Contractor Licensing FAQs

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

As we all cope with the downturn in our economic reality, contractors are ready, willing and able to provide the services you may need. For anyone who profited in the last ten years, now is a great time to give your local contractors a chance to update that landscaping, repaint the house, build the deck you…

Now you see them, now you don’t! Has your bonding company ‘disappeared’? With all the recent emphasis on ‘green’ tech, it is no surprise to many that the CSLB is ‘shining’ its light on solar energy contractor’s regulations. As licensed contractors you have the right to work in California. You also have an obligation, really a…

I assist a contractor’s family that ran into a ‘brick’ wall when trying to ‘dig’ up answers to questions they had about licensing. While regular readers know how complex the rules and regulations for contractors can be, looking ‘in’ from outside the world of licensed contractors is even more daunting for one attorney who needs some…

While the voters passing Proposition 209 changed the rules for minority-owned companies in California, bid goals remain for some contractors. Is there a contract ‘advantage’ for your company? I shake the ‘foundation’ of another contractor’s ideas before ‘wading’ into a plumbing question… Q: Where can I sign up for the women-owned business? Seems I can’t find…