By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services, Inc.
If you are unsure, best to ask an expert! Let me untwist a ‘monkey wrench’ for one contractor, and you might avoid testing in one place, but not another. Okay, you got ‘busted’ is there still a chance to get your contractor license?...
Q: I am a Business Broker and I have a client who is in the process of buying a landscape business located in Nevada that also operates in Arizona. They typically do normal maintenance and some planting of plants and converting from grass to desert. They do a very small amount of major overhaul with large plants and trees. We are unsure if they are required to hold a license or not, could you help answer that?
A: Your client will need a contractor’s license in Nevada if they are doing landscaping work over $1000 in labor and materials. For the work described, a contractor’s license may not be required in Arizona. A license would be required if they are doing hardscaping work such as irrigation systems, concrete, patios, low voltage lighting, outdoor kitchens, etc.
Q: It’s time to renew our license. The CSLB says the license cannot be renewed until our Officer list is updated as reflected with the CA Secretary of State. In looking at the SOS records, they don’t seem to be updated either! In fact, none of the individuals most recently listed are even with the Company anymore. Our Company has gone through several personnel changes and have obviously failed to notify the State of California. To add another monkey wrench in the situation, our “RME” is now an Officer so that’s not even correct! Can you tell us what needs to be done to get everything updated and the license renewed?
A: First, you will need to file a new Statement of Information listing your most current President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Then you can update the CSLB with your new Officers and at the same time file to disassociate the individuals who are no longer with the Company. Remember, each new Officer you are adding will be required to get fingerprinted so being that your license expires soon, you should start the process asap! Let us know if you need any assistance, it can be tricky updating a license where there are no current authorized signers.
Q: You helped me replace my dad on our CA contractor’s license and I was able to waive the examination requirement. I’m wondering if I can do the same thing on our NV license?
A: You were able to waive the exams based on being an employee of your father’s company for over five years. Unfortunately, Nevada doesn’t offer that same waiver option. You are absolutely going to be required to take the NV exams.
Q: I want to obtain a CA Contractor License, but I have a criminal history. What are my chances of being approved? I read that I need to pass a Background check.
A: The determination is made on a case-by-case basis, but the CSLB will review your history to determine if the crimes are substantially related to the duties of a Contractor. Criteria include nature and gravity of the offense, number of years elapsed since the date of the offense, and the rehabilitation efforts made. I
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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.