By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services
As someone who answers important ones every day, I want contractors to know a question unasked is not an answer! Contractor rules are complex, change regularly and can turn on a single word or a new interpretation…
Q: I just recently submitted an application to replace our current Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) for our“C-29” (Masonry) license. I have 90 days to complete the process. I assume that the tests for the masonry trade are given less frequently than for the General contracting license. Is there a schedule for these? I want to make sure I have plenty of time to re-take the exam if I don’t pass it the first time around.
A: The masonry exams are given just as often as the general exams. The exams are administered by PSI and all types of exams are available to be scheduled Monday-Friday. They are computer based exams so when an applicant goes to take the test, everyone in the testing facility is there taking different exams. Keep in mind that if you do not pass the first time around, you are required to wait three weeks before you can re-schedule.
Q: I have what I think is probably a silly question: do contractor’s licenses translate from State to State? For example, if we have an employee who has an AZ license, can we use that license in CA?
A: I am most familiar with CA, NV, and AZ. There is a Reciprocal agreement between the three that can make it easier to obtain a license, however contractor’s licenses are not automatically recognized from State to State. Each State has their own requirements, so you are required to go through the licensing process in each State.
Q: We may need your help with a Joint Venture (JV) license issue. We have a joint venture partner for a large project and are building it under a JV license. Our partner’s own license is a Sole Proprietor license, and we were just advised that he is sick with a terminal illness. I know that Sole Proprietor licenses get cancelled upon death of the licensee, but there is a process where a family member can apply to the CSLB for permission to finish the project. How does that work, and what do we need to do if it becomes necessary? The owner of our JV partner does have a family member who could do this (with our help).
In this type of a situation, is there a way to keep the JV license (as opposed to the partner Sole Proprietorship license) Active so we can complete the project?
A: If your Sole Proprietor partner passes away, a family member can request a continuance of the Sole Owner license for a reasonable amount of time (which ultimately will be determined by the CSLB) to finish projects in process. The request for continuance must be made within 90 days after the death. Assuming the CSLB grants the continuance, the JV license will remain Active as long as the Sole Owner license remains Active.
Alternatively, if for some reason a continuance is not requested for the Sole Proprietorship license, which would result in the cancellation of the JV license, the Joint Venture can also request a continuance due to the death of a partner for a reasonable amount of time to finish projects in process.
Sometimes you know, sometimes you don’t and occasionally you don’t know what you don’t know, so every question is important!
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While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com, or write us at Capitol Services, Inc., 3609 Bradshaw Rd, Ste H, #343, Sacramento, CA 95827. Search past columns at www.cutredtape.com