Ohio

Concrete Contractors: How To Earn Your License In Ohio

You have plenty of experience as a handyman, and now you want to take the next step in your career and become a concrete contractor. However, you’ll need a license before you can begin providing concrete repair and installation services. There’s a lot of information out there – some of it is accurate and some of it is outdated. We want to provide you with an overview of the entire process of obtaining your license. Here is what you need to know:

Why You Need

Your License

Many contractors find the process of obtaining a license to be intimidating. However, you cannot avoid it, and here’s why: having a license protects your clients from fraudulent behavior and also protects you from potential liability issues. It demonstrates that you have all the qualifications and met every requirement to provide services as a concrete contractor.

With a little time and perseverance, you will have your license and get to work immediately. Here’s why it will benefit you:

  • Securing profitable and lucrative projects – Without a license, you will only find work doing handyman projects, which are low-paying. Obtaining your license will take your business to the next level in terms of earning potential. The bigger project, the more money you’ll make.
  • Solidifying your credibility – Clients won’t take a risk on someone who doesn’t have a license. It shows that you have all the necessary training and experience to provide services as a concrete contractor. People are more likely to hire someone with a license because they will know to trust you.
  • Protecting your business and clients – Ohio requires you to have business insurance before applying for a contractor’s license. Insurance plays a huge role in protecting from liability issues. This includes injuries, accidents, and potential damages. You won’t have to bear the brunt of any major financial consequences.

Concrete Contractors:

General Requirements In Ohio

The state of Ohio doesn’t regulate the licensing process when it comes to general contractors. Instead, you will need to go through a local county or municipal agency. We promise that the process of obtaining a license in Ohio is fairly simple, and here are some general requirements that apply to everyone:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or present your immigration status showing that you are in the country legally.
  • Show proof that you have been working under a licensed professional for the past five years or a registered engineer in Ohio with three years of business experience in construction.
  • Have a criminal history with no convictions that would prevent you from receiving your license.
  • Pass your licensing exam and show proof of having at least $500,000 in liability coverage.
  • Pay the $25 application when you go to submit it.

We want to point out that having business insurance is required no matter where you live in Ohio. You can’t work on any projects without it. We recommend that you contact your local department that oversees the licensing process to learn more about insurance coverage requirements.

Variations According To

Where You Live

Various municipalities and jurisdictions in Ohio have different requirements. We suggest that you contact your local county or municipal agencies to get a better understanding of what they need from you.

Some municipalities will have varying minimums when it comes to surety bonds and insurance coverage. Other jurisdictions won’t require you to take a licensing exam. Your work experience and education are also factors in the licensing process.

We want to mention that certain jurisdictions have a unique set of classifications of licensure. For example, In Cleveland, you can apply to become a home improvement contractor or business construction contractor. Each offers varying degrees of authorization in terms of the scope of the projects you can work on.

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Business

Insurance

As we mentioned earlier, you need to have business insurance for your local regulators to approve your contractor’s license. This includes general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. We suggest that you shop around and ask for quotes on coverage from different providers. This way you can
compare the prices of each insurance policy and find a plan that works best for you.

Business insurance offers protection for you, your employees and the clients. A liability nightmare can happen at any time, and it’s better to be prepared for it when such an event occurs. Having insurance coverage is also incredibly reassuring for your clients. It shows that they can trust you and continue doing business with your company.

Are You Ready To

Receive Your License?

We hope that we were able to answer all your questions and help you get started on your journey of becoming a concrete contractor. We understand that it can take some time to earn your license, and the process can be frustrating. However, your business will benefit from it immensely.

You will also need to register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office before you begin to complete your application. The process is simple and easy to undergo. If you have any questions, you can always contact your local county or municipal agency that will handle the review and approval of your contractor’s license.

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