No matter where it’s located in this beautiful desert state, a wonderfully remodeled home can shine just as bright as the neon signs of Las Vegas—but only if the work is undertaken by a qualified contractor. In Nevada, hopeful homeowners turn to general contractors when they want to replenish their property through thoughtful redesign, but for the average homeowner, some aspects of construction are shrouded in mystery.
One of these is what exactly a general contractor is, their domain of mastery, and how they achieved such a status. Today, we’ll investigate what this specialized field does and explain the steps that your contractor took before they started drafting plans and picking materials for your perfect home refresh.
What Is a B General Contractor in Nevada?
Every state has slightly different classifications for what constitutes a contractor, especially in regard to what types of projects they can take on. In some states, they may be separated out by specific structures they develop, whether that is a highway or a specialty project, but in Nevada, the classes are a bit broader.
There are three classes of contractors in this state: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A is mostly for engineers, such as those that help to build airports, demolish buildings, or remove asbestos. Things that require more specialized knowledge of engineering rather than simply how to put a building together will be classed under this designation.
Class B is what the average homeowner will need when they seek to remodel a building. These contractors work on new construction and renovations of residential and commercial structures, as well as service stations and premanufactured housing like mobile homes.
Lastly, Class B is for construction specialties; there are over 30 subsections under this class, covering everything from electrical installation to installing pipelines.
How Does One Become a B General Contractor?
B General building contractors in Nevada must undergo a background check, provide references, show proof of insurance, and pass two exams, which are usually completed at the same time. One is for overall general contracting knowledge, such as principles of construction and safety measures, while the other focuses specifically on general contracting in Nevada, including the relevant law and business elements of operating in the state.
Both exams can be quite difficult, which is why great general contractors will complete a prep course before sitting for the Nevada B General Building Contractor License exam. While these programs are not mandatory, they help to reinforce the field experience that the contractor has and ensure that they fully comprehend every aspect of their profession, such as how to hang drywall and read site plans.
General contractors who complete these courses have a higher chance of success in passing their exam the first time, as they will be able to rigorously test their knowledge against the real world conditions of the exam. If your contractor mentions having done this course, you can be assured that they know what they’re talking about.
Why Are B General Contractors Critical to Home Renovations?
You may believe you can DIY everything, but this can be a costly mistake, especially if you are performing a major remodeling of your property. At best, you’ll give yourself a headache trying to coordinate dozens of specialized contractors, such as electricians and plumbers; at worst, you may find yourself with a completely non-functional home that is worse off than when you began.
Even if you are only performing some light renovations, such as replacing tile and adding some new lights to your kitchen, a general contractor skilled in all aspects of construction is a critical ally. They can ensure that everything is done to the proper standard and remains in compliance with all building codes, especially anything that are specific to your city. More than that, they’ll handle paperwork like applying for permits, and they will also reach out to their network of subcontractors to get certain elements done. You won’t need to call dozens of electricians, hoping that one of them is qualified, because a good general contractor already has an extensive list of contacts that will be right for the job.
When undertaking a renovation, you’re looking for high-quality work done fast, and a B general building contractor can ensure that it gets done. Their project management, experience, and understanding of Nevada construction law will protect you while also saving time and money.
No matter the scale of your project, seek out a good Nevada contractor who has the right qualifications for the job. Look for one with years of experience and who has passed the grueling exam by studying building principles with the utmost studiousness. With professional advice, you’ll have the most beautiful home in Nevada, ready to wow your friends.