Contractor Licensing FAQs

Government regulation is often complex and can be easy to misinterpret. Sometimes the ‘scope of work’ extends beyond the written rules, as our “B” readers have learned. As might be expected, the actual practice of ‘interpreting’ the written rules often lead to some interesting and unique ‘exceptions’ in their actual application… Q: I am thoroughly confused…

The first step in reaching a goal is knowing where to start! For contractors filing an application, adding to an existing license or for a multitude of other needs Capitol Services is a good choice for a starting place. As we have maintained for years, knowledge is power and knowing where to go for it is…

Despite attempts to make government more accessible, understandable and open to citizens there always seems to be one more ‘hoop’ to jump through to get where you want to go as our first question shows. We also offer a new take on the old Latin phrase, “caveat emptor” or buyer beware… Q:  First of all, I…

You may not use it now, plan to keep it in its current form; add to or subtract from it, but your contractor’s license is golden, and the result of hard work and study. These contractors illustrate how changes in life and business can affect your licensing… Q: I recently started working for a new company…

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…

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…

Many contractors are taking advantage of California now allowing operations as a Limited Liability Company. However, keeping the license number you had for years might be an issue. But first, another contractor discovers a way to ‘waive’ the exam in qualifying a new corporate license… Q:  We are currently exploring the options to obtain a Class…

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…

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…