Tradesman… whether you’re a general contractor working on huge commercial projects or a local handyman serving your community, it’s a meaningful job that helps everyone in the community. It is one of the few industries where you can see and appreciate how your work changes the world around you!

If you’re already in the trades, we’re sure you know, but it’s always good to take the time every now and to reflect on what you love about what you do. Here are just 5 reasons we love the construction industry.

1. See the fruits of your labor.Many professionals feel like their work isn’t meaningful. Over time, this can be discouraging and lead to burnout. Construction offers the opportunity to help create something that makes a significant impact. It transforms entire communities and changes landscapes. A pile of bricks, wires, logs, and beams becomes a building where families live, companies work, or retail stores thrive!
2. You’ll get to spend time on construction sites.As a construction or project manager, you will have to work at a desk to create reports, calculate budgets, and ensure the project is on schedule… But you also get to spend time at the construction sites doing fieldwork. While onsite, you get to supervise, gauge construction progress, and work with a team.
3. You may get to travel!In some positions, you will get work-travel opportunities. After a project is complete, you may get to travel and spend time working in a new location, seeing some places that you may otherwise not have visited, and meeting new people!
4. There are many paths to take in construction.In the construction industry, education is important, but nothing compares to the value of work experience. This makes construction a great field for people with various backgrounds. This may include a university graduate, a trade school student, an apprentice, or working with an RMO. Even those working in different industries can apply their existing skills to the construction management workforce. Construction offers the opportunity to learn new skills and work your way up.
5. The construction industry isn’t going anywhere. Construction is one of the largest industries in the country. People will always need to remodel and build or repair houses, commercial buildings, or roads. When one project ends, the next one is already waiting to start.

Sacramento, CA – The 2024 edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (Law Book) is now available. CSLB is pleased to introduce a streamlined law book that includes essential information for the California construction industry.

The Law Book can be purchased directly from the publisher, or the online PDF version can be viewed or downloaded at no cost on the CSLB website.

CSLB has reviewed and made noteworthy changes to the Law Book, cutting the book to half its previous size.

Key changes include removal of:

• Chapter 1 Becoming a Licensed Contractor: This information is available in the Get Licensed to Build guide on CSLB’s website.
• Chapter 2 Your Existing License: Maintaining and Changing It: This information is available on the Maintain and Change Your License page on CSLB’s website.
• Chapter 3 Access to License Information: This information is available on different parts of CSLB’s website, depending on what licensee information you’re looking to access.
• Chapter 7 Safety and Health in Construction: This information is available on Cal/OSHA’s website, which also links to the Cal/OSHA construction, electrical, and general industry safety orders.

As a result, the chapters were renumbered to reflect the changes.

Also, sections of law from California state codes that are not from the Business and Professions Code, which were included in prior year editions, were removed and can be found at www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

The Law Book can only be purchased directly from publisher LexisNexis online or by calling (877) 394-8826. The price is $54.00 plus tax, shipping, and handling. The Law Book is available as a PDF on the CSLB website and can be downloaded for free.

Here’s a short clip of what just a few of our contractors have to say about RMO Agency and our program!

Contractors are keeping busy this year. All over California, the construction industry is seeing a significant boom for a variety of reasons.

Here are some of the key factors responsible for the current upswing in job creation and economic development that the California construction business is experiencing in 2024.

Infrastructure Investment

The state government is putting a lot into improving transportation, public facility upgrades, and updating water and energy infrastructure right now.

A recent report tells us that California has had $32.7 billion announced in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding. Of this amount, $24.18 billion is dedicated to transportation-related projects – so that could be a good one for civil engineers and public works contractors.

You can keep yourself updated about ongoing transportation projects in California on the California Department of Transportation website. The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom also launched Build.ca.gov to help you track exactly how money is being used for building projects around the state.

It might also be worth mentioning that there are government incentives promoting growth in construction and development.

For instance, construction projects supporting affordable housing, renewable energy goals, and earthquake-resistant builds — since these projects are good for Californians state-wide, so they help companies qualify for tax credits, grants, and subsidies.

Housing Demand

California is just one of those attractive places that people want to call home.

The state has long grappled with a housing shortage, but in 2024 we’re seeing developers go full-tilt in their efforts to build new apartment buildings, condos, and single-family homes.

Over five thousand homes were just fast-tracked by an affordable housing initiative across 10 statewide projects.