Capitol Services

The Chinese character for crisis is the same as that for opportunity. With the recession requiring contractors to find new ways and new avenues to profit, the idea of qualifying a new license is one frequent topic of conversation. I…

While contractors have worked wonders in building the Golden State, even they can’t be in five places at once! Another contractor hopes to shed some ‘light’ on how General Engineering contractors can soak up some ‘green’ profits. And finally, another…

California’s complex laws and some common misconceptions can frustrate both contractors and those who may desire a license. A simple name change, or even a lack of a clear understanding of the rules, can ‘mow down’ your business plan before…

These contractor inquiries about rules and regulations regarding electrical and hazardous removal have been assembled from past columns, and answer some of the questions contractors are asking now. Plugging into hi tech power demand and removing what was once ‘state…

For contractors a suspended license may mean suspended payment. Getting back to business is going to be a job for this contractor who can’t work until he ‘builds’ a case to explain what happened. How you ask the question will…

If you could get a contractor’s license without lots of testing wouldn’t it be great? Well you probably can if you cross the California border. When does ‘managing’ a construction project for an owner cross the line and require a…

Like Winston Smith in Orwell’s “1984”, contractors are also discovering that government wants them to believe that ‘less is more’ when it comes to fees they pay for licensing. The fees remain the same, but you’ll be getting less for…

While the 3% goal for including certified disabled-veteran owned companies (DVBE) remains in place, goals for other ‘disadvantaged’ businesses providing goods and services in California have changed. Remember Proposition 209? We also open a ‘vent’ to let some fresh air…

What would a level playing field look like for contractors? How do partnerships help the State clamp down on unlicensed contractors and illegal activities? What is the CSLB doing to help legitimate contractors during this severe economic downturn? These were…

There is little that brings me more satisfaction than readers who respond with great insight to some recent questions and answers. We begin by expanding on one answer. We continue with this theme as another reader ‘questions’ a point regarding…