Whether you're a seasoned contractor or an aspiring one, it's important to know how to get your license and be sure you're up-to-date on all the laws and requirements. You'll find out more about these topics in this article, which covers Louisiana's building contractor licensing and continuing education requirements, the change order clause, and mechanics lien laws.

License requirements

Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain a contractor's license before performing work on your own property. If you do not, you may face fines or even jail time.

There are two main types of contractor's licenses. These include general contractor and specialty contractor licenses. These require different levels of education, experience, and examinations. The specialty contractors include insulation contractors, electrical contractors, roofing contractors, plaster contractors, welding contractors, and painting contractors.

The general contractor license is awarded by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. This license allows the contractor to perform any building project. It also allows the contractor to take part in public and commercial projects.

There are several different types of general contractor licenses in Colorado. These include a construction supervisor license, a public utilities contractor license, a public works contractor license, a general engineering contractor license, and a specialty contractor license.

Subcontractor

Using a subcontractor to finish a portion of your next renovation project can save you time and money. You'll also get a better finished product in the end. They are experts at their craft.

In addition to securing bids from subcontractors, a Residential Building Contractors will need to measure the material specifications before ordering materials. This is a crucial step, as any changes can result in a hefty bill from the contractor. You may also need to purchase fixtures for the project.

There are many subcontractors to choose from. The most important thing to remember is that they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. A contractor should be able to provide proof of license and insurance, as well as references, if asked.

Change order clause

Having a well-crafted change order clause can make the difference between a smooth construction project and an escalation of disputes. These disputes cost the construction industry billions of dollars each year. While change orders can be tricky to manage, following best practices can reduce the incidence of problems.

The most well-crafted change order provision should include a well-defined notice and payment process. In addition to defining the change and its impact on cost, budget, and schedule, the procedure should be described as a condition precedent to payment.

While this may seem like a no-brainer, the process is actually quite complicated. In order to implement the change order, you must provide the necessary documentation and get signoff from both parties. Moreover, you must also factor in markup. The common industry standard is 15%.

Mechanics lien laws

Mechanics lien laws are designed to protect unpaid suppliers and contributors to improvements on real property. They provide a legal process for contractors to enforce a contract against the property owner. However, there are strict time limits on how much notice a potential mechanic's lien claimant must give to the property owner.

In most states, the claimant must file a legal proceeding within thirty to 120 days of completing the work. This allows the subcontractor time to resolve the issue with the property owner. However, if the claimant fails to file the lien within this time frame, the lien may not be enforced.

A lien may also be filed against a non-residential property. These liens are treated differently from mechanics liens filed against residential properties.

Louisiana building contractor continuing education

Continuing education is not something that can be avoided. Fortunately, there are several online options to choose from. The best bet is to take a look at the state's website to see what's available. It's also worth mentioning that the HBA of SWLA offers CEUS classes for free to members.

To get a more hands on experience, some contractors opt for a mix of in person and online courses. The online offerings are best bets if you're on a tight budget. If you're looking to build a career in construction, a few online courses can be the best way to keep up with the competition. Plus, you'll be able to pick up some tidbits of construction trade lore along the way.

There's no shortage of free online construction courses to choose from. One of the best places to start is with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors website. From there, you can browse a comprehensive list of approved providers by category.