Contractor Licensing FAQs

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

Secretary of State Contractors Filing

In assisting contractors with licensing for more than 25 years, I occasionally run into those ‘peculiar’ situations that only crop up now and then as law is translated into actual practice. However, don’t think you’re safe because, as I share with you here, you could be that ‘one-in-a-million’. A son will need to show some extra…

Read MoreSecretary of State Contractors Filing

Prime Payments & Public Works Regulation

Will public works contractors face more regulatory hurdles in the future? A ‘partnership’ taking a new direction may need help. But first, subs will appreciate reading more about legal requirements that they get paid on time without any excuses… Q: I am a plumbing subcontractor and do a lot of work for General Contractors (GC). Lately…

Read MorePrime Payments & Public Works Regulation

Corporate Filings for Contractors

As backward as it may seem if a public entity says they want a plumber to install their electrical wiring they can do that. Granted, this may be an extreme example. However, what may be ‘proper’ isn’t always the most ‘acceptable’ alternative when bidding a public project as our first question illustrates. Another contractor learns what’s…

Read MoreCorporate Filings for Contractors

Home Improvement Contractors

When something old is rebuilt or remodeled, specific rules may apply to contractors making those home improvements in California. What’s the ‘fallout’ from this rule in new construction? Another contractor is ‘dead’ certain he sent his renewal in on time, but it didn’t save his license from ‘expiring’. When should you send in a renewal to…

Read MoreHome Improvement Contractors

RME RMO for California Contractors

Everyone can read the contractor rules and regulations, but understanding what is written, especially when much depends on someone else’s interpretation, is not so easy as our contractor questions illustrate… Q: I recently found your articles on the Internet and they have helped me out tremendously. I’m in the process of forming a new business and…

Read MoreRME RMO for California Contractors

California Partnership License; General Engineering Contractor

I have been told ‘eyewitnesses’ don’t always report seeing the same thing. It’s a matter of perspective. When reading the regulations for licensed contractors your interpretation, or ‘vision’ needs to be accurate and complete. Individual viewpoints are often different and yours may not always mesh with what the Board actually requires. That different ‘viewpoint’ can give…

Read MoreCalifornia Partnership License; General Engineering Contractor