How to Become a Licensed General Contractor in New Jersey

It's hard work becoming a general contractor in New Jersey.

Becoming a general contractor in New Jersey is all about being in charge of the budget of a construction project. Contractors oversee what's going on and make sure what has to be done isn't exceeding the budget. Contractors can oversee the construction of all sorts of sites ranging from skyscrapers, new small offices, hospitals and schools. Being a general contractor also involves the hiring of workers and licensed contractors, as well as scheduling all the different construction processes. The process of becoming a general contractor isn't easy; it takes time and a lot of hard work.

Instructions

1. 

   Work in New Jersey to gain industry experience.

   Get experience to set yourself up within the industry. This includes working as a carpenter, plumber, mason or electrician. Get these experiences through internships or apprenticeships.

2. 

   Become a general contractor's apprentice.

   Get an apprenticeship; these usually last 3-5 years. Make sure to get at least 144 hours per year in classroom instruction with some on-job experience. Generally three years of instruction time is needed before being able to become a general contractor in New Jersey.

3. 

   Get a construction degree to open doors in the field.

   Get a degree in construction engineering. This will further your chances within the industry and open opportunities that people who only have high school diplomas don't get. A master's of science degree in construction science or construction management coupled with work experience opens work opportunities in management companies or larger construction companies.

4. Get an employee identification number (EIN)for your business at irs.gov. Complete its online application. The application requires your name, address, Social Security number and general business information. The IRS will assign your EIN immediately upon completion of the application.

5. 

   Register your contracting business with the state of New Jersey

   Register your business by filing an authorization certificate with the state of New Jersey. Visit the state.nj.us website. Complete the online application. All profit businesses must pay a filing fee of $125 as of 2010.

6. Get a home repairs license by completing an application at the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Office of Consumer Protection, from the Regulated Business Section, located in Newark NJ, at 124 Halsey Street, 7th Floor. The phone number is 609-292-5340. Include in the application your business contact information, and the type of business you wish: sole proprietor, partnership, corporation or LLC, for example. There is a $90 fee with this application as of 2010. The license must be renewed in two years.

7. Register as a contractor by filling out and returning an application from the Department of Community Affairs, through Division of Codes and Standards, Bureau of Homeowner Protection, with the New Home Warranty Program, located at 101 South Broad St. in Trenton, N.J. You can reach the department by phone at 609-530-8800. State on the application the officers of your company, any bankruptcy your company was involved in and any consumer fraud cases your company was involved in. There is a registration fee of $200 and registration is good for two years. No license is required for general contractors in the state of New Jersey, but you must be registered.

References

• The State of New Jersey: Home Improvement Contractors
• State of New Jersey: Frequently Requested Licenses & Registrations
• Contractors License Reference Site: New Jersey
• IRS.gov: EIN Assistant