BigRentz Equipment Rental Service Areas in Kansas

Every state has rules concerning construction. In Kansas, rules and regulations come from county or city officials, not the state. In Kansas, a contractor includes anyone providing labor or materials for construction. Every contractor needs to pass an exam and pay a fee, but that varies by location, so speak to the city or county clerk where your site is located.

A contractor must pass a license test that includes subjects such as construction, repair, alteration, remodeling, and demolition of any building or structure. Subcontractor exams are specific to an area of expertise. There is also a math test and a business law exam that general contractors must pass. Expect the general contractor exam to be 100 questions and open-book, with a four-hour time limit. Every contractor must complete a state application for a business license and show a Certificate of Good Standing before being allowed to work in Kansas. Fees for tests and registrations also vary by jurisdiction. Environmental regulations are another consideration, so check local building codes about any restrictions for your area. Kansas does not accept reciprocity agreements for construction contractors.

It’s standard practice to get a geotechnical engineering investigation for commercial construction in Kansas. Home builders at least need to be familiar with the type of soil they are building on, and a soil survey is a good idea. Much of the soil in Kansas contains clay. This type of soil can cause major foundation problems. Clay soil absorbs water and causes the soil to swell and expand. This makes the foundation of a building shift and crack. Water may seep through these cracks after heavy rains and flood the lower level. Flooded basements are not unusual in Kansas, so make sure the foundation is driven down far enough to resist movement. The heavy steel tubes of a push pier foundation may be needed to find stable soil and keep shifting and cracking to a minimum. Even so, foundation cracks are a widespread problem in Kansas.

You’ve established the site, and preliminary findings are in. It’s time to choose the equipment to complete the job. Many contractors prefer to rent heavy equipment from companies such as us since the machinery gets used only briefly. Look into renting, rather than purchasing, forklifts, manlifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts to help lower your overall cost for the job. Remember, construction is not a job for amateurs. You must follow rules that cover liabilities, local codes, environmental restrictions, and taxes. As a professional, you’ll need to understand regulations and have the knowledge and experience to complete a job the proper way.