Suggestions for getting required work experience on permitted jobs in the Pikes Peak region? Needd referrals required for PPRBD license type B-C.
Greetings, I need to get my B-C license from PPRBD (Pikes Peak Regional Building Department). I can handle all of the license requirements EXCEPT the PPRBD requires referrals from other contractors for work done on permitted jobs (preferably jobs permitted by PPRBD).
Background: I'm semi-retired, and want to design and build a family house as a sort of "legacy project", using quality/durable materials. I want to self-build and do most of the work myself (plus hire a limited # of subs) to save money. Really the key issue is that my budget is limited, so my goal is to spend most of the build budget on materials, not labor- because I can do most of the labor. For the build I have in mind (3 stories, plus basement and unoccupied attic), if I did everything through a custom builder it would cost at least $1.5M, but I will have about $750k. Build would start in about 4 years (but planning has already started).
I have experience doing most of the work that will need to be done, since I have renovated big parts of the 3 family homes we've owned over the decades (all in other parts of the country). I enjoy doing the work when the timeline is not rushed. So my plan is to have a flexible build schedule and keep our existing primary home for the wife during the entire build period, which would be about 2 years. I have run my own manufacturing business for 20+ years and was a lawyer before that, so I can handle the administrative side of things. I already own the lot.
The problem is: I'm not in the construction industry, but PPRBD requires referrals from employers/contractors based on jobs with PPRBD permit numbers. I am happy to work hard for contractors with minimal pay part-time to gain that experience and get those referrals. Question is: Since I'm not looking for a typical construction job, what's the best way to go about finding that kind of work arrangement? Not sure applying for local construction jobs would make sense with my unusual goals (since I'd want to be 100% honest with the employer about my plan), but I'm happy to do it that way if needed.
I have no plans to compete with local builders in the future. I would be retired after the build is done.