Contractor Licensing FAQs

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

Specialty Work & General Rules

Walking a fine ‘line’ is one of the skills some contractors ‘utilize’ in taking on work that may be a little outside their specific license. The question of how many trades a General can take on is sometimes subject to debate when contract dollars are at stake. First, I suggest all those who qualify a license…

Read MoreSpecialty Work & General Rules

DBA, Worker’s Comp Exemption

I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. However, you almost always want a second opinion when a medical question arises. That policy is also a wise course when dealing with the complexities of law and regulations contractors must ‘survive’ to keep their business ‘alive’. A new rule may put more reach into…

Read MoreDBA, Worker’s Comp Exemption

Unlicensed Contractors Enforcement

The benefit of having the latest news from important government meetings often means you have to attend. For contractors time is money, and that’s why I’m your ‘eyes and ears’ in these meeting rooms. Reducing unfair competition for licensed contractors is one of the ‘hang ups’ government regulators are making the ‘call’ on in these sessions……

Read MoreUnlicensed Contractors Enforcement

RME Qualifiers & Business Name

Doing business as a contractor is difficult and rewarding, but the learning curve never ends. The complex rules that govern contracting matters both large and small can extend to a single word in your company name… Q: I formed a new solar company and submitted my application to the CSLB well over a month ago. I…

Read MoreRME Qualifiers & Business Name

Specialty Contractors Licensing in CA; Business Address Change

In real estate, the advice is always: location, location. For contractors the key to wisdom may be: documentation, documentation! The bureaucracy runs on paperwork which is up-to-date and paid in full. First, I will ‘engineer’ a solution for a corporate contractor that saves him time. We then follow the ‘paper trail’ for two other contractors who…

Read MoreSpecialty Contractors Licensing in CA; Business Address Change

Handyman & CSLB Publications

When consumers need minor repairs or think about remodeling, they often mistakenly look first for someone who is ‘handy’ at the job. However, as current California law is written there is no specific ‘handyman’ license, despite what you may read in some ads. I will also ‘expand’ your knowledge of legally ‘contracting’ and that advice is…

Read MoreHandyman & CSLB Publications