posted
I would like to branch out and really bid on those big jobs out there BUT Alabama states you must have a GC (gerneral contractors) license to bid on some jobs over $50k.
This is dumb as hell IMO cause you have to take a test that has nothing to do with signs BUT with contracting. $300 to take test. I think architects should take sign tests!
This also proves you money worthy to bid and accept large bids. Didn't know if the tests were hard or what I'm thinking of taking the dive I don't know yet
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
posted
Bruce, Not sure what your state is like but up here it is open book. They are more concerned that you know how to look up and understand what your doing then if you can remember a series of questions.
Then you get to pay for $5 million in Liability insurance, surety bonds, and the occasional performance Clause.
posted
Here in FL, just passing the test doesn't get it; You also must have 2 or 3 years of formal training and/or experience. I forget all the details. Not only that, but my county just drafted a new sign ordinance and most of the signs I once made and installed myself, now require a certified or general contractor.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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also if you have a GC here, once you get the license you have to carry liability insurance, and pay workmans comp.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I do carry WC and liability as always have. Up here they only mentioned a test and that was it. Pay the $300 take the test and boom your done!
makes about as much sense as pulling a permit
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
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I have one here and it makes the inspectors happy when pulling a permit that you have that lic. number to fill in. One inspector told me he like it because it is something that can be taken from you if you do bad work.
-------------------- Jake Lyman Lyman Signs 45 State Road Phillipston, MA 01331 Posts: 635 | From: Phillipston, MA | Registered: Sep 2002
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-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
posted
In our county in Florida we are required to have a "Specialty Contractors License" or a GC license in order to pull a permit. The specialty contractor test also required buying several expensive books and a hefty fee, although the test is not as difficult as the GC test and it is open book also. We are not allowed to do any electrical connections. Several other counties will honor the license although they still want you to pay for their local "business tax" license.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1265 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Michigan requires that you have a state sign specialist license or have a person with a sign specialist license under your employ. The test is based on electrical knowledge equalto a journeyman electrician. Next you need a state SignContractor License. The actual process took over six months and over $800 for study materials and fees. The real battle for me was qualifying for the specialist exam. Icould not certify that l had worked under a licensed sign specialist for 4000 hours. It took over 6 years of application and denials and asking for help from state Representatives,a Democratic Governor then a new State. Senator and a new Republican Governor to finally write personal letters on my behalf to the State Electrical Board who waiver the 4000 hour requirement based on my Air Force electronic training and 22 years of operating my sign business. I can now apply for a sign permit.
-------------------- Tony Lucero Eagle Graphics Waterford, MI www.eaglegph.com Posts: 305 | From: Waterford, MI, USA | Registered: Apr 2000
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In Mass. its an open book test to make sure you know how to look up the codes and specs for things. Even still it wasn't easy. I did take a class to learn how to read the book. My father and I both did it I passed first time and he didn't.
-------------------- Jake Lyman Lyman Signs 45 State Road Phillipston, MA 01331 Posts: 635 | From: Phillipston, MA | Registered: Sep 2002
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