Contractor Licensing FAQs

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

Joint Venture Licensing, General Scope of Work & Installer’s Licensing

Two licensed contractors are putting their heads together but can’t decide whose license will work for their anticipated joint venture. A general engineering contractor discovers if- and where- they can ‘park’. A follow up question on whether a license is required to install a product helps contractors learn it’s not the size of the ‘fixture’ that…

Read MoreJoint Venture Licensing, General Scope of Work & Installer’s Licensing

Limited Speciality Licensing, DAS Electrical Certification & Worker’s Comp Exemptions

Changes in ‘limited’ specialty licensing in CA has created ‘unlimited’ numbers of relevant questions for contractors. In sharing his disturbing story another contractor will discover there are still a few good options open to him… Q: I was checking the CSLB website for information on the “C-61/D-51”, classification.  It’s showing: “D-51” – Waterproofing and weatherproofing — under relevant…

Read MoreLimited Speciality Licensing, DAS Electrical Certification & Worker’s Comp Exemptions

Applying for Multiple Classifications & Social Security Number Requirement

In the global economy sometimes business comes calling with a ‘foreign’ accent. Some of the legal requirements for becoming a licensed contractor in California are uniquely American and may be ‘lost in translation’… Q:  Our company has been selected to provide a product as part of a building project in Southern California.  The General contractor has…

Read MoreApplying for Multiple Classifications & Social Security Number Requirement

RME & Inactive Licenses, RMO & Partnerships & Waiver Applications

One word can often make the difference in success or failure in having a contractor’s license. ‘Inactive’ and ‘expired’ are good examples one contractor brings to our attention. Adding a class to your existing license is a way to extend your opportunity and may be possible without taking a test. We also share some ‘general’ observations…

Read MoreRME & Inactive Licenses, RMO & Partnerships & Waiver Applications

HIC Contracts, Mechanic’s Liens & CA Civil Code 8200, 8204

It’s a short question with a long important answer that will impact licensed contractors throughout the State of California. While every Capitol Connection is a ‘must read’ for contractors, this is information you absolutely don’t want to miss… Q: I regularly read your column in my local Builders Exchange’s Construction Weekly and I appreciate your insight. My…

Read MoreHIC Contracts, Mechanic’s Liens & CA Civil Code 8200, 8204

Sharing a Contractor License, Corporate Licenses, Electrical DAS & Raising Bid Limits in NV

We help a contractor raise the ‘ante’ in Nevada bids. California contractors reading this will discover a quirk in licensing law they might benefit from learning, unless they are ‘shocked’ we would reveal it. While you can transfer a sole owner license to a corporation, you can’t share a contractor’s license because you are ‘related’…  …

Read MoreSharing a Contractor License, Corporate Licenses, Electrical DAS & Raising Bid Limits in NV

General Licenses, Solar Installation, Business Names and RME/RMO

Better to ‘light a candle than curse the darkness comes to mind’ as we spotlight a couple of ‘general’ questions on solar system contracting.  Another contractor helps remind us of the rules in California for Responsible Managing Employees (or RME’s)… Q:  We’re a class “A” contractor, and have some interest in expanding into the solar energy…

Read MoreGeneral Licenses, Solar Installation, Business Names and RME/RMO