Contractor Licensing FAQs

Longevity in business is often one of the ways to tell who is providing quality work over time. That’s why for contractors having a ‘low’ license number can be important. Another question brings to light the fact some generals may be unintentionally breaking the law. Lastly, have we discovered a ‘loophole’ that may ‘rain’ on the…

When you build a company one of the first things you do is ‘construct’ a business name. Why can’t contractors use some names? Some lead, others follow and when you don’t know for sure, you consult an expert. Honestly, our last question seems to have an obvious conclusion. What do you think is up with that?…

When husbands and wives can’t live together they get a divorce. What about licensed business partners? What then? As home building has cooled other areas of construction are heating up in California as contractors seek new opportunities. For many contractors a new license may be required. However, soon if you do not submit the most recent…

“May you live in interesting times” is both a compliment and a curse. More true than ever in an election year. However, for contractors these are times in our society when new paths are often explored, new business created and realized in ways they never considered. From the number of contractors looking at new opportunity to…

When you hire a Responsible Managing Employee to qualify your license, how much stock does he have to own? When you decide to use the RME, do the Board of Directors also submit fingerprints? If you apply for a Limited Specialty class is there an exam? But first, a contractor poses a question that shows just…

While I can guide you through the complexities of California contractor’s licensing, only you can gain the experience necessary for success. How much of that work will be accepted is always the call of CSLB staff as more than one contractor has discovered… Q: I have a “C-27” license and applied for a General Building “B”.…

Are you holding your breath over the new diesel equipment regulations? Have you been ‘stung’ by unfair competition from an unlicensed individuals calling themselves a contractor? These were among the top agenda items at the latest meeting of the Contractors State License Board… The CSLB held its full Board meeting in Sacramento on September 10. Among…

Statistics from the Federal government show construction related deaths in the workplace dropped 41 percent last year. One in five California workplace deaths are construction related. You might guess roofers taking a tumble were particularly at risk, but strong emphasis on safety education, skewed the result away from this trade as the answer. According to statistics…

While some law is subject to interpretation in implementation, most rules & regulations mean exactly what they say. Two answers for our first contractor every licensed entity should remember. Unlicensed contractors make everyone look bad, but when they prey on disaster victims they are really playing with ‘fire’. For anyone who considers themselves ‘owner builders’ a…