'm definitely looking into other options, but I have most of my family here and I'm pretty young so I'm limited on what I can do. The reason I got the license initially was to work locally, I used to work for a flooring shop that sent us everywhere but to local jobs so I was tired of that cycle. I want to open a retail store but there is no affordable spaces open and the market right now for my type of work if I were to open the store would definitely end up bad. I've seen multiple retailers in our industry in my community have to foreclose so I'm gonna to take that as a hint to wait.
What study matierial should i be getting. The only book recommended by the 60 hr course is the glencoe carpentry and construction book. Any other books i should pick up?
Me & my father moved from Ohio to Florida when I graduated high school & he got licensed down there. Even after being a great contractor in Ohio my whole life he still talks about how difficult it was to get licensed in Florida. I’m back in Ohio following the same path. Thanks for the video. Great content!
Having lived in Florida for over 20yrs, I can say that the difficulty in passing a builder’s license there doesn’t mean the homes are necessarily built better. The environment dictates different construction methods and materials, not too mention codes specific to Florida. The construction methods are quite different from what is considered standard practice in the Midwest. Just because a contractor has experience in one locale, doesn’t mean they are qualified to build in another, without first demonstrating knowledge and competence in local methods and codes by completing testing and licensing requirements. That said, it’s no guarantee you’re getting a better built home. 👍🏻
Is there somewhere I can get the irc book to study for free or do I have to buy them online. I’m also in Michigan and just starting my own business. Thanks for your video. Really helpful and to the point that I was looking for.
You said in MI you do not need license to pull commercial permits are you sure ? So a handyman can pull permits for commercial For wall framing Drywall Plumbing Electric?
Building permits....a license is not required for commercial work. (Your commercial customer's may require it thought. Still need license for other trades to pull permits.
So with your license, are you able to swap out sinks, toilets etc. Are you able to replace outlets, install celling fans, install new outlets - install new LED lighting etc? Also, are clients for the most part requiring and insisting you pull permits, or do they just ask you to do the work without inspections, permits etc?
@@RenovationsandRepair…and to clarify, I believe the OP was wondering if with a residential builder’s license, you are able to do certain types of basic electrical and plumbing work like the examples he gave, without having that specific trade license, and the answer is yes. In Michigan, a handyman, (no license required) could also do some of the things listed as long as it doesn’t require require a permit, or builder’s inspection, and the job doesn’t exceed $600 in total, as R&R stated. Hanging a ceiling fan, or setting a new toilet, would be good examples.
I'm trying to get certified for gutter installation, I've been doing the work for over a year with my friend and his dad, and wanna start my own business in Michigan. I've done the 60 hours of pre required courses, but 99% of it had nothing even close to being related to gutter installation. Just worried about taking the test with no study material, since i can't find a single thing online for it.
You would be lucky to get 1 or 2 questions on the trstrelated to gutters....study what they covered in the class. Th2n study it over again then take the test.
You say you can be insured without being licensed. How is this possible? Everything I fill out for insurance has a section where I have to agree to be insured. I am trying to cover my butt until I can get through the courses and test. I was thinking of going down the handyman route small jobs but I’m not sure I'll have the work lined up to financially provide. I am a Michigan resident.
I’m in the Detroit metro area. Any insurance company will gladly take your money. You will get liability insurance for what you are legally allowed to do. So in Michigan anything under $600 if you are not licensed.
You can get insurance I got it not long ago, for a job. Just ask for liability insurance and get the quote it can be anything from 300-900$ that covers up to 1 million dollars. They don’t ask for much, just basic info of what do you do and experience
Yes! Dont give Angie List your money.! I would focus on Facebook page and adds if you want to out money into advertisements. Home advisor is not ideal for most cotractors. Here in Michigan you need to have a license to charge anyone over a $1000 for anything. Doesn't have to be a builder's license though.
So i'm looking to get into getting my builders license more so on the relm on purchasing my own homes, remodeling, then selling. "Flipping" if you will. I know I technically do not need a license; however, i know it wouldn't hurt. I see several courses for "builders pre licensure" but none for "residential builders license". I imagine they are the same thing? Would you still recommend a license if not doing work for a customer per say?
Absolutely. The class is a great educational tool that opens anyone’s train of though bout building anything. Though depending on your state, it really depends if the time investment is worth it.
@@RenovationsandRepair I’m also in Michigan, and have done 2 flips so far. I’m sure there is more for me to learn, just didn’t know if it was absolutely necessary since I’d be working on my own homes
If you’re serious start small! Many company’s will take laborers with no experience (low pay) spend a year or so and soak in as much as you can. Take that and go from there. Always invest in yourself! Tools, etc. don’t wait for people to take you serious, make them see you’re serious. I know quite a few successful female blue collars & im in Pontiac ! Follow your interests!
This makes me not wanna get my license. I wanna get it. That way, if I'm doing something, I can go to wholesome and get what i need. No longer havecto recommend other companies to people.
Thanks man , an honor to know men like you out there 👊
😂😂😂 I love when you said a weekend warrior, because I’m one of those 😂😂😂
We all Start out a weekend warrior with something! Good to go man!
Very very helpful thanks a mil
man if you saved one persons life by reminding them to get their routine exams youre a saint
"Leverage" was the word you were looking for.
Here in California getting the license offers more freedom and opportunity to produce profits, however the business requirements and tax liabilities are alot higher than other states, especially since California has the most amount of licensed contractors in the country, the markets tend to be more competitive and tax reporting is based on a quarterly schedule and also the tax rates are some of the highest. There is also a very low bar for unlicensed contractors which can only perform 500$ jobs including labor and materials so there are limitations in what jobs they can perform. Anyone looking to move here for construction should ensure they have a good connection or opportunity with a large company or union or else it will be pretty rough starting out on your own as a licensed contractor or unlicensed one. There also is weird reciprocity agreements for the licensed contractors here in California you must have 4 years as a licensed business before you are able to transfer your business to any reciprocity agreement states such as Nevada, Arizona, or Louisiana. Also after waiting the 4 year grace period, you have to re-take another exam and meet new requirements which in my opinion is very impractical. Not much of an equal opportunity or "One nation" if every state has separate and opposing business requirements that limit opportunity and growth. Anyways good luck out there to all the new businesses and contractors
Yeah California is not pro small business. I lived their until 2012. We left like most SHOULD. Best of luck for you but I’d recommend moving to a state that is pro business at least not anti business!
@@RenovationsandRepair I'm definitely looking into other options, but I have most of my family here and I'm pretty young so I'm limited on what I can do. The reason I got the license initially was to work locally, I used to work for a flooring shop that sent us everywhere but to local jobs so I was tired of that cycle. I want to open a retail store but there is no affordable spaces open and the market right now for my type of work if I were to open the store would definitely end up bad. I've seen multiple retailers in our industry in my community have to foreclose so I'm gonna to take that as a hint to wait.
What study matierial should i be getting. The only book recommended by the 60 hr course is the glencoe carpentry and construction book. Any other books i should pick up?
Me & my father moved from Ohio to Florida when I graduated high school & he got licensed down there. Even after being a great contractor in Ohio my whole life he still talks about how difficult it was to get licensed in Florida. I’m back in Ohio following the same path. Thanks for the video. Great content!
Having lived in Florida for over 20yrs, I can say that the difficulty in passing a builder’s license there doesn’t mean the homes are necessarily built better. The environment dictates different construction methods and materials, not too mention codes specific to Florida. The construction methods are quite different from what is considered standard practice in the Midwest. Just because a contractor has experience in one locale, doesn’t mean they are qualified to build in another, without first demonstrating knowledge and competence in local methods and codes by completing testing and licensing requirements. That said, it’s no guarantee you’re getting a better built home. 👍🏻
Is there somewhere I can get the irc book to study for free or do I have to buy them online. I’m also in Michigan and just starting my own business. Thanks for your video. Really helpful and to the point that I was looking for.
I think you have to buy them. I had them sent to me with the course I took
Hey where in Michigan did u take the course? Can you point me in the correct direction please?
You said in MI you do not need license to pull commercial permits are you sure ? So a handyman can pull permits for commercial
For wall framing
Drywall
Plumbing
Electric?
Building permits....a license is not required for commercial work. (Your commercial customer's may require it thought.
Still need license for other trades to pull permits.
Thanks for info! Also in Michigan and just starting out. Thought about taking the test. This solidifies my decision. Thanks!
Thanks. Go for it
So with your license, are you able to swap out sinks, toilets etc. Are you able to replace outlets, install celling fans, install new outlets - install new LED lighting etc? Also, are clients for the most part requiring and insisting you pull permits, or do they just ask you to do the work without inspections, permits etc?
In this state if the repair is over $600 a license is required
@@RenovationsandRepair…and to clarify, I believe the OP was wondering if with a residential builder’s license, you are able to do certain types of basic electrical and plumbing work like the examples he gave, without having that specific trade license, and the answer is yes. In Michigan, a handyman, (no license required) could also do some of the things listed as long as it doesn’t require require a permit, or builder’s inspection, and the job doesn’t exceed $600 in total, as R&R stated. Hanging a ceiling fan, or setting a new toilet, would be good examples.
I'm trying to get certified for gutter installation, I've been doing the work for over a year with my friend and his dad, and wanna start my own business in Michigan. I've done the 60 hours of pre required courses, but 99% of it had nothing even close to being related to gutter installation. Just worried about taking the test with no study material, since i can't find a single thing online for it.
You would be lucky to get 1 or 2 questions on the trstrelated to gutters....study what they covered in the class. Th2n study it over again then take the test.
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward more video’s.
You say you can be insured without being licensed. How is this possible? Everything I fill out for insurance has a section where I have to agree to be insured. I am trying to cover my butt until I can get through the courses and test. I was thinking of going down the handyman route small jobs but I’m not sure I'll have the work lined up to financially provide. I am a Michigan resident.
I’m in the Detroit metro area. Any insurance company will gladly take your money. You will get liability insurance for what you are legally allowed to do. So in Michigan anything under $600 if you are not licensed.
You can get insurance I got it not long ago, for a job. Just ask for liability insurance and get the quote it can be anything from 300-900$ that covers up to 1 million dollars.
They don’t ask for much, just basic info of what do you do and experience
Angie's is telling me I need contractor license to be on signed up as painter. There's no painter license in Michigan. Any advice?
Yes! Dont give Angie List your money.! I would focus on Facebook page and adds if you want to out money into advertisements. Home advisor is not ideal for most cotractors.
Here in Michigan you need to have a license to charge anyone over a $1000 for anything. Doesn't have to be a builder's license though.
Do you know if you’re licensed as a KB1 (builders license no cap in AZ) if you’d still need to complete the 60 hour course in Michigan?
Yes you will need the 60 hour course
So true about the quality of work. Nice trailer btw. How is the dewalt rack system working out so far?
The Dewalt rack is one of the beat ideas I had for the trailer. Working out 100%
Thanks a lot, very informative!
So i'm looking to get into getting my builders license more so on the relm on purchasing my own homes, remodeling, then selling. "Flipping" if you will. I know I technically do not need a license; however, i know it wouldn't hurt. I see several courses for "builders pre licensure" but none for "residential builders license". I imagine they are the same thing? Would you still recommend a license if not doing work for a customer per say?
Absolutely. The class is a great educational tool that opens anyone’s train of though bout building anything. Though depending on your state, it really depends if the time investment is worth it.
@@RenovationsandRepair I’m also in Michigan, and have done 2 flips so far. I’m sure there is more for me to learn, just didn’t know if it was absolutely necessary since I’d be working on my own homes
No not necessary to have your own license. Being the home owner you can pull all the permits for the property.
Im thinking about getting my license right now. What are all of the different kinds of businesses you can do as a contractor?
Anything really except electrical, plumbing, and hvac.
@@RenovationsandRepair 😂 but that's the only three skills I have.
Can I please just shadow you volunteer do free work I’m so interested I’m in Michigan and I’m a female so no one takes me serious 😩😩
I’m in southern Michigan with the same license I’ll show ya some stuff and I’d pay ya too 😂
@@demarestdouglas listen. I’ll quit my job right now if your serious 😆
If you’re serious start small! Many company’s will take laborers with no experience (low pay) spend a year or so and soak in as much as you can. Take that and go from there. Always invest in yourself! Tools, etc. don’t wait for people to take you serious, make them see you’re serious. I know quite a few successful female blue collars & im in Pontiac ! Follow your interests!
Thank you. I appreciate it
@@fabcosav7340 never give up on what you want to do. Good luck!
Michigan strong 😍😍😍😍😍
Yes sir
🍻🍺🍕
yo konaman !
@@kingofthecrease30 Yo yo king are you doing🍻🍺
This makes me not wanna get my license. I wanna get it. That way, if I'm doing something, I can go to wholesome and get what i need. No longer havecto recommend other companies to people.