How do construction and contractor licenses and permits work?
Construction and contractor licenses and permits show prospective clients that your company is qualified to handle the job and in compliance with local building regulations, and they can keep you from getting fines that impact your bottom line.
Construction companies and building contractors are usually required to obtain building permits from local authorities before beginning new projects, and in some instances, they may also need to be licensed.
When are construction licenses necessary?
If you’re just starting a construction or contracting company, you’ll need to apply for a general business license. Whether you need additional specialized contractor or construction licenses depends on state and local laws and the type of projects you work on.
For instance, California requires all contractors who build or modify buildings to be licensed with the state if the job cost exceeds $500. New York mandates that home-improvement businesses carry a license only if they operate in certain cities.
While some states have general requirements, your business might need other licenses depending on its specialty. Electricians, drywallers, roofers, and other construction companies may need to obtain licenses from industry associations, and many licensing bodies will require you to pay fees and pass exams to earn certification.
Not all states and industries require construction professionals to be licensed, but even if it isn’t mandatory, it still offers benefits. Getting a professional license or certification could give you an advantage over competition, and some large clients may only work with construction companies and contractors who are licensed.
In some states, construction licenses can help you collect damages if a client fails to pay you for your work.
How do permits for construction work?
Most construction projects and many home improvement jobs will require your business to obtain a building permit. The process varies by location, but generally, getting a building permit entails:
- Completing an application
- Creating and submitting a construction site plan and building blueprint, often with the help of an architect
- Scheduling an appointment with the city or county for building plan approval, which could take weeks or months if revisions are needed
- Scheduling regular inspections during construction
- Getting final approval from local building authorities
While major residential or commercial construction jobs likely require building permits, trade workers such as house painters and carpet installers are unlikely to need them. Be sure to check your local laws before planning any construction project, as building regulations can change.
Insurance and bonds for construction businesses and contractors
Having the proper licenses and permits shows that you run a legitimate and reputable business, and buying insurance and bonds reassures clients that they won’t be held liable for damages if something goes wrong during a costly project. Construction companies and contractors often purchase the following policies, and some clients will require that you have them before they will hire you:
General liability insurance
In an inherently risky industry like construction, general liability insurance is essential. General liability insurance covers your business if a visitor suffers an injury at a construction site or you damage a client’s property.
Workers’ compensation insurance
A construction site is full of potential hazards, and worker injuries can happen at any time. Most states require construction businesses and contractors – even those without employees – to carry workers’ compensation insurance to pay for the costs of injured employees’ medical bills and reimburse them for lost wages.
Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance
Most construction businesses depend on expensive equipment, and contractor’s tools and equipment insurance reimburses you for tools or machinery that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Commercial auto insurance
Construction companies that own vehicles will want to purchase a commercial auto policy to cover any damage from accidents. Commercial auto insurance is required in almost every state for vehicles owned by a business.
If your business rents vehicles or employees drive their own cars for business purposes, hired and non-owned auto insurance offers protection.
Surety bonds
Surety bonds protect government agencies that issue building permits and are frequently required for construction projects. Surety bonds guarantee that your company will pay financial damages to government agencies if a third party sues them over your work.
Professional liability insurance
Also known as errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance will help pay for the costs of a lawsuit if a client sues you over a construction defect. You might also consider builder’s risk insurance (or course of construction insurance), which protects your business if fires, vandals, or weather events damage a structure in progress.
Compare construction industry insurance quotes from trusted carriers with Insureon
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Brian Carlton, Contributing Writer
Brian is a contributing writer that has experience covering finance, insurance, and education. He has award-winning journalism and writing experience that covers several topics like insurance, finance, and education.
