By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services
Any contractor knows regulation is complex, so let’s start this with an easy one. Followed by something a little more complicated, as an example of why expert advice saves contractor’s time and money…
Q: I’m interested in obtaining my CA Contractor’s License. Does my four years of experience need to be from California, or can it be from out of State?
A: Your four years of experience can come from out of State, that’s completely acceptable. As long as it’s verifiable!
Q: Our current Qualifier is wanting to be removed from our license and one of our Officers is planning to take over as Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) on the license. However, we had originally applied for the license a year and a half ago with that Officer as the Qualifier and the CSLB rejected her experience. Since we were in a hurry to obtain the license, rather than have her gather the requested items, we hired our current Qualifier, who was already licensed. With the understanding now that it may take several months for our Officer to go through the approval process, we are considering hiring another licensed contractor in the meantime. How should we proceed?
A: That’s up to you. Once your current Qualifier disassociates, you have an automatic 90 days to replace him. If you submit the application for your Officer to become the Qualifier and the approval and testing process is looking like it’s going to take more than 90 days, you can request a one-time 90-day extension. Six months is usually ample time to complete the replacement process. However, if you want to play it completely safe, you can hire another licensed contractor to act as the Qualifier in the interim. For this option, you would need to complete the process of putting the already licensed Qualifier on your license, and then once complete, submit the application for your Officer to take over.
Q: I have a Sole Proprietorship contractor’s license in California. I have a Limited Liability Company (LLC) set up and I know I need to get the license in the name of the LLC. What do I need to do?
A: You need to apply for a “new” license in the name of the LLC. You will not need to take any exams or do the fingerprinting again, but you will be required to get new bonds and show proof of liability insurance in the name of the LLC. Under certain circumstances you can transfer your Sole Owner license number to the LLC, but you also have the option of obtaining a new number if you want to keep them separate. If you’re not sure, let’s talk!
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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