On a regular basis, you may need to work with other professionals who aren’t clients, employees, or subcontractors. For example, you may need an inspector to provide approval before you can move on to the next stage of construction. These interactions can be simple and quick, but sometimes they’re full of conflict. The good news … Read more
When you’re getting ready to take the contractor licensing exam, you may wonder if it makes sense to sign up for expert preparation for the test. It’s tempting to think you can save the money, but you could be making a big mistake if you do. Test preparation is more than simply reviewing concepts. It … Read more
Studying as an adult can be a lot trickier than it was when you were a kid. You’ve probably got a full-time job, and you may have other family obligations too. All that adds up to a day that is often more full than you think. And yet, you can still find opportunities to study. … Read more
One of the reasons people like small businesses is that they are unique. There’s a lot of opportunities to provide a one-of-a-kind service, when you own a small business. Of course, there’s a lot of unpredictability or inconsistency that can happen with small businesses, and it isn’t always a good thing. If you do these … Read more
When you think about starting a contracting business, it’s tempting to consider involving family and friends in the endeavor. After all, you know them and they know you. If you have a pretty good idea of their work ethic and what to expect, it can be a great partnership. It might also not work out … Read more
The longer you work in the construction industry, the more you’ll understand the changes in supply pricing. Periodically, you’ll notice a steep rise in the cost of steel, lumber or other materials you need on a regular basis. At times, you’ll need to consider raising your own prices. Here are a few factors to remember … Read more
As they say in business, you have to go where the money is. And sometimes, the money isn’t plentiful close to where you live or work. In this case, you might consider taking on a few distance projects to make you more money. Here are a few ways you can evaluate distance projects for your … Read more
While you’re on the job site, there will be times when you are working inside a building or a space that isn’t well-ventilated. Without the right equipment, you could be putting yourself or your employees at risk. Good ventilation is the best way to protect your health, especially when you’re working with chemicals. Here are … Read more
Now that the vaccine for COVID-19 is widely available, a lot of Americans are looking to go back to some kind of normal. But even though all adults and many children can get a vaccine, not everyone wants to. There are a lot of reasons, and construction has the highest proportion of vaccine-hesitant workers. If … Read more
In your personal life, you’ve probably learned how to spot a few scams. It helps you avoid financial loss and major embarrassment. But you should also know that there are people who will target businesses with scams, too. Here are a few red flags you should watch for, as well as a few ways you … Read more