BigRentz Equipment Rental Service Areas in Pennsylvania

Construction is often a good gauge of a city or state’s economy. In Pennsylvania, some cities like Philadelphia are thriving. Overall, the state enjoys a healthy construction industry that is likely to see steady growth. If you’re planning to build in Pennsylvania, here’s what to take into account.

Before you can build in Pennsylvania, you will have to get a building permit. Apply at the Building Department of your local city or town municipality. You will need to submit plans with your application. Depending on the city you are working in, you may also need to submit proof of general liability insurance and worker’s compensation. In Pennsylvania, you need a permit for all new construction when making changes to existing buildings and demolition work. When it comes to electrical, plumbing, fire alarms, and HVAC work permits are usually also required. However, building regulations vary from city to city. It is best to check with the local authority in your city on what type of work needs a permit. Minor jobs like painting, carpeting, cabinetry, and putting up small fences don’t need a permit.

As a general contractor, you don’t need a state license or formal certification. All you need to do is register as a contractor with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Extra requirements apply to the following types of contractors: Home Improvement Contractors. You must use contracts that comply with the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. You should also carry the minimum insurance coverage. Manufactured Housing Installers. To install factory-built housing, you will need to pass a training course to become a certified installer. Asbestos and Lead Removal. Contractors and workers involved with asbestos and lead removal require state certification. Crane Operators. The State Board of Crane Operators must license all crane operators. Certain cities may also have their local licensing requirements for electricians and plumbers.

Before you build in Pennsylvania, take into account the types of soil you’ll find. To prepare a site for laying the foundation, the soil must be compacted and stabilized. Southeastern Pennsylvania consists of Piedmont soil that is generally clay-like while sandy, flat coastal plains cover the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Sheepsfoot compactors are what you need for soil rich in heavy or silty clays. They help to aerate and dry it out. In areas where gravel and loose stones make up the soil, plate compactors are perfect for compacting course ground. They are ideal for road or driveway paving.

Once you know what type of soil you are dealing with, you can start planning your building. This includes renting the right type of excavation machines to tackle the type of soil you’re building on. The bulldozers’ sharp steel plate cuts through weaker soil effortlessly. To cut through hard soil, a chain trencher will get the job done quickly. You can also rent other types of equipment like forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts, and manlifts. Dodge Data & Analytics forecast that new construction starts in the U.S. will rise by 5 percent in 2017. Pennsylvania will likely benefit from that growth. The state also simplifies its building laws and processes making it easy to get construction jobs off the ground.