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There are no shortcuts to success in this industry.
The rebels, the hacks out there who give this industry a bad name are those who refused to pay thier dues.

Getting a contractor's license is NOT a ticket for success nor is it a guarantee to anything accept opportunity!

Let's assume your side jobs are only for close friends and family.

So that means your income is going to be based mainly upon your weekly paycheck with an employer.
And with said paycheck your going to be receiving benefits of all kinds.
Insurances, plural.
Uniform shirt (whooppee)
Vehicle, this is a biggee...
Work to be performed, jobs to go to.
Co-workers to help you.
Office staff to assist you.
Managers to help you.
Clout at the wholesale houses. (if your with a reputable outfit)(if your not, forget it)
equiment, tools, materials, open accounts, paid weekly, credit lines, cashflow, a physical building with offices. Someplace to physically meet ad share information. Continuing education classes.
A shop to work on stuff and hold classes.

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ok, i will do as i was told, but damn that is a long time. well i guess , thanks coolwhip. i 'll be talking to ya. laters.

Start working for a hvac company in your area. Get your 3-5 years in as an apprentice. Then your boss can sign some state papers and you can take your test. Not that you will be ready to do it alone yet. It may take many more years to build a knowledge base that you feel comfortable with to where you can design, install, and service a fraction of the equipment out there. Got to pay your dues. There are no short cuts, and if there are, you would only be cheating yourself and the customer as well as making a name for yourself as a hack. Take your time , learn all you can, read all you can. If you get bored with the material then you need to force yourself. In the end you will be a licensed mechanical contractor and a darn good one at that. Good luck to you! Everyone on this site can assist you in your journey.

well currently i don't have my contractors license, but in the state of tx you need three years verifiable experience to be able to take the test. my question is for those who have a contractors license , when i do get my contractors license how is the market in your area, and will it be worth all the frustration to get the license. and how much do you charge on a simple split unit installation and start-up? alsol. if in another area do you need a contractors license to do private work or do you need a license, and what qualifications does one need to do contractors work in your area? thanks...

[Edited by deehvac on 07-06-2004 at 02:27 PM]