I’m often asked: What can and what can’t general building contractors do?
Under California law “B” General Building contractors have specific guidelines to follow when it comes to trades they can perform.
Business and Professions Code section 7057 states that a general building contractor only can take a prime contract that requires two or more unrelated building trades, and that framing and carpentry cannot count as one of the two trades. However, a general contractor may take a prime contract that is only for framing and carpentry, and no separate unrelated trade. If a B licensee takes a subcontract, it, too, must involve two unrelated trades (not including framing and carpentry toward the two) or a B can subcontract to only do the framing and carpentry.
There is no limit to the number of unrelated trades a “B” licensee can perform on a given contract, provided that there are two or more, and that framing and carpentry don’t count as one of the two that must be performed at a minimum.
Two trades that a “B” license holder may not perform as a prime or subcontractor are fire protection and water well drilling. B&P Code §7057 states (full text below) that general building contractors may not do this work unless they qualify for and add these classifications to their license, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. The “B” also may subcontract the fire protection or well drilling portions of the project to a qualified licensee.
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B&P Code 7057: General Building Contractor
(a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof. This does not include anyone who merely furnishes materials or supplies under Section 7045 without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of, the work of the general building contractor.
(b) A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor shall not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
(c) A general building contractor shall not contract for any project that includes a fire protection system as provided for in Section 7026.12 or 7026.13, or the “C-57” Well Drilling classification as provided for in Section 13750.5 of the Water Code, unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification, or subcontracts with the appropriately licensed contractor.
One more question – does finish carpentry (c-6 license) count as a separate “unrelated” trade for a B license contractor, or is that counted under “other than framing or carpentry”?
Thanks
Can a B-license take a job where the 2 unrelated trades includes c-2 and D-50 (sub category of C-61)? It’s for hanging specialty acoustical panels on a suspended grid ceiling, which D-50 says it covers, but I’m not sure if the “D” licenses count toward the unrelated trades.
Thanks!
Hello,
From the cslb:
A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
Hi, thank you for your response. I’m aware of the general guidelines from the CSLB, and I was hoping you’d be able to provide some input on whether or not the C-61 specialty license and its sub D licenses count as an unrelated trade. Is that something you can weigh in on? Thanks in advance.
The law only states that the B contract must include at least two unrelated trades. With the exception of this….
No general building contractor shall contract for any project that includes the “C-16” Fire Protection classification as provided for in Section 7026.12 or the “C-57” Well Drilling classification as provided for in Section 13750.5 of the Water Code, unless the general building contractor holds the specialty license, or subcontracts with the appropriately licensed specialty contractor.
Can I do drywall and paint under my b license?
Only those two trades.
Thank you
Hello,
A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
I have a b license. When I contract more than two trades not including framing or carpentry, I can do all but “two trades” regarding “fire systems and well drilling.” I was about to get a LTO for removing trees over building sites when I construct. I think I’m good to go, as long as I’m not counting framing or carpentry as the two qualifying trades.
Hello,
Good question, that would best be answered by the cslb. You can send your question to cl*************@cs**.gov.
Can a licensed General Contractor hire an unlicensed project manager as a sub contractor (1099 not W2 employee)?
Hello,
Hire them as a PM? Yes. A PM does not need to be licensed.
Hi, I am about to finish the process of getting my general B builder license and would like to know if I can build decks based on the “two unrelated trades” stipulation. I am looking at it from two different angles. Angle 1: Building a deck is essentially framing and carpentry. Angle two: if I pour piers and paint the deck that is C-8 and C-33 work so there are two unrelated trades.
It *seems* to me that I could build decks, but since there is a D-41 license specifically for decks I feel like the CSLB might try to say that even though there are piers and painting that it is still “one trade”.
Thanks for any help!
That’s a good question to send to cl*************@cs**.gov. My guess… they’ll tell you the B is fine.
Thank you for the reply. I sent them an email.
I asked them this question as well, but I know the state can be a bit slow. Do you know if demolition counts towards the two unrelated trades?
Thanks!
Yes, it should. The classifications deputy is usually pretty quick to respond.
Hi, License Guru!
Can you explain the “direct supervision” required of a General Contractor?
If I understand it correctly, GC’s can hire unlicensed employees to work under them, but how closely do these employees need to be supervised?
Can a GC just hire a Project Manager to take over the supervisory duties?
Thank you!
The cslb defines it as “(3) “Supervision or control” means direct supervision or control or
monitoring and being available to assist others to whom direct supervision
and control has been delegated.
(4) “Direct supervision or control” means any of the following:
(A) Supervising construction.
(B) Managing construction activities by making technical and administrative
decisions.
(C) Checking jobs for proper workmanship.
(D) Supervision on construction sites.”
Only licensed subs can be used. If the GC is hiring unlicensed subs, that is a violation of the license law and it could result in a misdemeanor fine.
Thanks, Guru!
How does it work when a company’s license is held by an RMO?
I’ve seen a lot of non-licensed GCs running around lately using the license number of an RMO associated with their company. Is that allowed? Wouldn’t the RMO need to be involved in this “supervision or control”?
I’m not sure some of these RMOs even exist.
Hi License Guru,
I am in Southern California. I hired a Class-B licensed GC to build a new ADU on my residential lot. A natural gas leak was identified and it was later determined the plumber who did all the rough plumbing for the build may not carry a C-36 plumbers license. The Class-B GC refuses to provide the plumbing subcontractor’s name or license number and is now claiming the plumber is considered an employee of the GC since he is paying the plumber with a 1099 at the end of the year. I opened a claim with CSLB and the agent said they cannot force the GC to provide license or employment information for the plumber. My questions are: 1) what licensure, if any, is required of a plumber who is subcontracted by a Class B GC? 2) what is the definition of an “employee” of a Class-B GC? 1099 at the end of the year sounds like the plumber is an independent contractor who was hired by the GC, not an employee.
Hello,
The GC should only be sub’ing out to licensed subs, a C-36 sub in this case. By hiring a non-licensed sub, the GC can find himself in some hot water, the plumber could too for working without a license. You should check your contract, there could/should be a statement in there that the GC will only hire licensed subs.
The GC is trying to cover his backside, “claiming” he’s an employee by saying he’s going to give the guy a 1099 at the end of the year does not fly, at all.
Does the GC have workers comp? If not, he’s in real deep hot water.
An online search suggests the GC does have a workers comp policy, but I don’t know if the plumber is named as insured/covered by the policy. The surety bond agent and CSLB state that the plumber’s C-36 license and/or employee status has to be adjudicated in court. In my own retrospective review, there are other CSLB violations that likely took place related to my contract/project including: charging a $1000 deposit followed closely by a “mobilization fee” exceeding 10% of the total contract before any work started, unsigned retroactive change orders, avoidable delays due to non-payment to subcontractors/suppliers, and abandonment. GC recorded a mechanic’s lien on my property claiming unpaid balance on change orders I never approved.
I am hiring an attorney to address all of this but my question for you is:
1) Is there a way to get a copy of the GCs workers comp insurance policy and verify if this plumber is listed as a named insured? Does this require going to court?
2) Is there some other way to prove whether or not this plumber meets the definition of “employee” of the GC? Does this require going to court?
I’m trying to reconcile what I am reading in your blog, reading from CSLB, and a case I read about elsewhere:
https://www.smithcurrie.com/publications/california-law-notes/10579-2/
I’m also trying to determine if it worth pursuing the unlicensed plumber issue among my numerous other grievances with this GC.
1) Is there a way to get a copy of the GCs workers comp insurance policy and verify if this plumber is listed as a named insured? Does this require going to court? Other than the contractor providing you a copy of his policy or an Acord 25 form, I would guess through the court.
2) Is there some other way to prove whether or not this plumber meets the definition of “employee” of the GC? Does this require going to court? That would be through the court.
By now I hope you settled the matter. My opinion is that, I don’t see any reason to stress over the plumber when the bottom line is, hopefully you have a contract with a licensed G.C. who has a bond and insurance. File a claim against the G.C. in court if you are timely. You can then take the judgement to the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) and they will force him to comply or suspend him. Then it’s back to the courts if he hasn’t BK.
Can a general contractor self perform concrete construction? And/or act as a subcontractor primarily for concrete construction?
My dilemma is if I should obtain my general contractors license first, or obtain a specialty C-8 concrete license first.
I would like to manage projects as a general, however my trade specialty is in concrete. I am wondering if I can cover both bases by getting a B license or is a C-8 required.
Hello Anthony,
To perform only concrete work, you would need to have the C-8 classification. Unless you have worked as an employee of a B contractor for at least four years within the last 10, you will not qualify for the B.
No, a B-Gen cannot act as a sub for just concrete.
That makes sense. Thank you.
For the General B. I have a four year degree, an associates degree, and have worked for a general B contractor for just over a year. Do you believe this will allow me to qualify for the B license?
I am also wondering how often the CSLB requests additional verification documentation?
The unknown question is, how much time will the cslb give you for your education. A four year degree is always worth 18 months. If it’s construction related, you’d probably get 24 months. What is the AS degree in?
It could be possible that you’re a year short of qualifying, but you wouldn’t know for sure until you submit an app with your sealed transcripts for them to review.
They generally don’t ask for additional documentation when the experience submitted is B employed experience. But you never know.
My Bachelor’s Degree is in Business Management. My Associates degree is also business related.
What are the questions asked to the certifier? Is the certifier contacted for every application?
Hello,
The certifier is generally not contacted. If they ask for proof of your experience, they will ask you to provide any/all documentation you have that verifies your experience.
If a General Building Contractor (B) hires a separate General B subcontractor for drywall (C-9) and asbestos abatement (C-22), and the subcontractor has the C-22 specialty license (in addition to the B License), can the subcontractor self-perform the C-22 work and hire a third subcontractor to do the C-9 work? In other words, does the C-22 they hold and the C-9 count as two unrelated trades if they are self-performing one of them?
Hi Jake,
That’s a great question. I could give you a somewhat educated guess but I don’t to potentially give out bad advice. I suggest sending your question to the cslb here: cl*************@cs**.gov
As a B-General Contractor, can you build a common roadway through the parking lot of a commercial property and install Sewer and Storm Drain lines, or do you need an “A” license to perform this work?
Hi Noah,
7057. (a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.
This does not include anyone who merely furnishes materials or supplies under Section 7045 without fabricating them into, or consuming them in the performance of the work of the general building contractor.
(b) A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
(c) No general building contractor shall contract for any project that includes the “C-16” Fire Protection classification as provided for in Section 7026.12 or the “C-57” Well Drilling classification as provided for in Section 13750.5 of the Water Code, unless the general building contractor holds the specialty license, or subcontracts with the appropriately licensed specialty contractor.
Can a general contractor hire another general contractor to be a project manager? Both general contractors want to keep their businesses operational but want to work on a project together under the contractor who has the contract. Or do you need to hire them as an employee.
Absolutely. 🙂
Can a General B contractor enter into a subcontract for the foundation and perform only the rough plumbing and concrete?
Hello Carl,
A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
So for a subcontract it would require framing or carpentry plus two unrelated trades?
“A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification.”
Your subcontract with two unrelated trades that are not framing or carpentry would be acceptable. The cslb has a resource that you can use. They’ll give you a more definitive answer. Send your question to cl*************@cs**.gov.
I appreciate your feedback thank you for your time in responding!
Happy to help.
Can a A General Engineering & B General Building Contractor (and/or an employee) self-perform electrical repair on a 480V electrical line as part of a larger scope of project including multiple trades (pipeline, concrete, grading, etc.), or would this repair need to be subcontracted?
Hello Kyle,
The CSLB places no limits on high voltage electrical work being self-performed by either A-General Engineering and B-General Building contractors and their employees. As long as a project is otherwise acceptable for the classification, they can self-perform the electrical work described.
Could a C-10 holder bid on a project that has about 20% civil engineering involving building gantry structures over roadways and the balance is electrical infrastructure and concrete pads along the roadway? Would this require a Gen Engr (A) license to bid?
Hi John,
That would require an A-Eng license to perform the work. The C-10 could only contract for and perform the “electrical infrastructure.” A great resource for questions like this is the classifications deputy at the cslb. cl*************@cs**.gov. Give them a shout out and let me know if they agree with me. 🙂
hello, ive worked for a company doing everything for metal buildings, such as iron work, sheet metal, and carpentry for the past 3 years. all on military bases so im paid as and considered a journey man. if i want to do the same thing im doing but for my own company, would a class b license be the best option for me?
Hi Darren,
The B requires experience in structural framing and at least two unrelated trades. Sheet metal would fall under the D-24 classification and the iron work would fall under the C-50 or C-51 classifications. Would that be enough to qualify for the B? Do you have any other trade experience? Hard to say if the cslb would accept just that work for the B.
Also, you’ll need four years of full time experience or a college degree to go toward the four year requirement.
we do sheet metal roofs, insulation, skylights and prefabbed curbs, sheet metal walls (under contract walls and roof are considered carpenter and roofing.) light gage framing also.
Yeah…. I don’t think you would qualify for the B.
Greetings… The phrase in General B license description …. ” Movable property of any kind ” ….. Does this include…. Mobil homes … modular homes .. tiny homes…. sea train/Conex box homes……. YES OR NO …… just working on them, not transport or set up.
Thanks
Excellent question!! I will have to refer you to cl*************@cs**.gov. Send your question there and they’ll answer it.
This was the Deputy of Classifications reply to the Question.” I can tell you that a C47-General Manufactured Housing contractor license is required to install and/or prepare to move mobile/manufactured housing units. Once a mobile home has been installed, it is acceptable for all CSLB license classifications to perform work on mobile/manufactured housing, including C47 contractors. It is appropriate for C47 contractors to remodel and perform a wide range of trade duties on mobile homes.” Thanks for your input Guru.
Larry
I have “b” license as a general contractor. My friend hire another general contractor to get the permit for his remodeling. However, my fiend wants to hire me to do the framing ,the doors and tiles. Can I take the job?
I don’t see why not. I don’t believe it matters who’s name is on the permit. You could check with the cslb by emailing them at li*******@cs**.gov.
Hello There!
A bit of a question here for you.
If I hire a contractor with General B Licensing( with GL & Workmans Comp), and he sends out his laborers or crews (unlicensed AND not employees).. is that technically a violation? Is he the only reliable party in violation, Or would that also come back to me even if I was unaware he too was subbing out the work?
Hi Mark.
You should probably send your question to li*******@cs**.gov. I could offer my opinion but I don’t know the factual answer and don’t want to give you bad advice.
Hello Mr. Guru..
I hold a B license in Ca.
I want to add Roofing and Tree TrmmingTree Removal.
How difficult will it be to get classification s on the above trades..
Thanks
Joe
Hello Jose,
Adding those classifications could be difficult. You would need to show 8-10 years of part time experience in each trade to qualify for either one. You could only apply for one at a time, so I’d suggest applying for the one you need the most.
If I am looking to hire a subcontractor for a contract, and they have their General Building License, are they able to take on project involving both artificial turf and pavers?(Does this fall into the CSLB calls two unrelated trades) Or would they still need to have the specific licensing for synthetic products and pavers?
Hi Kevin,
Art Turf falls under the D-12 and pavers fall under the D-06. So that could be considered two unrelated trades, in my opinion.
Just so I can understand, the Type b license can only do electrical work if it is part of carpentry and framing work and is added to the “job”. They cannot perform electrical work if it is the ONLY scope needed for a job correct?
Hello David,
Here’s the cslb’s language on it.
A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
Can a general contractor or one of their employees do rough framing or is a carpenter’s license required to do that work? There are two licensed subs on the job (plumbing and electrical). Thanks!
Hello,
A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving other trades.
What does the term “unrelated trades” mean for B- general contractors ?
Unrelated trades are drywall, painting, electrical, flooring, concrete, landscaping, etc… pretty much everything except framing, well drilling, and fire protection.
If im a licensed B contractor, can i do a prime contract cor cabinet installation only? Cabinet install is technically carpentry, correct?
Hi Trevor,
The law/cslb states: (b) A general building contractor may take a prime contract or a subcontract for a framing or
carpentry project. However, a general building contractor shall not take a prime contract for any
project involving trades other than framing or carpentry unless the prime contract requires at least
two unrelated building trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general
building contractor holds the appropriate license classification or subcontracts with an appropriately
licensed specialty contractor to perform the work. A general building contractor shall not take a
subcontract involving trades other than framing or carpentry, unless the subcontract requires at
least two unrelated trades or crafts other than framing or carpentry, or unless the general building
contractor holds the appropriate license classification. The general building contractor may not
count framing or carpentry in calculating the two unrelated trades necessary in order for the
general building contractor to be able to take a prime contract or subcontract for a project involving
other trades.
The C-5 is rough carpentry and the C-6 is finish carpentry. The law does not specifiy between the two so I would assume that finish carpentry could be self performed by a B as a single trade. Or you could sub it out.
A good resource would be to send your question to cl*************@cs**.gov. The classification deputy will provide you with a more accurate answer.
In Florida … I hired a CGC TO DO CERAMIC TILE FLOORING AND KITCHEN REMODEL . No major layout changes . Very poor unlevel every other tile , some lower some higher than the other creating tripping hazards myself being disabled . He also remodeled my kitchen very poor work , cabinet doors are supposed to be soft close but they are not because they were all placed in out of square. With granite counter tops installed my range would not fit and being standard 30 in wide , problem being not the granite installation but the cabinet installation . He came over using a 2 x 4 beat my new cabinets even worse , then force my range in . He also installed my new dishwasher and microwave relocating electrical service supply lines … thus installation of shark valves when I insisted on soldiered, one duel valve for cold and one dual valve for hot water service thus loosing water supply to two appliances if one is turned off . Now the electrical … no gfi’s with him installing one electrical outlet directly under one valve in which I was shocked due to him leaving a sink leak and the other valve to the left for dishwasher that service the hot water for it and the sink faucet . Cabinets are not very securely fastened to my opinion and there is more . I guess my question is what can I do , he had me over a barrel with no working kitchen and $16k lighter . I took daily photos from start to finish so he called it , he stated he would pull any permits if needed . Unknown until the end , he pulled no permits . Please
I need advise. Multiple other problem but I’m out of breath and angered by the quality and dangers he has imposed .
Hi Terry,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with your contractor. But because you are in FL and I work with CA contractors, I wouldn’t be able to provide you with any advice. But I hope this situation works out for you.
Can a contractor holding a B general building license enter into a contract to install a Modular home that the client has purchased already or is planning to purchase
Yes, as long as your B contract includes at least two unrelated trades. Will you be installing piers, foundation blocks, skirting, connecting electrical, etc etc? If yes, then a B contractor can perform the work.
B contract must included at least two unrelated trades.
Can a B lic build hotels
Yes
I have a C-7 low voltage license and the job I am doing requires minor electrical work such as relocating or adding an electrical outlet. Can I (a) sub that work out to a C-10 licensed electrical contractor, or (b) do the work myself?
You can do it yourself.
If I hire a licensed roofer, but he just sends a bunch of guys that are not licensed and dont know much, does that count as licensed since he looked at the roof in the beginning but was never present during any of the work?
Yes, the license holder, officer, qualifier, or registered salesperson can quote/sell the job and then send their laborers to do the work. The qualifier of the license is responsible to make sure the work is being done correctly, to plans, and to code. The law doesn’t require that the qualifier be onsite to perform that supervision. You can certainly ask the company to send the qualifier to your house if you see any issues or have any questions.
Hello. I’m a GC with a B-license in California and we have a public (government building) roofing project that require us to set up scaffolding. Can I self perform this work? or am I required to hire a scaffolding contract (D-36)?
Hi Sean,
There is nothing in the contractors license law that I know of that would preclude you from performing that trade.
Hello, I have a c61 d12 synthetic products lic. .We advertise on Craigs. Can a general b contractor advertise to install synthetic grass without a synthetic grass lic. or c27 landscape lic. ? We worked real hard to gain our lic. to only find ourselves directly competeing with general b’s advertising right next to us for the same services we provide everyday under our coveted turf lic.
Hello,
No, they cannot advertise solely/specifically for syn turf if they do not hold the D-12 class on their license. That would be considered working out of class and can result in administrative action by the cslb. You can file a complaint via this link. https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/ConstructionComplaint/
Scaffolding falls under carpentry.
It’s not named specifically under the C-5 classification because it has it’s own class, the D-39. Scaffolding can be used in the framing of structures, but to enter into a scaffolding only contract the license must hold the D-39. https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/C-61_Limited_Speciality/D-39_-_Scaffolding.aspx
we hired a general contractor do take care of all permits and construction of the house remodeling. It was a big projects.
Thank you for the responses. We will contact a lawyer and permit department to get it done right.
I would like to open a fabrication only sheet metal shop in Ca. I would be providing products for others to install, such as flashing, custom roof jacks, and raw ducting. As a provider of these products, am I required to be a licensed contractor?
Hello,
No license needed unless you are doing the installing.
Can a cabinet maker operating as a manufacturer only (unlicensed) contract with homeowner or GC for furnishings cabinets with installation if he subs out the installation to a C6 sub?
You cannot enter into a contract with either the home owner or the contractor for installation. You would need the C-6 license to do that. Manufacturing and selling/providing to the home owner or contactor.. no license needed.
Can a general contractor hire an un-licensed sub to perform a panel upgrade and adding a 70A sub-panel to a 100A main panel, if he doesn’t hold a electrical license . It was also an 240V line for steam generator added to the main panel as part of remodeling.
My understanding so far is that he can do the wiring and installation of fixtures inside the house, but would need a license for the main and sub-panel work. Are my assumption right? We found out through PG&E findings of not-permitted work on the main panel and broken seal.
Hi Michael,
No, all work that is sub’d out must go to licensed contractors.
Sorry for my last sentence.
We found out through PG&E inspection that the work is not-permitted for the main panel. PG&E was not notified prior work on the weather head and the sub disconnected and replaced cables to the weatherhead with live wires, which would have required to shut down the line. Of course the seal was broken. The project is located in California.
And that sub was not licensed? Ouch! Subbing work to unlicensed contractors can result in administrative action taken against you by the cslb.
we hired a general contractor do take care of all permits and construction of the house remodeling. It was a big projects.
Thank you for the responses. We will contact a lawyer and permit department to get it done right.
Can a general contractor with a class B license perform landscaping work?
Yes, as long as it’s part of the overall project. A B contractor could not enter into a single trade contract without having that specific trade classification on their license.
Does anyone know why the “at least two unrelated trades” rule exists? It seems illogical to me, does anyone have background on why a B Contractor can self-perform framing, electrical, and plumbing on a job…but not just framing and plumbing.
Would appreciate any feedback thank you
Excellent question, unfortunately I don’t have an answer for you. That law was written decades ago. You could send your question here, cl*************@cs**.gov, I’m sure they’d have the answer.
Can you help me direct me to a place that will help me get my contractors B Lisense?
Hello,
The cslb prefers that B experience has been obtained as an employee of a B contractor. If that’s not the case, then you’re submitting self-employed experience and you will be required to submit permits for projects you worked on that included structural framing. If you can’t provide permits the cslb will not give you credit for that experience.
Knowing what a building contractor can and can’t do because of specific guidelines they have to follow is really important to know about. If people are wanting to get more of these services done, they need to make sure that they know what they can do for them. Plus, it is all different from what area it is that you are in too.
Thank you for your input Quin.