When to Enlist the Services of a Qualified Expert Subcontractor

What is the role of a subcontractor in Florida?

As a general contractor in Florida, you may be overseeing a larger-scale construction project, a renovation or even a residential remodel, but it’s possible that there are tasks that you do not have the expertise or necessary skills to complete. If this is the case, your first thought should be to enlist the services of a qualified expert subcontractor.

Subcontractors are brought onto a project to help with the completion of a specific task. Here’s what you need to know:

What is a subcontractor?

A general contractor in Florida or the project manager will hire a subcontractor to help with a specialized area of a construction project. They will offer their skills and expertise which may be necessary to complete the job. The benefits of hiring a subcontractor include getting the job done quicker as “more hands make light work”, but also because they are specialists at their specific tasks. This will help ensure that you meet any deadlines or project milestones. Also, because of their higher skill level and the fact that you have hired them to complete a specific task, they will complete it with excellent attention to detail and will complete the work to a high-quality standard.

Types of subcontractors that a general contractor or project manager will hire include:

• Plumbers
• Roofers
• Framers
• Carpenters
• Electricians

Each of these subcontractors focuses on a single specific area of a construction project that requires their expertise, allowing them to further specialize in that role.

What role does a subcontractor play on a construction project?

Particularly for larger construction projects, the role of a subcontractor is vital. There are likely to be a number of tasks happening simultaneously so a general contractor will need to subcontract different tasks to move different areas of the project closer to completion. 

The subcontractor’s primary focus is to complete the job to which he or she has been assigned and to support the general contractor in getting that particular part of the job done within the set deadlines. The approach of subcontracting certain areas of the project means that the general contractor has greater assurance that the work is being handled by a skilled professional and that various projects are happening simultaneously so that construction stays on schedule.

What is the best way to choose a subcontractor?

A good reputation and a strong track record are the most important considerations when selecting a subcontractor as the general contractor needs to be able to trust the subcontractor to deliver a high standard of work. The prospective subcontractor will, therefore, need to provide examples of previous projects that have been completed successfully as well as sharing references of clients who have been satisfied with the work done. This gives general contractors peace of mind knowing that there won’t be any issues with inspections or possible delays in completion times. 

Once a few subcontractors have been short-listed, the general contractor will compare the bids. It will be important to choose a bid that is cost-effective, without compromising on the level of quality. For many general contractors and subcontractors, if they work together well on a project, it’s likely that they will call upon those contractors for future projects, forming a long-term professional relationship.

As with all areas of construction, there is a lot of documentation that the general contractor will need to have in place before hiring a subcontractor. Contractor’s Reporting Services in Tampa, Fl, offers back-office services designed to take care of the paperwork so their clients can get on with the business of construction and building in Florida. 

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The post When to Enlist the Services of a Qualified Expert Subcontractor appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

When to Enlist the Services of a Qualified Expert Subcontractor

What is the role of a subcontractor in Florida?

As a general contractor in Florida, you may be overseeing a larger-scale construction project, a renovation or even a residential remodel, but it’s possible that there are tasks that you do not have the expertise or necessary skills to complete. If this is the case, your first thought should be to enlist the services of a qualified expert subcontractor.

Subcontractors are brought onto a project to help with the completion of a specific task. Here’s what you need to know:

What is a subcontractor?

A general contractor in Florida or the project manager will hire a subcontractor to help with a specialized area of a construction project. They will offer their skills and expertise which may be necessary to complete the job. The benefits of hiring a subcontractor include getting the job done quicker as “more hands make light work”, but also because they are specialists at their specific tasks. This will help ensure that you meet any deadlines or project milestones. Also, because of their higher skill level and the fact that you have hired them to complete a specific task, they will complete it with excellent attention to detail and will complete the work to a high-quality standard.

Types of subcontractors that a general contractor or project manager will hire include:

• Plumbers
• Roofers
• Framers
• Carpenters
• Electricians

Each of these subcontractors focuses on a single specific area of a construction project that requires their expertise, allowing them to further specialize in that role.

What role does a subcontractor play on a construction project?

Particularly for larger construction projects, the role of a subcontractor is vital. There are likely to be a number of tasks happening simultaneously so a general contractor will need to subcontract different tasks to move different areas of the project closer to completion. 

The subcontractor’s primary focus is to complete the job to which he or she has been assigned and to support the general contractor in getting that particular part of the job done within the set deadlines. The approach of subcontracting certain areas of the project means that the general contractor has greater assurance that the work is being handled by a skilled professional and that various projects are happening simultaneously so that construction stays on schedule.

What is the best way to choose a subcontractor?

A good reputation and a strong track record are the most important considerations when selecting a subcontractor as the general contractor needs to be able to trust the subcontractor to deliver a high standard of work. The prospective subcontractor will, therefore, need to provide examples of previous projects that have been completed successfully as well as sharing references of clients who have been satisfied with the work done. This gives general contractors peace of mind knowing that there won’t be any issues with inspections or possible delays in completion times. 

Once a few subcontractors have been short-listed, the general contractor will compare the bids. It will be important to choose a bid that is cost-effective, without compromising on the level of quality. For many general contractors and subcontractors, if they work together well on a project, it’s likely that they will call upon those contractors for future projects, forming a long-term professional relationship.

As with all areas of construction, there is a lot of documentation that the general contractor will need to have in place before hiring a subcontractor. Contractor’s Reporting Services in Tampa, Fl, offers back-office services designed to take care of the paperwork so their clients can get on with the business of construction and building in Florida. 

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The post When to Enlist the Services of a Qualified Expert Subcontractor appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Florida General Contractor License Application Requirements

The Types and Requirements for a Florida General Contractor License

If you’re interested in becoming a general contractor in Florida, you need to be licensed to perform construction work legally. There are two primary licenses to choose from which will allow you to perform general contracting work either throughout the whole state of Florida or only in a specific local jurisdiction. In both cases, the licensing is done through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (which operates under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.) These agencies have established the requirements for getting a general contractor’s license in Florida. 

A contracting company will also need to register with the appropriate agency (after determining their business structure), in order to become licensed for tax numbers. 

It seems like there is a lot that needs to be done, but these are the most important steps:

Understand the Application Requirements for a Florida Contractors License

There are different license types and your choice will depend on which contractor license you are looking for but, in general, you will need to:

• Be eighteen years or older
• Have proof of your financial solvency, including a FICO credit score of over 660 (if it is lower, you can purchase a surety bond).
• Scan and comply with electronic fingerprinting (there are a number of approved Livescan Device Vendors)
• Pass your Florida State Construction Exam
• Fill out your application
• Pay all applicable fees (including application and licensing)
• Provide proof of general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance

Choose the Type of General Contractor License and Meet Additional Requirements

There are two types of general contractors’ licenses available in Florida:

A Certified License

This is valid throughout the state, so you are permitted to work anywhere in Florida.

A Registered License

This limits you to working within a local jurisdiction and you will also need to have been issued a certificate of competency by the jurisdiction. 

From there, you can then apply for a more specific contractor’s license. As a general contractor, the most important ones to consider are:

• Building contractor – for commercial or residential buildings over three stories high, this license allows you to work on construction, repair, remodeling or improvements.
• Residential contractor – for dwellings of between one and three families that are no more than two stories high, you can work on construction, repair, remodeling or improvements.
• General contractor – there is no limit on the improvement of any structure or building type and you can carry out construction, repairs, alterations, remodeling, and improvements.

Applying for a Certified General Contractor License 

It is possible to apply for a general contractor certified license either as an individual contractor or as a qualified business. Applicants are first required to pass the state certification examination, and once that has been passed, the application for licensure can begin. 

Tasks include:

• Downloading and completing the Florida State Construction Examination application.
• If the exam is passed, downloading and completing the application packet (for either an individual or business).
• Provide additional documentation including a FICO approved credit score, and proof of education and experience (applicants must have four years of experience or a combination of college and experience).
• Undergoing a background check including fingerprinting.
• Securing general liability and property damage insurance.
• Securing workers’ compensation insurance (or being granted an exemption within 30 days of receiving a license).

Getting a general contractor’s license in Florida doesn’t need to be complicated or difficult. Partnering with Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, FL, makes the process simple and smooth-sailing. With many years of experience in the industry, they’ll take care of the applications and paperwork so that your general contracting business gets up and running quickly. 

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The post Florida General Contractor License Application Requirements appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Real Estate Trends in 2020

Projected Real Estate Trends for 2020 Analyzed by Contractor Licensing Experts

Realtor.com has recently published its housing market predictions for 2020. In the forecast, analysts looked at four areas: supply, demand, home sales, and the move to affordability.

1) Supply

Low affordability and higher interest rates caused growth in the housing inventory, while higher housing prices and higher interest rates raised barriers to entry. Houses sat on the market, and mortgage rates dropped. Borderline buyers entered the market. At the start of 2019, two out of three markets were seeing inventory growth. By the end of 2019, only one in ten markets were seeing inventory growth, placing housing into acute shortage mode. Acute shortage mode will drive prices up and create an opportunity for new home construction.

2) Demand

Several factors impact demand. A low-interest-rate environment, rising rents, and the growing millennial population broadened the potential home buyer pool and kept alive a robust demand in 2019. Buyer sentiment reached a high point in the summer months and energized sales growth in the fall. By the end of 2019, low affordability and economic uncertainty cooled buyer sentiment.

According to the article, “For the first time ever, Millennials’ share of mortgage originations will surpass 50 percent in the spring, outnumbering Gen X and Baby Boomers combined. The last generation to take more than half of all purchase originations was Gen X in 2013, just six years ago. Accordingly, other generations’ footprint will continue to contract, with Gen X and Baby Boomers taking 32 and 17 percent of mortgage originations respectively.”

3) Home sales

The decrease in sales is projected to be accompanied by flattening growth in price. With the supply of available homes continuing to be delicately balanced, and the entry-level demand expected to remain strong, prices are estimated to rise by 0.8% in 2020.

4) Move to affordability

Forecasters highlight a cultural feature of the Millennials that has impacted real estate development nationwide. Millennials are currently drawn to the city.

The article explains, “A dominant trait of this real estate cycle has been the renaissance of the urban downtowns. As younger generations returned to downtown cores, employers and developers responded by building offices, retail, and housing in high-density environments. However, as the costs of development and construction rose, so did housing prices, especially given the propensity for builders to bring mostly high-end, luxury products to market. Over the past decade, demand for downtown living trended on an upward curve, driven by a desire for proximity, and lifestyle amenities, especially on the part of Millennials.”

However, aging Millennials are maturing and starting families. They have shifted their priorities and are looking for more affordable housing outside the bustle of the city. On the other end of the spectrum, Baby Boomers are looking for lower taxes, a milder climate, and more affordable living in general.

What will 2020 be like for buyers?

Buying a home in 2020 will offer opportunities for some buyers. The supply of new homes will relieve some pressure on inventory, and prices will tend to move toward affordability. The inventory of new homes in 2019 remained focused on the high-end, but, as the luxury market cooled, builders signaled their intent to increase offerings in the mid-price segment. First-time buyers will continue to struggle with finding a home where they want it and at a price they can afford. They will still struggle to some extent, even with mortgage rates in an approachable range, since entry-level inventory is expected to remain somewhat tight. The widespread moderation in price will continue to offer opportunities in mid-sized markets in the Midwest and South.

What will 2020 be like for sellers?

Quoting from the article: “Sellers in 2020 will contend with flattening price growth and slowing activity, requiring more patience and a thoughtful approach to pricing. Sellers of homes priced for entry-level buyers can expect the market to remain competitive and prices to stay firm. At the upper end of the price range, however, properties will take longer to sell, and incentives will be needed to close deals. As the market moves toward a more balanced scenario, sellers who adjust to local market conditions can expect to benefit from continuing demand.”

How Will the 2020 Presidential Election the economy?

While some political elections can have an impact on the economy and housing markets, the outcome of elections is not linked directly to the performance of the markets. Expectations linked to a political party’s or an administration’s likely legislative or regulatory actions can influence confidence and decision-making.

The report provides the following forecast for key housing indicators:

• Existing home sales will decline by 1.8%. 
• Single-family home housing starts will increase by 6%. 
• Home price growth will flatten, with a forecasted increase of 0.8%.
• Inventory will remain constrained, especially at the entry-level price segment.
• Mortgage rates are likely to bump up to 3.88 percent by the end of the year.
• Tight inventory and rising mortgage rates will lead to dropping sales.
• Buyers will continue to move to affordability, benefiting mid-sized markets.

To be ready for the opportunities in 2020, general contractors must prepare. With over fifty years of experience in Florida helping contractors of all types, Contractors Reporting Services guides contractors through the nuances and typical challenges associated with obtaining a contractor’s license as well as incorporation, renewals, annual reporting, credit reports, bonds, and more. Contractors Reporting Services comes alongside the contractor and handles all licensing needs.

For more information about obtaining a Florida contractor’s license, contact Contractors Reporting Services at (813) 932-5244 or email the team at info@activatemylicense.com. Visit them on the web at https://activatemylicense.com.

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The post Real Estate Trends in 2020 appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Florida General Contractor License Application Requirements

The Types and Requirements for a Florida General Contractor License

If you’re interested in becoming a general contractor in Florida, you need to be licensed to perform construction work legally. There are two primary licenses to choose from which will allow you to perform general contracting work either throughout the whole state of Florida or only in a specific local jurisdiction. In both cases, the licensing is done through the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (which operates under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.) These agencies have established the requirements for getting a general contractor’s license in Florida. 

A contracting company will also need to register with the appropriate agency (after determining their business structure), in order to become licensed for tax numbers. 

It seems like there is a lot that needs to be done, but these are the most important steps:

Understand the Application Requirements for a Florida Contractors License

There are different license types and your choice will depend on which contractor license you are looking for but, in general, you will need to:

• Be eighteen years or older
• Have proof of your financial solvency, including a FICO credit score of over 660 (if it is lower, you can purchase a surety bond).
• Scan and comply with electronic fingerprinting (there are a number of approved Livescan Device Vendors)
• Pass your Florida State Construction Exam
• Fill out your application
• Pay all applicable fees (including application and licensing)
• Provide proof of general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance

Choose the Type of General Contractor License and Meet Additional Requirements

There are two types of general contractors’ licenses available in Florida:

A Certified License

This is valid throughout the state, so you are permitted to work anywhere in Florida.

A Registered License

This limits you to working within a local jurisdiction and you will also need to have been issued a certificate of competency by the jurisdiction. 

From there, you can then apply for a more specific contractor’s license. As a general contractor, the most important ones to consider are:

• Building contractor – for commercial or residential buildings over three stories high, this license allows you to work on construction, repair, remodeling or improvements.
• Residential contractor – for dwellings of between one and three families that are no more than two stories high, you can work on construction, repair, remodeling or improvements.
• General contractor – there is no limit on the improvement of any structure or building type and you can carry out construction, repairs, alterations, remodeling, and improvements.

Applying for a Certified General Contractor License 

It is possible to apply for a general contractor certified license either as an individual contractor or as a qualified business. Applicants are first required to pass the state certification examination, and once that has been passed, the application for licensure can begin. 

Tasks include:

• Downloading and completing the Florida State Construction Examination application.
• If the exam is passed, downloading and completing the application packet (for either an individual or business).
• Provide additional documentation including a FICO approved credit score, and proof of education and experience (applicants must have four years of experience or a combination of college and experience).
• Undergoing a background check including fingerprinting.
• Securing general liability and property damage insurance.
• Securing workers’ compensation insurance (or being granted an exemption within 30 days of receiving a license).

Getting a general contractor’s license in Florida doesn’t need to be complicated or difficult. Partnering with Contractors Reporting Services in Tampa, FL, makes the process simple and smooth-sailing. With many years of experience in the industry, they’ll take care of the applications and paperwork so that your general contracting business gets up and running quickly. 

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The post Florida General Contractor License Application Requirements appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.

Real Estate Trends in 2020

Projected Real Estate Trends for 2020 Analyzed by Contractor Licensing Experts

Realtor.com has recently published its housing market predictions for 2020. In the forecast, analysts looked at four areas: supply, demand, home sales, and the move to affordability.

1) Supply

Low affordability and higher interest rates caused growth in the housing inventory, while higher housing prices and higher interest rates raised barriers to entry. Houses sat on the market, and mortgage rates dropped. Borderline buyers entered the market. At the start of 2019, two out of three markets were seeing inventory growth. By the end of 2019, only one in ten markets were seeing inventory growth, placing housing into acute shortage mode. Acute shortage mode will drive prices up and create an opportunity for new home construction.

2) Demand

Several factors impact demand. A low-interest-rate environment, rising rents, and the growing millennial population broadened the potential home buyer pool and kept alive a robust demand in 2019. Buyer sentiment reached a high point in the summer months and energized sales growth in the fall. By the end of 2019, low affordability and economic uncertainty cooled buyer sentiment.

According to the article, “For the first time ever, Millennials’ share of mortgage originations will surpass 50 percent in the spring, outnumbering Gen X and Baby Boomers combined. The last generation to take more than half of all purchase originations was Gen X in 2013, just six years ago. Accordingly, other generations’ footprint will continue to contract, with Gen X and Baby Boomers taking 32 and 17 percent of mortgage originations respectively.”

3) Home sales

The decrease in sales is projected to be accompanied by flattening growth in price. With the supply of available homes continuing to be delicately balanced, and the entry-level demand expected to remain strong, prices are estimated to rise by 0.8% in 2020.

4) Move to affordability

Forecasters highlight a cultural feature of the Millennials that has impacted real estate development nationwide. Millennials are currently drawn to the city.

The article explains, “A dominant trait of this real estate cycle has been the renaissance of the urban downtowns. As younger generations returned to downtown cores, employers and developers responded by building offices, retail, and housing in high-density environments. However, as the costs of development and construction rose, so did housing prices, especially given the propensity for builders to bring mostly high-end, luxury products to market. Over the past decade, demand for downtown living trended on an upward curve, driven by a desire for proximity, and lifestyle amenities, especially on the part of Millennials.”

However, aging Millennials are maturing and starting families. They have shifted their priorities and are looking for more affordable housing outside the bustle of the city. On the other end of the spectrum, Baby Boomers are looking for lower taxes, a milder climate, and more affordable living in general.

What will 2020 be like for buyers?

Buying a home in 2020 will offer opportunities for some buyers. The supply of new homes will relieve some pressure on inventory, and prices will tend to move toward affordability. The inventory of new homes in 2019 remained focused on the high-end, but, as the luxury market cooled, builders signaled their intent to increase offerings in the mid-price segment. First-time buyers will continue to struggle with finding a home where they want it and at a price they can afford. They will still struggle to some extent, even with mortgage rates in an approachable range, since entry-level inventory is expected to remain somewhat tight. The widespread moderation in price will continue to offer opportunities in mid-sized markets in the Midwest and South.

What will 2020 be like for sellers?

Quoting from the article: “Sellers in 2020 will contend with flattening price growth and slowing activity, requiring more patience and a thoughtful approach to pricing. Sellers of homes priced for entry-level buyers can expect the market to remain competitive and prices to stay firm. At the upper end of the price range, however, properties will take longer to sell, and incentives will be needed to close deals. As the market moves toward a more balanced scenario, sellers who adjust to local market conditions can expect to benefit from continuing demand.”

How Will the 2020 Presidential Election the economy?

While some political elections can have an impact on the economy and housing markets, the outcome of elections is not linked directly to the performance of the markets. Expectations linked to a political party’s or an administration’s likely legislative or regulatory actions can influence confidence and decision-making.

The report provides the following forecast for key housing indicators:

• Existing home sales will decline by 1.8%. 
• Single-family home housing starts will increase by 6%. 
• Home price growth will flatten, with a forecasted increase of 0.8%.
• Inventory will remain constrained, especially at the entry-level price segment.
• Mortgage rates are likely to bump up to 3.88 percent by the end of the year.
• Tight inventory and rising mortgage rates will lead to dropping sales.
• Buyers will continue to move to affordability, benefiting mid-sized markets.

To be ready for the opportunities in 2020, general contractors must prepare. With over fifty years of experience in Florida helping contractors of all types, Contractors Reporting Services guides contractors through the nuances and typical challenges associated with obtaining a contractor’s license as well as incorporation, renewals, annual reporting, credit reports, bonds, and more. Contractors Reporting Services comes alongside the contractor and handles all licensing needs.

For more information about obtaining a Florida contractor’s license, contact Contractors Reporting Services at (813) 932-5244 or email the team at info@activatemylicense.com. Visit them on the web at https://activatemylicense.com.

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The post Real Estate Trends in 2020 appeared first on Contractors Reporting Services.