Contractor Licensing FAQs

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

License Transfer After Death

‘Time is money’ is an old cliché. However, waiting too long or missing a deadline can cost you plenty. While one contractor learns he can’t afford to wait ‘one day’ to renew an expired license, another will likely be given ‘one year’ to wrap up issues with their license change… Q: I was the Responsible Managing…

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Solar Electric

Contractors are finding one ‘bright’ spot in the growing demand for ‘green’ energy. Another electrical contractor feels they are getting ‘burned’ by misinterpretation of the license rules. I will ‘bond’ with another contractor before helping a crane operator understand when a license is required to work in California… Q: Can a contractor perform solar work under…

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RMO/RMe & DVBE

The Chinese character for crisis is the same as that for opportunity. With the recession requiring contractors to find new ways and new avenues to profit, the idea of qualifying a new license is one frequent topic of conversation. I am also discovering that some contractors are looking farther away to find work now… Q: We…

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General California Contractors License & Public Works Projects

While contractors have worked wonders in building the Golden State, even they can’t be in five places at once! Another contractor hopes to shed some ‘light’ on how General Engineering contractors can soak up some ‘green’ profits. And finally, another lesson in Public Works Bidding 101… Q: Can an “A” (Gen Engineering) license install wind generators…

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A & B License & Self Employment

California’s complex laws and some common misconceptions can frustrate both contractors and those who may desire a license. A simple name change, or even a lack of a clear understanding of the rules, can ‘mow down’ your business plan before it gets started. That’s where I come in, to help clear the air and provide that…

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Hazardous Certification In California

These contractor inquiries about rules and regulations regarding electrical and hazardous removal have been assembled from past columns, and answer some of the questions contractors are asking now. Plugging into hi tech power demand and removing what was once ‘state of the art’ in building tech require special certification before going to work… Q: As a…

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California License Reciprocity

If you could get a contractor’s license without lots of testing wouldn’t it be great? Well you probably can if you cross the California border. When does ‘managing’ a construction project for an owner cross the line and require a contractor’s license? These are just a few of the many questions contractors need to answer, and…

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