A home improvement contractor doesn’t build homes from scratch. Instead, he or she alters existing structures based on the client’s wishes. Many contractors choose this line of work because the industry requires less up-front capital and because an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to remodel their current houses rather than buy new ones. If you want to enter this line of work, however, how do you get started?

Get Your Education as a Contractor

A home improvement contractor makes changes to an existing house or building so the owner can use it more effectively.

In most states, contractors only need a high school education (or the equivalent) to get licensed as home improvement contractors. However, gaining a little education doesn’t hurt when it comes to succeeding in this industry from day one. You can take formal classes at a junior college or university, or you can attend trade school or take online classes.

You might want to take specialized courses in specific areas of construction, such as plumbing or carpentry. You can use that education to build a niche construction business down the road. Alternatively, focus on generalized contracting courses that prepare you for a more well-rounded career.

Gain Experience in the Construction Industry

You can’t become a home improvement contractor if you don’t have any construction experience. Some states require contractors to participate in formal apprentice programs or to accrue a certain number of years of documented, full-time employment in the industry.

Whatever the case, construction experience will help you acclimate to the environment and learn the ropes in a hands-on way. You’ll meet other professionals in the industry, which can help you with job prospects later. Additionally, you’ll learn what types of projects interest you most so you can lead a fulfilling career.

Obtain a License or Certificate

In most states, a home improvement contractor needs a builder’s or remodeler’s license to accept work in that jurisdiction. You might need to take specific courses, pass a licensing exam, and submit information about your business’s structure to the state’s authority on contractors. Make sure you follow all of your state’s laws and requirements so you don’t experience any delays.

Study hard for your test or exam so you pass it on the first try. You’ll probably learn the results of your exam before you leave the testing site. If you pass the exam and submit all of the required paperwork, you’ll receive a license to practice as a home improvement contractor.

Continue Your Education

Builder codes, laws, requirements, and best practices change all the time as new technologies and techniques surface. Most states require home improvement contractors to participate in continuing education every couple of years. If you don’t take the CE courses, you could lose your license.

Prepare for your CE requirements by structuring your work schedule around them. In most cases, only the main contractor in a business must take the CE courses.

PDH Contractor Academy offers a convenient solution to CE courses. When you take courses online, you don’t have to travel to a classroom or take the course during specific times of day. If you’re ready to renew your course hours, browse courses by state and sign up for the ones you need.A home improvement contractor doesn’t build homes from scratch. Instead, he or she alters existing structures based on the client’s wishes. Many contractors choose this line of work because the industry requires less up-front capital and because an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to remodel their current houses rather than buy new ones. If you want to enter this line of work, however, how do you get started?

Get Your Education as a Contractor

In most states, contractors only need a high school education (or the equivalent) to get licensed as home improvement contractors. However, gaining a little education doesn’t hurt when it comes to succeeding in this industry from day one. You can take formal classes at a junior college or university, or you can attend trade school or take online classes.

You might want to take specialized courses in specific areas of construction, such as plumbing or carpentry. You can use that education to build a niche construction business down the road. Alternatively, focus on generalized contracting courses that prepare you for a more well-rounded career.

Gain Experience in the Construction Industry

You can’t become a home improvement contractor if you don’t have any construction experience. Some states require contractors to participate in formal apprentice programs or to accrue a certain number of years of documented, full-time employment in the industry.

Whatever the case, construction experience will help you acclimate to the environment and learn the ropes in a hands-on way. You’ll meet other professionals in the industry, which can help you with job prospects later. Additionally, you’ll learn what types of projects interest you most so you can lead a fulfilling career.

Obtain a License or Certificate

In most states, a home improvement contractor needs a builder’s or remodeler’s license to accept work in that jurisdiction. You might need to take specific courses, pass a licensing exam, and submit information about your business’s structure to the state’s authority on contractors. Make sure you follow all of your state’s laws and requirements so you don’t experience any delays.

Study hard for your test or exam so you pass it on the first try. You’ll probably learn the results of your exam before you leave the testing site. If you pass the exam and submit all of the required paperwork, you’ll receive a license to practice as a home improvement contractor.

Continue Your Education

Builder codes, laws, requirements, and best practices change all the time as new technologies and techniques surface. Most states require home improvement contractors to participate in continuing education every couple of years. If you don’t take the CE courses, you could lose your license.

Prepare for your CE requirements by structuring your work schedule around them. In most cases, only the main contractor in a business must take the CE courses.

PDH Contractor Academy offers a convenient solution to CE courses. When you take courses online, you don’t have to travel to a classroom or take the course during specific times of day. If you’re ready to renew your course hours, browse courses by state and sign up for the ones you need.