When do fees go down? ‘2020’ vision shows that it won’t be this year, so plan more for a renewal. Another cross-country contractor gets lucky, while a couple opening a contracting business want to ‘share’ the license between them! …
Q: We have a CA Contractor’s License and have several offices here in California, however the business mailing address on our license is a Florida address. Our Contractor’s Bond renewal notification was sent to the Florida address, and the office there was unaware that we have ongoing projects still in California, and I just found out today that instead of renewing it, they cancelled it! Now our license is showing Suspended. How do I get this corrected and what implications may this have on the license status?
A: I looked up your license and the cancellation date of the bond was in October, so luckily you are still within the 90 days to get this corrected. Contact your bonding company to obtain a new Bond and request that they backdate the effective date to 10/26. The CSLB will lift the Suspension retroactively to that date so there shouldn’t be any break in the license.
Q: My wife and I are going to start a Contracting business. In looking at the various entities I can apply as, it seems that Sole Proprietor is the simplest route to take. Is there any way to have my wife associated with the license? I do all the contracting work, but she will be running the office, scheduling, sometimes estimating, etc.
A: Since “Sole Owner” means just that, one owner, the only way it would be possible to have both of you listed on the license would be for your wife to be the “owner” and you to be listed as the RME (Responsible Managing Employee).
Q: Our company sells and installs our manufactured equipment per customers’ requirements which include connecting the equipment to electric, may include plumbing or gas connections or the equipment to be mounted to the flooring or walls. We hire licensed electricians, plumbers, and other specialty contractors to drill holes or complete duct work that is required and direct them to what is needed for us to complete the installation of our equipment. Would the “C-61”/”D-21” (Machinery and Pumps) be the best classification for our work?
A: It sounds like the “A” (General Engineering) would be more appropriate. Subcontracting or self-performing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing required to make the equipment operate would eliminate any possible “C” or “D” classifications. Many “C-61”/”D-21” applicants are finding, once they submit an application and describe their work, that a General “A” classification is required due to the additional trades beyond installing pre-manufactured equipment.
Contractor’s Renewal fees:
The CSLB has proposed an Emergency Regulation filing to amend the Section regulating renewal fees. Currently, to renew a license active, the fee is $400. The new proposal will raise the active renewal fee to $450. Inactive license renewals would be raised from $200 to $225.
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. Research past columns at www.cutredtape.com.