The Capitol Connection is our weekly Q & A column for contractors that focuses on topics pertaining to contractor's licensing.
For contractors a suspended license may mean suspended payment. Getting back to business is going to be a job for this contractor who can’t work until he ‘builds’ a case to explain what happened. How you ask the question will often determine what answer you get. When I am helping contractors with real-world worksite and bureaucratic…
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…
Like Winston Smith in Orwell’s “1984”, contractors are also discovering that government wants them to believe that ‘less is more’ when it comes to fees they pay for licensing. The fees remain the same, but you’ll be getting less for them. First, a lawyer discovers that government workers can also give the ‘wrong’ answer to the…
While the 3% goal for including certified disabled-veteran owned companies (DVBE) remains in place, goals for other ‘disadvantaged’ businesses providing goods and services in California have changed. Remember Proposition 209? We also open a ‘vent’ to let some fresh air in on unlicensed activity being promoted online… Q: I would like to get certified as a…
What would a level playing field look like for contractors? How do partnerships help the State clamp down on unlicensed contractors and illegal activities? What is the CSLB doing to help legitimate contractors during this severe economic downturn? These were among the issues addressed on June 18th at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza in Sacramento. When…
There is little that brings me more satisfaction than readers who respond with great insight to some recent questions and answers. We begin by expanding on one answer. We continue with this theme as another reader ‘questions’ a point regarding an ‘exception’ to a CSLB rule, that may give some contractors an unfair advantage in bids……
When I get feedback from a column “Q&A” we all benefit from knowing, whether it’s the exception or the rule. Truly, we are never too old to learn, or in some cases, too young to be licensed. Unfortunately, as another contractor teaches us, your livelihood can suffer if you allow a license to actually ‘die’. Our…
When it comes to unlicensed contractors or unfair competition, the CSLB is on the hunt in California. You can bet when they get a clue, SWIFT action follows. Concern about those cheating legitimate licensed contractors in the ‘underground economy’ goes all the way to the top, as State officials will be happy to explain. Finally, a…
Attention! I will address some “general” questions for the troops. At ease! We brief contractors and conquer some misconceptions about the General Building license and how it can be used. Another contractor wants his son to take a big ‘stride forward’ to follow his father’s footsteps. However, we all learn that getting started may be tougher…