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Top 10 Construction Resources

Top 10 Construction Resources

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated and expanded for 2022. Operating any business takes a lot of skill, organization, sound advice, and maybe even a pinch of good luck. This is particularly true when you’re building and expanding a construction business. We rounded up some of the best construction resources available to help you – publications, blogs, podcasts, and websites that can give you the most assistance as you grow. 1. SBA ...
What is a Certificate of Insurance for Contractors?

What is a Certificate of Insurance for Contractors?

A certificate of insurance proves you have business insurance coverage. A certificate of insurance (COI) is also known as a certificate of liability insurance or proof of insurance. Whatever you prefer to call it, your insurer will provide you with this 1-page summary of your business insurance coverage. Why Would You Need a Certificate of Insurance? There are two reasons you may need a certificate of insurance: To show potential clients who want to hire you ...
What Does Course of Construction Insurance Cover?

What Does Course of Construction Insurance Cover?

Course of construction insurance is a specialized policy used by contractors, project owners, developers, and subcontractors to cover a structure under construction. Course of construction insurance—also known as builders risk insurance—is a short-term commercial property policy that covers the property until your work is complete. What Does Course of Construction Insurance Cover? Course of construction insurance is designed to protect your financial interest in a construction project in the event of a covered event, such as: ...
What Kind of Insurance Protects Artisan Contractors in CA?

What Kind of Insurance Protects Artisan Contractors in CA?

If you want to protect your artisan contractor business against financial losses, then contractor insurance and bonds are a must. Not only does the right coverage help you keep your hard-earned cash, but in some cases, it may even be required by law in California. What Contractor Bonds are Required by Law in California? To get a contractor’s license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), you must have a surety bond or cashier’s check on ...
3 Questions About Environmental Liability Insurance

3 Questions About Environmental Liability Insurance

Pollution events often make the news, from major oil spills to industrial disasters. The results can be devastating for the responsible entities. But a small pollution event can be just as damaging to a company's profits and reputation, even if it's as tiny as site runoff after heavy rainfall. Luckily, you can insure your business against lost costs, lawsuits, and reputational damage after a pollution event with environmental liability coverage. What is Environmental Insurance for Contractors? Environmental liability ...
The 2022 Guide to Contractor Insurance

The 2022 Guide to Contractor Insurance

What do you need to run a profitable construction business in 2022? Artisan contractors and smaller construction businesses face challenges that larger firms do not. But with the right planning and policies in place, you could arm yourself with the right tools to help you increase profits and reduce risks for 2022 and beyond. Managing Construction Risks in 2022 In addition to the typical risks associated with running a small construction business, such as safety, financial, ...
How Much Does Tool Insurance Cost?

How Much Does Tool Insurance Cost?

If you've got the cash to grab a sandwich from the local deli on your lunch break today, then you likely can afford to insure the tools and insurance that help you get the job done. How Much Does Tool Insurance Cost? The median premium for an artisan contractor's tools and equipment insurance is $14 per month. That’s around $169 per year for a policy with a $5,000 limit. Several factors go into determining your policy rate, ...
What Insurance Policy Covers Tools and Equipment?

What Insurance Policy Covers Tools and Equipment?

A contractor's tools are the lifeblood of their business. Make sure you have the right coverage to protect the equipment you need to get the job done right from loss, theft, and damage. Often, policies like your homeowners and renters insurance, or your commercial or personal auto insurance, don't extend to your tools and equipment. Make sure you know if your tools are covered. Discover the three insurance lines that can help protect your tools ...
The Biggest Construction Industry Problems of 2021 Solved

The Biggest Construction Industry Problems of 2021 Solved

Running a construction business comes with its own set of challenges, even in “normal” times. But the events of 2020 and 2021 have presented even more roadblocks, headaches, and obstacles for artisan contractors than ever before. Here are the biggest construction problems contractors are facing in 2021 and creative ways to overcome them. New OSHA Regulations OSHA protects workers by setting and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, education, and outreach across many industries. Since the ...
Are Subcontractors Covered Under Your Contractors Insurance?

Are Subcontractors Covered Under Your Contractors Insurance?

Working with subcontractors can be a necessary part of any construction project, but hiring subs also creates additional risk on your job site. Because of the added hazard, it's crucial to make sure your subcontractors are adequately insured. Do you need to see proof that they carry their own contractors insurance policies, or will your existing insurance be sufficient? Protect your business by learning how to ensure your subcontractors are covered on the job site. Does ...