Does your state have licensing requirements for building contractors?

[Jlbc212]

My home state has had licensing and continued education requirements for building contractors since the mid 1970's. In MA it is called "Construction Supervisors License." There are different categories under that heading for contractors who specialize in just one particular area, such as a contractor who only does roofing. I don't know what a person needs to do (education, experience and testing) to initially obtain a license (I was "grandfathered" in back when the licensing first began and I have a license without any restrictions). The license must be renewed every two years and the renewal applicant must take 12 hours of state approved training to renew and pay the mandated renewal fee. A license along with proof of workingman's compensation insurance (for any employees) is required to obtain a building permit (except for your own property).

What contractor licensing does your state require?

 

[matt_i]

In MI - Bureau of Licensing and Regulation will ask you to take a test and if successful you get a MI Builder's License, basically allowing you to pull permits to do work for others.

For work on your own property its not required (e.g. pull your own permit) although compliance to state & local codes are still in effect.

 

[GTO]

Yes,a division within Consumer Affairs.

 

[denis4x4]

In Colorado, all you need is a pickup truck with a 4' level in the gun rack and a golden retriever with a bandana!. Actually, there is no state license, but many counties have contractor requirements that mirror other state requirements. Plumbers and electricians are state licensed. Did some research for a story and states without contractor licensing programs have higher workman's comp rates. We had custom printed lien releases for a house we were building and the contractor had never heard of a lien release!

 

[Jackfre]

I did the continuing education classes for MA Pl, Htg and HVAC contractors for years. In the trades there are many avenues for attaining this training. My company had approved programs through the utilities and assorted manuf. Training is one of those race analogies. Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday. It is an investment. I do not know where training is available in GC work in MA, but I would think the State Boards Site would provide that, or stop at some of you larger vendors and ask.
In CA I have GC-B (Up to seven stories), C-4, C-36, C-10 (through my old business partner). those are from back in '77/8 and all, thankfully, expired. You had a business section explaining the Contacting State Licensing Board requirements for business practice and then you had the trade specific section. The CA SCLB falls under the Consumer Protection Division.
Licensing is a pitn and the continuing education problematic in that it requires quite an investment in time and resources but ti does offer, or demand really, that you participate and stay up with things

 

[Retroman]

Nevada requires 4 years in the trade, business test, skills test, bond for X amount of years and a certain limit on the dollar value on the size of jobs you bid. You ask for what limit you want from $5000.00 license to Unlimited license. Lots of other hoops to jump thru as well. No continuing education.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

Maryland is very strict on contractors, general remodeling “MHIC” is a class, test, credit check, bond, insurance, and several other hoops to jump thru. Plumbers and electricians require 3 or 4 years to be a journeyman and 7 years to be a master. The only exception is new houses, which is a $600 license and no test. Kind backwards, but whatever.

The homeowner can still pull their own permit for most things though.

 

[nadogail]

California requires a license for almost everything.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Minnesota requires licenses for contractors and remodelers, with some exceptions. https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/residential-contractors/who-needs-license

 

[aeopav]

Texas does not require STATE licensing for general contracting. Some cities may require some kind of licensing, but I do not know which ones. I live in an unincorporated part of my county and any "Chuck-in-a-truck" can show up at my place and be technically legal to work. And believe me, I know. I cannot believe the hassle it has been to find and hire good contractors down here. Lots of **** work being done around here all the time.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

In New Jersey we have a Home Improvement REGISTRATION. No Test is required only proof of insurance....... Just fill out a piece of paper and mail in your fee. This is a typical "money grab" and let’s the state know who you are and where you can be found just in case you don’t pay your state taxes.

We also have a New Home Builder Licensee that allows you to build a home and get a new home warranty from the State...... Again NO Testing is done.

BTW! I am a licensed NJ Electrical Contractor since 1977 and I had to take a very tough test and qualify for the license....... Plumbers have to do the same.

 

[Firebrick43]

Indiana requires licenses for plumbers and septic systems. Both things that would be very hard to kill the homeowner due to shoddy work, but electricians don’t need to be????

This is on a state level. Several municipalities require licensing or be a union journeyman.

 

[chaosracing]

PA has licensing requirements

 

[LS6 Tommy]

All contractors for pretty much every trade in NJ are licensed. They recently added HVAC to the list.

That being said, for one or two family residences you no longer need to get permits for roofing, siding, indoor sheetrock/drywall, installing alarm systems, outdoor irrigation, replacing indoor plumbing fixtures and chimney lining. I won't expound on why, as it gets into politics.

 

[Toomanytools?]

Washington state requires licensing, Insurance and bonded for General Contractors as well as subs. Liability Ins. based on your revenues. No continuing education required, which is great for the contractor cost wise. I think there should be some education just to keep up with changing building technology.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In MA it is called "Construction Supervisors License."

Is that the same as a General Contractor ?

Most banks will not give you a building loan or a mortgage unless the building had a licensed General Contractor.

 

[Jlbc212]

Is that the same as a General Contractor ?

Most banks will not give you a building loan or a mortgage unless the building had a licensed General Contractor.

In MA essentially it is for one and two family homes. When a structure exceeds 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space a registered engineer or registered architect must oversee the construction.

MA does not recognize out of state contractor licenses.

 

[TommyK]

Yes but it isn't much more than a test of your ability to write a check.