I want to wish all my readers a Happy and Prosperous 2010. This last year has been a rough one for the construction industry. As we look forward to this New Year, let us hope that the perceived economic turn-a-round is real and the potential for recovery realized in the marketplace… Q: I have heard of…
Innovation in the marketplace is one of the few benefits from a downturn. New technology, ‘green’ practices and new markets are being created in this recession. Many contractors are looking at new ways to work by adding to the utility of their existing licenses. Good news for our first electrical contractor starts us off… Q: Our…
Are you positive you know the specific difference between an employee, working ‘for’ you and a subcontractor working ‘with’ you? It’s an important distinction for ‘worker’s compensation’. Keeping it all in the family is the aim of one licensed contractor whose brother wants to take over the business… Q: My brother-in-law wants to give his Class…
Keeping an eye on CSLB policy and practice is part of my work. Sharing those developments with you, and commenting on important changes for contractors are other parts of my job. My work also takes me to meetings where discussion and decisions are made that may impact all contractors, like this one… The CSLB held it’s…
I get excited knowing the questions and answers in this column can improve life for contractors. All most contractor’s want in competitive bidding is a level playing field. Unfortunately, some place bids knowing they are exposing their workers to danger on the job and that’s unfair to all… Contractor Update: Many months ago, I responded to…
You hire a licensed landscaper to create and maintain your property, but did you know he could also bid for the contract to build your swimming pool? One of the ways to obtain a low contractor’s license number in California is to buy one. Another contractor is having some sleepless nights worrying about losing his license…
Another important alert for corporate contractors comes with a lesson on ‘un-ringing the bell.’ We learn that once an application is made it’s a ‘done deal.’ First, two contractors are looking at ways to expand their opportunities in these leaner times. As with past downturns looking at new ways to work can lead to better profit…
We help corporate contractors, sole proprietors and anyone else who may have a question about some aspect of obtaining or using your State license. Small and disabled-veteran contractors are getting more support from the State of California. We give a contractor a ‘helping hand’ to keep the business in the family by reaching beyond his ‘grasp’……
A contracting business, like a marriage, often starts out well. Unfortunately, half of the marriages end in divorce. Who holds the ‘cards’ when the business deal is done? A lot could depend on how the ‘game’ is being played. Like a diploma, many contractors want to display their achievement when they get a license. Do you…