Contractor Licensing FAQs

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…

People often seek a second opinion when they don’t like the answer they get. When it comes to applying the law to contractor’s licensing, the CSLB usually has the final say. However, it seems there is some ‘exception’ to the law. Another contractor learns too long ago is also too late when trying to ‘revive’ an…

In writing this column, reader feedback is one of the best ‘gifts’ I receive from contractors’. It signals validation of the value readers receive in taking time to educate themselves beyond the basics. Our first contractor has come back to the well for a double-dip of license advice. Another contractor wants to know if he can…

Have you ever played “Whack A Mole”? If so, you can understand some contractor’s frustration with people trying to scam them. As soon as one scam is exposed another pops up to take its place and waste more of your valuable time. With every recession, these types of con games seem to multiply like moles. A…

‘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…