By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services, Inc.
Contractors want a ‘level’ field when making bids with competition. That’s why your license number is required in advertising, signage and other places a consumer can see it. Hopefully, when they check it at CSLB it ‘flattens’ the ambition of unlicensed competitors. We also take a ‘short circuit’ in describing the route to adding a low voltage class…
Q: Can we take a contract with a “C-61” license and then subcontract out a portion to a "C" class? For instance, could a “D-28” (Doors Gates Activating devices) take a contract and, knowing that there is some electrical work, sub this portion to a properly licensed “C-10”?
A: It should not be a problem as long as the subcontracted work is incidental and supplemental (i.e. essential) to the completion of the “D-28” project. To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing in the law or regulations to preclude a Specialty Contractor from doing (or subcontracting) incidental work.
Q: We currently have a “C-10” Electrical license and we are starting a new corporation that will focus on doing low voltage electrical work. Can my boss obtain a separate license for the new company and get a waiver of the “C-7” low voltage exam since he has the “C-10” classification already? Because of the certification requirements of “C-10” electricians he wants to have a stand-alone “C-7” license.
A: Except in extremely rare cases, the CSLB will not grant a waiver of a trade exam for a brand new license unless the qualifying individual has previously held the classification. He can however apply to add the “C-7” to your existing license and request to waive the exam. Keep in mind that this is only a request and in order to be approved your boss will need to show proof of at least five years of work experience within the last 7 years where the “C-7” (Low Voltage) was a significant component of the “C-10” project.
Once the “C-7” has been added to the existing license he can then apply for a stand-alone low voltage license for the new company.
Q: I’m a homeowner and found your name on the Internet. I want to hire a contractor (for a small bathroom remodel) who advertises in our local newspaper, but could not locate his name on the CSLB website. He said he was “licensed, bonded and insured” and gave me a good price for the work. You folks appear to know a lot about contractors and I was hoping you might have some advice. If it’s not too much of a problem, maybe you could even check to see if this guy really is licensed?
A: Unfortunately many unlicensed “contractors” advertise that they meet all the state requirements when in fact they do not have a valid contractor’s license; bonding, or Worker’s Compensation coverage for their employees. In your case, we searched and could not locate a valid license; however, we did locate someone with that name who had a license that expired two years ago. This same individual has a pending judgment against him and other pending legal actions.
Our advice is to stay well clear of this “contractor” and find someone who has an active contractor’s license in good standing. Also, make sure if the contractor has employees, they are covered by Worker’s Compensation. While this unlicensed individual may have given you a “good price”, you’ll likely end up paying much more in the long run. If this guy lied to you about having a valid license, bonding, etc. can you really trust him to keep his word regarding your bathroom remodel? So, no valid license, judgments pending and less than truthful is three strikes, you’re out!
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., 1225 8th St. Ste. 580, Sacramento, CA 95814. Research past columns at www.cutredtape.com.
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