Finding a good, licensed contractor to do work for you can be a long and difficult journey. Whether you are searching for the first time or fiftieth, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you go through the process.

When one thinks of things to do on the weekend in Arizona, most of the time fishing isn't one of the first things that come to mind. Usually it's hiking or trying to stay indoors to get out of the heat. But the Grand Canyon State is home to quite a few lakes and waterways that can be good places to go fishing and escape the heat.

The internet has come a long way in the last twenty years in its ability to rapidly distribute information to people around the world. Many businesses have found success in establishing an online presence - with a website, social media accounts, or both - but not every business (contracting or otherwise) feels like they need to do this in order to do well.

The Smithsonian predicted in 2014 that Arizona had six more years of water before drought, overuse, and low Lake Mead reservoirs would send the state into a hydrological crisis. Vice echoed this dire message towards the end of 2017 by saying that climate change and rising heat, even if not the end of water access exactly, would make Phoenix unbearable before 2050. The bad news keeps on coming, and that might be enough to make you think it's better to get out of Arizona and set up your business elsewhere. But that's not the case.

Construction is not a reliable source of income. There are not enough jobs to go around. The pay is not good enough. Are these excuses holding you back from considering a job in the Arizona construction industry? Here are three reasons why you should think about getting into it.

Summer is coming up, and it may be doing so faster than you want to think about. While the longer stretches of daylight hours may be something to look forward to for many, high temperatures and heat-related illnesses are two tag-alongs that people often dread. If your job requires you to spend much of your time hot, sweaty, and outdoors, here are a few ways to keep extreme summer heat from making you sick.

Working in the construction industry has received a negative connotation recently. Whether it's because a four-year degree isn't mandatory or because it often falls under the category of 'blue-collar work,' people are often taught to regard the industry as the one you turn to only if you can find work elsewhere. But that negative spin means a lot of people don't know anything about the industry, which gives you a valuable opportunity. Here's how to take advantage of it:

If you are looking for a new career path and like to work with your hands, one great option would be to become a licensed contractor. There are many advantages that come with being a licensed contractor in the State of Arizona.

You may want to consider starting your own business before you quit your job cold turkey. By doing it part-time, you can build up your business until you feel comfortable quitting your job entirely.

You did it. You pushed past the fear, ignored those that deemed you crazy, and threw your entire life savings in to starting your small business. All so that you could finally earn a living doing what you love. Surprisingly, now that you have arrived, you find yourself doing a lot of things that you do not love, just in order to keep the business going.