Contractor Licensing FAQs

The Capitol Connection is our weekly Q & A column for contractors that focuses on topics pertaining to contractor's licensing.

License Number Advertising

While ignorance of the laws is no excuse, as we are often taught as children, the multi-layered complexity of contractor’s regulation in California is not an easy lesson. With full-time work as licensed contractors it helps ease the load just knowing you have an expert ‘on call’ when the inevitable question comes up about breaking those…

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Security Installations, “C-10” & “C-46” & Corporate Disassociation

While many trades have become more specialized others have ‘drifted’ into portions of other skilled work. That has raised the confusion levels among many contractors about what is now allowed within their scope of work. Sales and installation of some products have also triggered misunderstandings about who can do what with which license. That’s why we’re…

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Another Look at ‘Finder Fees, Rewards, Inducements or Kickbacks’

Having assisted contractors with licensing and other industry issues for more than 30 years, the questions that come into the office remain interesting and unpredictable. Sometimes the question comes from rumor, mistaken understanding or simple wishful thinking. In this instance, despite our appreciation at being asked, the answers can sometimes be clear, but also disappointing when…

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License Number Advertising, Experience Credit & LLC Insurance

While it’s certain contractors need to be licensed, some other ‘players’ must also ‘ante up’ if they want to be in the construction ‘game’. What seems like a simple mistake, you might also be making, could leave another contractor in ‘suspense’ if he doesn’t act quickly to correct it, because, as Oliver Wendell Holmes said, ‘ignorance…

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Keeping ‘Low’ License Numbers, “B” Solar & Roofing & NV Financials

Is having a ‘low’ or three-digit license number important? It can speak volumes about longevity in business, something many look for in choosing a contractor.  Another contractor helps us sort out some of the confusion about ‘unrelated’ trades on General Building licenses and we share some good news about Nevada licensing … Q:  Our company has…

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“A” vs “B”, License Exemptions for Sales & Installations

Demolishing misunderstanding while building real knowledge of contractor license law is the idea here.  Two contractors’ today show why not being correct is truly not an option… Q: Am I inaccurate with regards to my company having the “A” (General Engineering) License versus the “B” (General Building) license? The issue has come up and we need…

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