Any time you are about to start a new career, you want to do it theright way. After all, this will (hopefully) be the profession that sees you through the rest of your life. You want to enjoy what you do, support yourself and your family, and work confidently knowing that you have all of the necessary certifications.
If becoming a Georgia contractor is your dream, the first step is to become licensed, registered, and certified. But what exactly does that mean? Keep reading and we’ll break it down for you, piece by piece.
What You Need to Become a Licensed Contractor in Georgia
Throughout the country, there is a growing need for general contractors. The state of Georgia is no exception. So if you want to get your Georgia construction license, you’ve chosen a great career with plenty of opportunities.
You can choose between one of three Georgia contractor licensing options: residential-basic, residential-light, and general contractor. We’ve outlined the requirements for each below:
For a residential-basic license, you must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have two years of experience with a residential-basic contractor
- Provide proof of general liability insurance up to $300,000
- Pass a written exam that covers topics including safety regulations, building codes, and more
- Submit an application
- Pay a $200 fee
With this license, you can tackle building and renovation projects involving one- or two-family residences, as long as they are not taller than three stories.
For a residential-lightlicense, you must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Pass a criminal background check
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Have enough experience in a construction-related field to equal a degree
- Have four years of experience working with a licensed contractor
- Provide proof of general liability insurance up to $500,000
- Pass a written exam
- Pay a $200 fee
With this license, you can do everything allowed under a residential-basic license plus work on multi-family homes and multi-use commercial buildings.
For a general contractor license, you must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Pass a criminal background check
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Have enough experience in a construction-related field to equal a degree
- Have four years of experience working with a licensed contractor
- Prove that you have a net worth of at least $150,000
- Provide proof of general liability insurance up to $500,000
- Pass a written exam
- Pay a $200 fee
With this license, the type of services you can perform are largely unlimited. You can work on residential or commercial projects of any size or cost.
Georgia Contractor Licensing
The right partner can help you obtain one of the three license types outlined above. Once you have an idea of what path you want to take, all that’s left is getting the right education, signing the application, paying the fee, and obtaining your license.