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Solar Development is Accelerated With Easier Permit Process in Chicago

A few years ago in Chicago, it could take up to six months in order to get a permit to install solar panels on a home. Fortunately, a new program, the city’s Solar Chicago program, has been implemented that offers discounted solar installations when they are purchased in bulk. This program is run by the Vote Solar organization, who partners with the Environmental Law and Policy Center and World Wildlife Fund.  The program hoped to get residential rooftop solar energy off the ground in Chicago. Another benefit of this program is the wait to get a solar construction permit has been cut down to just one day, because of the city’s Solar Express program. Previously, the permit process would take at least 30 days, and often it would take even longer than that.  The Solar Express program allows for a residential solar installation that is under 13.44 kW to obtain a permit in just one day. This is a great accomplishment for the program. The program has been funded with an initiative grant by the U.S. Department of Energy Sun Shot for $750,000, and they have been able to lower the cost of permit fees for solar installations from $375 to $275. The city of Chicago has also become partners with Come in order to facilitate the interconnection that is required for residential solar.  In addition to making the process easier for residential solar installations, the city has also worked towards making things easier for the development of larger solar installations on industrial, commercial or any other big buildings. One way they were able to do so was with an administrative order back in 2013 that allowed for developers to establish the wind load on a rooftop installation by using the national standards instead of using the Chicago building code, which was a much lengthier process.  The hope is with these changes to the solar construction permit process, more people will be able to incorporate solar panels into their construction projects.

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How to Get a Plumbing License in Illinois

Any plumber or plumbing contracts needs to get a license before they are able to do any work in Illinois. In order to obtain a license, plumbers will need to pass their Plumbing License Exam, which will cover topics such as drainage systems, administrative procedures, vents & venting, fixtures, etc. The Illinois Department of Public Health regulates plumbing licenses and the City of Chicago also issues plumbing licenses for its jurisdiction.   In order to qualify to take the plumbing exam in Illinois, a candidate has to have completed at least two years of high school, graduated from a trade school program in plumbing and needs to have been employed as an apprentice plumber for at least four years. To apply for the test, you can find the application online at the Plumbing Program website. The application is then mailed in. The plumbing exam in Chicago will take three hours and the applicant needs to receive a score of 70 to pass it. There are study guides, practice tests and flashcards available to help applicants prepare for the exam. Applicants are not allowed to bring their own calculator and cannot bring in any reference materials into the testing site. However, calculators will be provided for the applicants on site. The exam will include questions about: • Code Requirements for Plumbers and Contractors • Cutting and Assembling Plumbing System Components • Drawings, Charts and Plans • Plumbing Practice, Theory and Safety • Plumbing Systems • Rehabilitated Requirements • Troubleshoot, Maintenance and Repair There are fees in order to take the test. Once the exam has been completed and applicants have been informed that they have passed, they will receive their license. Plumbing licenses need to be renewed every year and there is a continuing education requirement that comes with the license.   Plumbing contracts need to register with the state of Illinois and they also need to pay a fee and get a minimum of general liability, bodily injury, property damage and workers compensation insurance.  

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Generalcontractor license Permit - Things to Consider When Selecting a Contractor

When taking on a construction project, there are so many things to think about, and it can be so freeing to pass off the burden to someone else.  However, it is not simply a matter of choosing just anyone;  it’s a case of finding the right person.  You will want to find someone who will give the project the same attention and importance that you will.  When you are looking to choose a general contractor, it can be a bit challenging since there are so many choices and you will want to make sure to find someone who meets all of your requirements.  A general contractor can make all the difference in your project, since they will become the general venture director and will take on most of the burden for you, even if they are not doing most of the work themselves.  They will be able to oversee and manage the project so you do not have to.  Since a general contractor will be working with a wide range of organizations in the building business, you want to find an exceptional contractor.  Before making a final decision to hire someone, you should make sure to ask them some critical questions, including if they are licensed.  This is one of the most important questions that you can ask to offer yourself protection in case there is an accident or harm that was caused by the contractual worker or the temporary workers’ employees.  You will want to make sure that you get enough information from the general excavation licensing to feel comfortable and you should physically check to make sure that they are insured.  Do you convey laborers remuneration protection? It is vital that the contractual worker convey laborers comp in case any of the temporary worker’s representatives endure a mishap or harm on your premises.  If this happens, you will not be responsible for their medical expenses.