Maryland Contractors, Are All Of Your Ducks In A Row?

Published on January 14, 2019 by Brenda Forton

Getting your Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) license should be a top priority. Making sure all of your ducks are in a row will guarantee your business withstands the occasional customer complaint and subsequent investigations by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. In the first 9 months of 2018, there were approximately 60 complaints filed. Nine of these complaints were denied and 51 fines were imposed totaling $391,618.03. Many of these could have been avoided if the contractors had taken the time to make sure they met licensing regulations.

Here are some things you need to know about becoming a licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC).

There are two license categories, contractor and salespersons.

Contractor
A contractor may perform or agree to perform a home improvement for a homeowner.

Salespersons
A salesperson may only be licensed to represent up to two licensed contractors in the selling of home improvements.

License Requirements
Any applicant who has had a conviction of a misdemeanor relating to a home improvement transaction or a felony must provide the Commission with copies of conviction records.

All applicants must take and pass the licensing exam before they can apply for a license. The Maryland Home Improvement Contractor license includes subcontractor and salesperson licensing.

A Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) Exam Prep Course and Book Package is available online at the Builders License Training Institute. Individual exam prep course and course and book packages will help you take and pass the exam on your first try. This course is intended as a study guide for preparing to take the Maryland Home Improvement exam administered by PSI. Following the content outline provided, the course is divided into eleven sequential units: Home Improvement Law, Door-to-Door Sales Act, Bidding, and Estimating, Employee Management, Lien Law, Jobsite Safety and Environmental Factors, Business Structure, Managing Risk, Scheduling and Project Management, Financial Management and Taxes. It includes everything you need to know to take and PASS the exam.

Expand your knowledge base with interesting professional development courses such as Ethics and Professional Development, Construction Documents for Successful Projects, and Hazardous Work Zones: Implementing Occupational Safety  All topics that will help you grow your Maryland Construction Business with confidence!  Check them out today!