Ontario Licensing Question

Flacan

We are moving from Florida to Ontario.

I'm aware that specialty trades need designations in Ontario.
For those without experience, the first step is to become an apprentice, after which comes the test.
For those with sufficient experience, the apprentice period can be substituted with reference letters which prove that the applicant truly has the required knowledge to conduct work in that specialty, but the test still has to be taken.

My question is not related to a specialty trade, but concerns contracting.
My specialty trade is tile and marble installation, but I have a lot of experience in estimating, selling, supervising employees & subs, and physically working on remodeling jobs (kitchen & bathroom renovations, drywall, painting, hurricane shutters, windows, all types of floor covering, and small additions), mostly residential construction.

I'm not a carpenter by trade, as most contractors are, but have some framing experience. Also, most of my experience came working with my brother (Florida Cert Gen Contractor), over an approximately 9 year period (I was a 50% partner in the company, he was the qualifier), and with my present GC partner (he's the qualifier as well).

I have never tried to pass the Florida GC test, because it's time consuming & expensive, and because I haven't had the need for it. However, passing tests has never been a problem (passed Series 7 (stock-broker), Insurance 2-20 (property & casualty), and have current Florida St Cert Res REA Appraiser License.

I'd like to either work as a sales rep for an Ontario GC, or start my own small remodeling company in Ontario.

Question: what type of certification would be required in Ontario for the type of work I'd like to do, and is it possible to just take a test based on my experience level.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated - Thanks in advance!

__________________
Raimo Kumpulainen
Those who don't remember the past, are condemned to repeat it.

Chris Johnson

Well, I left Ontario three years ago, and the qualifications did not exist, basically if you could afford business cards and a phone you could be a contractor.

The only 'license' you needed was if you built new homes, you must register with TARION, the gov't warranty program. Also Plumbers, Electricians, Gas Fitters, Septic Installers must be certfied which required an apprenticeship course.

For renovations just sell yourself. If you work in Metro Toronto you will need a Metro Business License, which was more of a pain in the A$$ to get, you get in the same line up as the Taxi Drivers, Hot Dog vendors, etc.

Why are you moving to Ontario? You want the 'free' Medical Care? or do you just enjoy paying lots of Income Tax (of which about 18% pays for the 'free' medical care)? You realize fuel cost more? Can't write of mortgage interest? Fed and Prov sales tax = 14%?

The greenery is beautiful, land is plentiful, water is clear and no short supply, enjoy yourself.

__________________
Chris

Flacan

Chris

thanks for all the info. It is very helpful.

We're moving up in order to take care of our parents. Both my parents, and my wife's parents, all of whom are Canadian citizens living in the GTA, are retired now. In addition, my mum has 3 medical problems, which restricts her movement outside of the country.

With 4 kids, we may be able to get some of that tax money back each month.

Anyone else want to chime in?

__________________
Raimo Kumpulainen
Those who don't remember the past, are condemned to repeat it.