Doing Side Work Without A License - Why It Might Be A Bad Idea
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 เม.ย. 2020
- Doing side work without a license is something that has gone on for many decades. As an HVAC technician, you might think a little side hustle might be to figure out how to get side work as a mechanic. Working after hours, being a side work electrician you might ask is it illegal? is it a good idea? I can make extra money moonlighting in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Side jobs bring in extra money. Is it a good idea? Your employer may not think so. If you're wondering how to get side work in the construction, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical field in 2020 you're not going to get any ideas for side work here.
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Sounds like you have a problem with someone you know. Everyone has to start somewhere just like you did. Thanks for the Rant
Lol.
Channel Cat Chaser -Your accusation says more to me, about your experiences...than you know. This was an awesome video, side jobs are a bad idea. You won’t be insured. Imagine you have to tell your wife that a $200 side job is suing you for $200,000.00. But maybe you won’t have to tell her, Maybe you keep track of your own house payments, then you won’t have to ask how much equity you have in the house, to pay for the lawyer.
@@foxfamilyheatingandaircond4696 what is so funny? I guarantee that you didn't just start your business one day out of the blue. Someone had to know you were going out on your own. Three years ago I started my own business from ground up so I have experienced a lot of what you are talking about. Insurance is not that expensive for a million dollars worth of liability insurance. Ive watched your channel and business from the early days of your videos. It gave me lots of hope when I made the jump. Now bigger you grow it seems you are loosing some of your core values of a one guy operation.
@@marklabelle7371 I am a small business owner my friend. This is America and I believe anyone can start a business if they want to do so. No matter how you look at it side jobs start small business. There are risks involved if your not insured but that's in the hands of the people doing the work.
@@channelcatchaser9426 I don't have to prove it to anyone, I know in my heart I didn't perform any side work to get out on my own. 🙂 I waited until I got my license and insurance and started with customer zero. Some things have changed for Fox Family, but core values is not one of them. I'm glad your business is up and running and I hope you have tremendous success in your venture. I'm sorry if my videos are letting you down. It's just a hobby for me.
I used to do side work, but now that I’m licensed and still work for a company, I won’t do anything to jeapordize losing my license. I plan on branching off in a few months, the most I will tell a customer is, “hey if you can wait until next March or April, I’m your guy” I’m very excited to start this new journey. Thank you for all your videos, they have been quite an encouragement during my process.
From what I can recall, in my state you can do service work without a mechanical license. You can’t replace a system legally without a license.
That said, I’ve worked for a few different places here and not one of them paid me for the quality of work I provided. I have done side work for neighbors and then started taking referrals but only in my neighborhood. I use all my own parts, tools and vehicle because I know what’s mine and what’s not.
I don’t see any issue when it’s repairs and it’s not stealing business from a company you work for.
What state?
Illinois you can do service work without a license. It's a pain to get licensed to so installs. It takes years.
What about Texas
Exactly I work commercial refrigeration and my company pretty much exclusively does big chain grocery stores, they have no issue with techs doing side work and even using their company van at times, it’s when your doing side work for what could be considered as “competition” we do grocery stores so if I want to do some residential or restaurant business as long as they are local restaurants and not big chain ones they have no issues because we would never go for such small customers
It’s a tough world out there. Nothing wrong with side work as long as it doesn’t interfere with your place of employment. People got to live in this recession
did side work for 10years while employed started that job with nothing got all my experience there felt convicted everyday prayed alot finally quit and got my own contractors license confessed it to my previous employer he forgave me feel better now proverbs 28:13 God is good!
I was an automotive tech for 20 years and did side work that I got by word of mouth only. Never took from the dealers I worked for. But, now that I've changed career paths I can see this industry is a different beast. Thank you for posting this video, it pointed out very good points.
Thank you for sharing and sticking to your convictions. God bless you.
I’ve had bosses that would give us a house to do, to make extra money. And ones that would fire you for side jobs. It’s so easy to get a license and insurance even in California.
True
If one of your techs does side work and he burns a house down. You (the real contractor) will be paying for that house. And a lot of people assume that liability insurance covers everything. First, there's the deductible. Second, they wont cover damaged caused by work outside of the scope of your trade. Third, they wont cover damage caused by intentional negligence.
So if your "duct-runner" gets called by a cousin's neighbor to a house. Takes your truck over there. He finds the 30a circuit breaker tripped. Home Depot only has a 50a left on the shelf. He replaces the 30 with a 50. Gets payed cash. The run capacitor goes to ground and pulls about 45 amps and cooks the #10 wire in the wall and causes a fire. Your fixing a house or going out of business. Not covered by liability insurance.
Great video. This past February here in Hillsborough County, 118 Non licensed contractors were arrested. Including a registered sex offender. If one of these people gets hurt on your property you as a home owner are in for a rude awakening when they sue you. Thanks for posting!
Wow good point!
Wow. 118 arrests!
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with side work as long as it is done without interfering with the company. Example like the one you gave is working under your employer and a customer asked you to come back on your own time no I don’t think that’s OK because that relationship was Met well representing the employer I think that’s totally unprofessional as well as offering to undercut him on your own time your employer worked hard to get that client customer relation. Now it’s a friend of a friend asked you to do work on your own time I think that’s perfectly OK as long as you’re not using your employer’s van parts equipment or reputation
the new this is how I feel about the situation
Yes you are right. BUT when the season gets slow e.t. winter, and your company is unable to find work... And im able to find work that my company wont do because of what ever reason, like a refigeration company wont do residential, but i can do with (my own tools) its not ok?
right these companies play favorites and if you can get side jobs im taking them cuz the company is not paying my bills if they can't get me no work
Just seems like a bitter business owner trying to convince his staff to stop doing so much work on the side.
What if you work lets say in a restaurant and you do side work on your own is that ok? Jist asking
You only live ones sometimes you have to take risks. I do side jobs I make a lot of cash every day. This country is for smart people.
No it’s not it’s for people who want to get ahead. Intelligence isn’t everything
I feel like your perspective on this completely changes when you either own a company, or come out of the field and run a department. I use to rob all the used units that came in at the end of the day that had been taken out of homes. take all the old caps, contactors, hard starts, etc..Get a few calls after work and make a quick 100 bucks changing simple parts out. Fast forward 5 years and I get promoted to service manager. I start seeing detailed reports on how much money it takes to run the operation and how much i need a truck to make daily for us to be profitable. Complee sea change on how i see things!
Well the thing about side work is to make extra money to buy better tools that the business won't cover or get ot for extra $$$.
A lot of companies offer a tool purchase program. This allows the employee the option to buy the tool they want or need and have it dedicated from their pay check.
What about side work that Is done that is not direct competition to the employer? Work that the employer doesn't even have a shot at and is not a current customer of the employer?
Then its your work, not side work taking from your boss. Don’t use his stuff, Use your own stuff, If you don’t have a way to get to your job, and your customer will come pick you up in their car, fine, But where are you going to get the repair part or freon? If the customer wants to order it on Amazon, and pick you up for a second trip to put in a duel capacitor? Great.
Taking it off my (bosses) truck is subject to firing and arrest. What if I came to your house and walked in and took all of your toilet paper? Is that stealing without your permission? When I used to work for somebody, there were a couple of times when I came in and threw 20 bucks at the boss in the morning and said i used a pound of Freon on my neighbors unit. Ask your boss if it’s OK, then you know whether or not you have a good boss or need to find a new job.
Good points. I used to do side jobs as quickly as they come in. Now that I am an owner, I see the other side. The customers and licensed HVAC contractors are the ones that stand to lose. Side note, would you be interested in coming on the HVAC Overtime you tube show for an interview or the podcast?
Hellz yeah!
You can reach me at greg@foxfamilyhvac.net
You are right and may I add Don't do side work wearing my logo! And even thou some companies sell there logo shirts on Teespring, don't buy one and go around saying you work for them and boss says sidewalk is ok he lets me do it under his lic and insurance!! Security cameras capture a guy with the co logoed shirt doing the work.
Great job well said
Nice thanks for watching
In your explanation of the service van costing “30-K” that’s much more today “2023” what’s your opinion on leasing the company vans as opposed to purchasing ??? My boss leases the vans thru enterprise. He says their flexible shelving packages lease van for 3,4, or 5 years he claims if you lease for 4 years and your not ready to commit to a replacement just yet enterprise is flexible and willing to continue taking payments like a flexible extension.
I do computer networking and I work for anybody and I also have the same full time job for 18 years. I never saw a conflict as long as I wasn't doing any work on the time I was at my main job. It's been the best decision for me to do this and now I have my own business as well. I don't work for a company though and now I'm not sure if I ever could knowing that side work might be an issue as a company employee.
What’s wrong with bettering ourselves? I’m struggling to get references because other contractors see me as more competitors. Gotta have references where I live to get a license it’s kinda ridiculous but then again the hvac field is dangerous and not sizing an install properly can have dire consequences.
first of all, I hope you know how to size an install, or you shouldn't be working on your own. perhaps I read that wrong. There are many books and videos and software to help you. But anyway, theres nothing wrong with trying to better yourself... side work is not bettering yourself. also there is a big difference between stealing a customer from the company you work for, and doing work for friends of friends.. companies pay a lot of money in acquisition costs to find new customers - to take them away while you are an employee is stealing. and there is a big difference between using your own tools / parts / truck and using the companies... most owners will not tolerate you using their equipment and parts for your side business - only occasionally for family and many want you to ask first. If you have your own insurance and are using your own stuff and not stealing customers from the company, then its not really "sidework" you are on your way to starting your own business.
hey!!! I have no problem buying used tools!! They are not always stolen especially when it comes to specialty tools like leak detector meters and anemometers
I only do side work for family emergencies. Dont really have the want or the need. Too many things that can go wrong on a service call.
government doesnt need to know what you make under the table work is fine as long as your confident in what your doing and it saves the costumer money and gives you better pay
At the company I just got hired on, side work is strictly forbidden and will result in instant termination.
I agree, also after the day is over and the tech goes home and grabs a couple of beers with the buddies the boss continues to do things behind the scene that helps to keep an employee employed. Now the flip side is bosses should treat employees a little better, in what way, that depends on that employee. But using the company tools to make extra money is wrong. But what if your worker approaches you and is straight up honest and forward with you, do you make an exception if they cut you in 15%
I feel that really opens up a grey area that could gets easily confused. And you're right. Company owners and upper management REALLY need to focus more on treating their techs better, so they don't feel the need to hustle on the side.
What about offering an employee a finder fee for referring a customer to the company? Have the customer mention the employee by name when they set up the appointment. That gives the employee an incentive to turn the side job into an on the clock job. I may do that once my business is going.
2 years late 😂. But this works. I used to get 2% for referrals as an installer and setting up leads. Easy $200 and I could choose to do the job. Never felt compelled to do side work and I did start my company with zero customers.
If a code inspector catches you and your unlicensed not only do they charge you a fine but here in Delaware they will issue a fine to the homeowner too. Just image of you don’t communicate that with them too.
Wow that's good to know. Thanks for sharing
Oklahoma writes citations. To many and they will bar you from performing Mechanical work period.
Thankfully I don't need no license ;)
I must add too that you put yourself at huge risk doing this, BUT we all have big balls and every one of us has done this at one time or another to get ahead.
I used to do side work before I got an HIS license. It’s illegal if it’s $500 including materials.
Well said.
Side work hurts real tax paying businesses that are supporting your community. Also Buck in a Truck or Side Job Bob aren’t going to be held accountable to the same liability’s, standards, or guarantees of a legitimate well ran company.
Awesome to hear you leave a comment. Thanks 😊
There fact of matter is Everyone does side work that’s never gonna change. There’s always that one technician that claims they are the perfect tech lol yeah right. If your going to perform side work make sure you know what your doing. Legal matters are no joke.
Great video. Having my own buisness i trully see and understand were your coming from. Side work will never stop. As long as supply house keep selling parts and equipment to them it will keep going. It is very frustrating loosing work to people that work for almost nothing. But in reality you dont want those customers. I think that at the end of the day we just need to do the best we can, and we will come ahead. Our warranty and great work will keep us going. Financing is what will separate them and us. Keep up the good work.
Yeah good stuff Enrique
I won’t do side work for money. That nice friend or person will sue you at the drop of a hat if you ruin their unit and they find your not bonded. I will help a friend or person, but they must be right next to me saying yes go ahead and try that. And I do for free and if they give me money that’s fine (I help only the elderly or single parent women and sometimes a friend ).
Get your license. Get Insurance. Get your OWN truck & TOOLS. LIABILITY MAKES LAWYERS ALOT OF MONEY !!!
Naw it's Not Worthy Doing Side Work in HVAC-R I just readed about a guy in my state and city that did 10 years worth of Wrong work and bad jobs which cost him going to jail he Pretended to be a HVAC contractor Causing many violations to customers
Agreed with every point you made my friend.
imma do the work without the license
Hi, my name is sukhdip singh from India.i am air conditioners technicians.i have 13 years experience installation and maintenance in this field.i am looking for job
didnt know side work was illegal
The video title is misleading. You’re not saying why it might be a bad idea, you’re saying why it might be unfair to licensed contractor businesses, to which your point is valid.
In my opinion, if unlicensed side work is wrong or immoral, the reason it would be wrong would be if the unlicensed worker doesn’t know what they’re doing and their mistakes lead to property damage or injury to the occupants. I do NOT believe that the reason it’s wrong is because the customer gets a better price and a hard working tradesman with a skill found a way to get ahead and feed his family providing a valuable service for an affordable price.
So although I recognize your point about how frustrating this is for contractor businesses with large overhead, overall I disagree.
I want to add that I’m only talking about side work in general and not about using company leads or tools to do so. That of course I would agree that is wrong.
I called one a guy running off his HVAC installation business on Craiglist and Facebook Marketplace while at the same time working as a manager for HVAC company in So CAL. His price is the cheapest and is like $2000-3000 less that normal. He probably used unlicensed technicians to cut corners as well but he denied that they have licenses and insurance. After a few weeks and meeting other licensed HVAC companies, I decided not to use him due to liability, unlicensed, and other risk with quality of work.
That what happens when you work for homeowners. You don’t see people building bridges or large commercial projects on the side . Working on homes is handyman work . It is a poor business model . Actually it is a hobby
Yep
In my area, you better be doing residential, commercial and industrial or you're going hungry.
No the people who build bridges build side walls and driveways on the side😂
Drugs are bad mmkaaaayy
Yea
Whatever. To replace evaporator coil, under warranty was quoted $1500. Then found one company here local who changed me $550. You people are just greedy. For 4 hours of work. I could justify $500, $600 for 4 hours, not $1500. Up yours. Unsubscribe. 👎👎👎🖕🏼
Don’t get mad with technicians, the costumer is the one who chose to hire your tech, I’ve done side work a long time making easily 1k more a month 😃. I’m happy, the costumer is happy without the need of any contractor 😎
That's stupid using some else's tools to do a job. Any job. And if a customer didn't pay they can say goodbye to $10,000 dollars worth of their equipment.
And what are you supposed to do if you have no money but need money to provide for your family? The answer is you do what you need to do.
Don't steal customers from your job and certainly do not use the company truck and using company parts goes without saying, if the job is $500 or less it is legal. I can fix a unit for less than $500 nearly always.
Lol are you mad
Naaah 😊
Yeah sounds like you should've saved this rant for your slaves... I mean employees.