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…
In the UK, Part P-qualified electricians can self-certify domestic electrical work. In the USA, there is no self-certification equivalent – all significant electrical work requires a permit pulled by the contractor and a final inspection by a government building inspector. The US Permit and Inspection Process Step 1: Pull a permit before starting work The…
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No business is fully recession-proof, but trades businesses can be structured to be significantly more resilient than average – particularly if you build around recurring revenue, essential maintenance work, and a diversified customer base. Here is how. 1. Build Recurring Revenue From Maintenance Contracts The most recession-resistant trades businesses have a base of annual maintenance…
Whether you need a license to do drywall work in the USA depends entirely on your state – and in some cases, your city or county. Here’s a practical breakdown. States That Require a Drywall License State License type California C-9 Drywall contractor (CSLB) Florida Plastering/stucco contractor or GC Nevada C-3C Plastering and lathing Louisiana…
A professional quote is often the first real impression a customer gets of your business. Before they’ve seen your work, before they’ve spoken to a reference – they’ve seen your quote. Here’s how to make it count. What a Winning Contractor Quote Includes A professional quote should always contain: Your business name, license number, and…