Articles for US tradespeople and contractors
Starting a construction company in the USA costs between $10,000 and $50,000 for a typical sole operator – significantly more if you’re moving into commercial work from day one. Here’s the full breakdown. Startup Cost Breakdown Item Low estimate High estimate LLC formation $100 $500 State GC license + exam $200 $1,500 General Liability insurance…
It’s harder than most people expect, and easier than most people fear. The trades knowledge is the easy part. The business is where most people struggle. The Real Challenges Cash flow. Construction is notorious for slow payment. You pay workers and material suppliers now; GCs and property owners pay you in 30-60 days. Without working…
There is no single federal contractor license in the USA. Licensing is handled at the state, county, and sometimes city level – and requirements vary dramatically. Here’s how to navigate it. The Three Levels of US Contractor Licensing 1. State Contractor License Many states require a General Contractor (GC) license. Major licensing states include California…
Commercial construction in the USA pays significantly better margins than residential – but the entry requirements are substantially higher. Here’s what it takes. Key Differences: Commercial vs Residential Factor Residential Commercial Contract size $5K-$500K $100K-$50M+ Insurance minimums $1M GL $2M-$5M GL Bonding Often optional Almost always required Payment terms Deposit + completion AIA payment applications,…
Most successful US construction companies started with little more than a truck, tools, and a willingness to work. You don’t need significant capital to launch – but you do need a smart sequence. Here’s how to bootstrap your way in. Start as a Subcontractor First The lowest-capital entry into construction is subcontracting for established general…
Starting a construction company in the USA is one of the most viable paths to building real wealth as a tradesperson. The US construction industry generates over $2 trillion annually, and demand consistently outstrips supply of qualified contractors. Here’s how to do it right. Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure Most new construction companies start…
Late payment is one of the biggest cash flow killers for self-employed US contractors. You do the work, you wait 30 days, you chase, you wait again. Meanwhile, your truck payment, insurance, and supply account don’t wait. Here’s how to fix it structurally. Set Payment Terms Before the Job Starts The time to establish payment…
Quote and estimate are often used interchangeably – but they have very different legal and practical meanings. Using the wrong one costs US contractors thousands of dollars in disputes every year. What Is a Quote? A quote (also called a “bid” in commercial contracting) is a fixed price offer for a defined scope of work….
A repeat customer costs you nothing to acquire. No lead platform fees, no advertising spend, no bidding against three other contractors. They call you because they already trust you. Building a base of repeat customers is the single most profitable thing a self-employed US contractor can do. Why Repeat Customers Are Your Best Business Asset…
How much should a contractor charge per hour in the USA? In 2026, US contractor rates range from $75 to over $200 per hour depending on your trade, state, experience, and whether you’re running a one-man operation or a crew. Most self-employed contractors significantly undercharge – here’s how to know if you’re one of them….