How To Earn Your License and Become A Concrete Contractor In Kentucky
You live in the state of Kentucky and you recently decided that it’s time to obtain your contractor’s license. However, the process is frustrating and overwhelming at times. You want to learn more about what’s required of you and if there’s a simpler way to go about it. We totally understand what you’re going through, and we want to help make your life a little easier.
We want to provide you with an overview of all the steps that you need to take, including the information and certifications that your county and municipal representatives will require. Let’s go ahead and get started!
Why You Need A License To
Provide Services As A Concrete Contractor
Many contractors ask us about the viability of a license and if they absolutely need to get one in the first place. We can say with certainty that your business will suffer significantly if you don’t possess a license. The state of Kentucky and its local jurisdictions want to protect you and your clientele from scams and potential liabilities. We want to explain more about some of the benefits of having a license:
- Landing bigger, higher-paying jobs – If you don’t have a license, you’re going to encounter a lot of trouble securing profitable work. You will likely be limited to minor journeyman projects.
- You gain credibility – It’s much easier to establish partnerships and grow the influence of your business when you possess your license. New clients are more inclined to research your company and confirm that you are licensed. This will tell them that you possess all the necessary experience and training to perform concrete repairs and installations.
- It establishes legal safeguards for you and your clients – There are many worst-case scenarios that can happen when providing services as a concrete contractor. You need to take certain precautions to protect yourself and your clients from legal and financial consequences. Having a license will require you to carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Getting Your Contractor’s License
Through Your Local City or County
To become a concrete contractor in Kentucky, you will need to go through municipal or county departments to do so. That’s because the state itself does not handle the licensing process for general contractors. However, we should warn you that every city and county has a different process for obtaining your license. We did a little research into how it works in some of the bigger cities in Kentucky:
Louisville
The Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations is responsible for processing and approving applications for general contractors. The city issues two different contractor’s licenses: Building A and Building B. Building A licenses will allow you to take on bigger projects and obtain permits for single or multi-family homes. Here’s how you apply for a license:
- Complete the application form
- Provide proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Provide an unemployment affidavit (for self-employed contractors)
- Provide proof of experience and training (depending on the type of license you need)
- Pay the $125 application fee when you submit it
Lexington
To obtain your license in Lexington, you need to go through the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. You have the option to apply for a general contractor’s license or specialty license (for plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, etc.). Here’s what required of you:
- Complete and notarize the application form
- Submit information regarding your business name and structure (partnership, corporation, LLC, etc.)
- List the current licenses that you possess
- Provide proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance (or an exemption affidavit from the Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Act)
- Provide proof of your business license (a physical copy of the certificate)
- Pay the application fee
Bowling
Green
Bowling Green also has a department that handles the licensing process: Bowling Green/Warren County Contractors Licensing Board. The city also offers general contractor’s licenses and specialty licenses. Here’s what you need to apply:
- Complete and sign the application form.
- Provide a certificate of insurance showing you have a minimum of $100,000 in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If you don’t employ anyone except yourself, then you need to submit the Affidavit of Exemption form.
- Pay the application fee to the Contractors Licensing Board ($250 for general contractors and $100 for specialty contractors).
Business
Insurance
No matter where you live in the state of Kentucky, you will need different types of business insurance to obtain your license. These insurance plans are going to offer legal and financial protection for you and your clients. Whenever any injuries and damages occur, you can take solace in knowing that your insurance will cover you in these situations. You should always take initiative when it comes to getting the proper insurance because without it, you’re only prolonging the process of obtaining your license.
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