Rehabbers and Flippers - Getting a Contractor's License

[Max T.]

Rehabbers and Flippers - do you have your own GC license? Or do you contract with a GC instead?

If you do have your own license - How much does that cost you to maintain each year, including insurances? What about up front cost?

And do you sub out all, most, or some of the work performed on your deals?

Do you take on jobs for other clients, or do you solely have your license for your own deals?

Lastly - Do you also have your RE Agent license?

[Alfred Edmonds]

I would think a license would be almost useless unless you have real experience in construction. The real value if a good GC is their knowledge of the flow of a project and all the potential snags. I've read some pretty insane threads on BP in which people are putting sheetrock on before wiring or plumbing and such. That's a simple example but things get more subtle. If I don't know how to fly a plane a license won't prevent catastrophe. they also have crews and subs and a realistic view on actual cost and time. I know licensed guys whom are actually not good tradesmen but excellent GC's in that they understand how things work and are good managers. so yeah, it can't hurt and just like real estate if one is willing to learn it could really be an asset. in many states a homeowner can pull permits so it really isn't that necessary for that.