General Contracting contractors in
Williston, North Dakota.
A public directory of licensed general contracting contractors serving greater Williston. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
North Dakota requires a Class A General Contractor license for projects over $4,000. Must pass PSI exam, provide proof of $50,000 net worth, and maintain continuous operation. License renewal required every 3 years with 8 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
City of Williston requires building permits for most construction projects. Commercial projects need plan review. Permit fees range from $50-$500 based on project value. Submit applications through City Building Department.
Inspection Schedule
Foundation inspection before concrete pour, framing inspection before covering, electrical/plumbing rough-in, insulation inspection, and final inspection before occupancy
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required for employees, surety bond $10,000 for Class A license
How to Get Licensed
Meet financial requirements
Prove $50,000 net worth through bank statements, financial statements, or CPA letter. Must demonstrate continuous business operation capability.
Pass PSI examination
Schedule and pass the general contractor exam through PSI Services. Covers business law, construction methods, safety, and North Dakota regulations. 70% passing score required.
Obtain surety bond
Purchase $10,000 surety bond from approved bonding company. Bond protects consumers and must remain active throughout license period.
Submit application
Complete application with Secretary of State including exam results, bond certificate, financial documentation, and $200 license fee.
Maintain license
Renew every 3 years with 8 hours continuing education, updated bond, and renewal fee. Keep insurance current and report any business changes to licensing board.
About This Market
Williston's general contracting market runs hot due to oil boom economics and housing demand. You're looking at 199 licensed outfits statewide competing for work, with median wages hitting $53.74/hour reflecting the skilled labor shortage. Residential remodels and new construction drive most business, but commercial work from energy sector keeps the bigger players busy. Costs run 15-25% higher than national average due to material transport and labor premiums. Peak season gets compressed into six months, so contractors pack their year into April-October. Winter work means heated enclosures and weather delays that kill margins. The licensing isn't complicated but the $50K net worth requirement and bonding weeds out the weekend warriors. Local building department moves fast but inspection schedules can bottleneck during peak season. Smart money focuses on energy-efficient builds and oil worker housing - that's where the repeat business lives.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
- Licensed establishments countUS Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsNorth Dakota Secretary of State Contractor Licensing Board
- Insurance minimumsNorth Dakota Century Code Title 43-07
- Permit requirementsCity of Williston Building Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Class A General Contractor license cost in North Dakota?
Initial license fee is $200 plus $100 examination fee. You also need a $10,000 surety bond and proof of $50,000 net worth. Total startup costs typically run $1,500-2,000 including bond premiums and application fees according to the ND State Electrical Board.
How much do general contractors make in Williston, ND?
Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows median hourly wage of $53.74 ($111,779 annually) for construction managers in North Dakota. Williston contractors often earn 10-20% above state median due to oil boom demand and skilled labor shortages.
What size projects require a general contractor license in North Dakota?
Any construction project exceeding $4,000 in total cost requires a licensed general contractor per North Dakota Century Code 43-07. This includes both residential and commercial work, with limited exceptions for agricultural buildings.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in North Dakota?
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting complete application with exam results. The PSI examination can be scheduled within 2 weeks of application. Total timeline from study to license is usually 8-12 weeks according to the ND Contractor Licensing Board.
What insurance do general contractors need in Williston, ND?
North Dakota requires minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation for any employees. Many contractors carry $1-2 million liability due to project requirements. The state licensing board mandates continuous coverage to maintain license status.
General Contracting contractors in Williston
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