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General contractors in Virginia earn an average annual salary of nearly $82,000, according to Indeed, although your exact income may depend on factors like the type of license you hold. 

With a Residential Building Contractor License, for instance, you’ll be authorized to take on certain jobs that aren’t covered by a general contractor license, increasing the scope and scale of projects available to you, as well as your potential earnings. In order to obtain your Residential Building Contractor License, however, you must first meet a predetermined set of certain requirements specified by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). 

Here’s what you need to know about these prerequisites and where you can start the process toward obtaining this particular license designation:

What Does a Residential Builder Do?

While a general contractor in Virginia is allowed to perform or manage removals and improvements to residential properties and accessory structures, a general contractor’s license does have its restrictions, particularly with regard to new constructions. 

As a residential building contractor, on the other hand, you’ll not only be able to do everything a general contractor can, but you’ll also be authorized to undertake activities like construction, remodeling, repairs, and demolition for residential buildings and accessory structures.

In addition, a Residential Building Contractor License allows for work in the following related areas:

• Concrete
• Home improvement
• Industrialized building
• Landscaping
• Masonry
• Paintings and wall-covering
• Roofing
• Swimming pools

Nevertheless, before you can become a residential building contractor, you must first meet a few key requirements.

Requirements to Obtain a Residential Building License

The main precursor to obtaining a Residential Building Contractor License is obtaining a general contractor license, of which there are three classes: A, B, and C. Each of these allows for the same professional activities, but they differ based on the scope of work you may undertake. No matter which you pursue, though, one of these licenses is required for projects exceeding $1,000.

With a Class C license, you may accept single contracts up to $10,000, with annual earnings up to $150,000. A Class B license allows for single contracts of $10,000 up to $120,000, with annual earnings between $150,000 and $750,000, and a Class A license allows for single contracts of $120,000 or more, as well as annual earnings of $750,000 or more.

Once you have completed a required 8-hour licensing course and passed the state exam to receive your preferred general contractor license, you can work to add a residential building contractor designation.

Preparing for Exams

Virginia requires licensed general contractors to take the Residential Building exam in order to receive the additional designation and the privileges it provides. It is an open-book test, timed at 160 minutes and including 80 questions, 56 of which must be answered correctly to pass. 

Topics covered by the test include the following:

• Construction debris, cleanup, and disposal
• Decks, walks, and ramps
• Excavation
• Exterior
• Finishing
• Foundations
• Framing
• Insulation
• Layout
• Masonry
• Prints, plans, and specifications
• Safety and employee protection
• Swimming pools and hot tubs
• Ventilation
• Windows, doors, and skylights

The best way to ensure success when you sit for a state exam is to start with focused exam prep. RocketCert is the ultimate resource for obtaining professional licenses in Virginia, with self-paced courses created by expert educators and industry professionals. If you’re ready to obtain your Residential Building Contractor License, contact us today to learn more.