BayPointArchitect
Sawhorse
So I got into an argument today with a self-proclaimed licensed contractor. Within my jurisdiction, the only tradesmen that are required to be licensed are the plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors. There are also licensing requirements for other specialties such as fire sprinkler contractors, alarm companies, and demolition contractors. But the typical framer, roofer, deck builder, and general contractor are NOT required to be licensed. We do not maintain a list for these types of contractors.
Now this old fellow did not know that I was speaking as any type of building official. Instead he thought that I was weighing in on a botched deck project as someone who can help fix it - as a competing contractor. That was his opportunity to say that he has been a licensed contractor in (insert city name here) for twenty years. Furthermore, he did not see my name appear after searching through the Department of Labor's website. He said I would get into big trouble if he reported me to the local authorities. He told me to shut my mouth.
What I find interesting is that he equates "registry" with the Department of Labor as being "licensed". To be sure that I was well informed, I went through the registry process myself. It took me less than five minutes and cost me nothing. I'm not saying that registering with the State's Department of Labor is worthless. But I am saying that it is worth only about five minutes of my time. Because it does not make me more qualified to build anything.
So my questions to you are simple:
(1) Does your jurisdiction require general contractors to be licensed?
(2) If so, what are the requirements for becoming licensed? Testing? Proof of insurance? Bonds? References? Continuing education?
As always, thanks again.
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner
Now this old fellow did not know that I was speaking as any type of building official. Instead he thought that I was weighing in on a botched deck project as someone who can help fix it - as a competing contractor. That was his opportunity to say that he has been a licensed contractor in (insert city name here) for twenty years. Furthermore, he did not see my name appear after searching through the Department of Labor's website. He said I would get into big trouble if he reported me to the local authorities. He told me to shut my mouth.
What I find interesting is that he equates "registry" with the Department of Labor as being "licensed". To be sure that I was well informed, I went through the registry process myself. It took me less than five minutes and cost me nothing. I'm not saying that registering with the State's Department of Labor is worthless. But I am saying that it is worth only about five minutes of my time. Because it does not make me more qualified to build anything.
So my questions to you are simple:
(1) Does your jurisdiction require general contractors to be licensed?
(2) If so, what are the requirements for becoming licensed? Testing? Proof of insurance? Bonds? References? Continuing education?
As always, thanks again.
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner
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