What is a Licensed Contractor

Contractors also Have Licenses

A licensed contractor is a professional who does business in renovation, remodeling and construction of a structure, building or a house. These contractors are assigned and task to execute your requirements and ideas for the structure. While the work is in progress, contractors can use suitable means to keep in line with the contract you have with them. This contract basically includes; the budget, the bill of materials, the labor force, the design, and most specifically your requirements. In short, it is the contractor who is solely responsible for overseeing and managing the labor and materials required. Some contractors hire subcontractors who specialize on some of the jobs required.

As a summary of the above, a contractor can be described is one who oversees, schedules, supervises, constructs, alters or remodels, moves, renovates and installs, or furnishes labor to demolish a building, or any house structure.

They are basically classified as; residential, building, commercial remodeling, electrical and mechanical, plumbing, painting, and many other contractors. Hire the right contractor for your needs.

In California, CSLB or the California Contractors State License Board, have required all individuals/business establishments to secure a licensed for them to work on projects that exceed $500 in; excavations, building and structures, railroads, roads and highways, and even parking facilities.

How to check a Home Improvement Salesperson’s Registration and Contractor’s License:

Do research on the background of your contractor such as verifying information that includes; complaint disclosure, licenses and registration. Before hiring a contractor, please read the following;

Specialty Contractors:

In California, contractors who perform work on projects valued at $500 inclusive of labor and materials shall have a valid license from CSLB. You can call (800) 321-CSLB (2752) and verify his/her license or confirm the contractor’s license.

Unlicensed contractors can create risks to your family’s financial security when the work is incomplete and faulty or a worker is injured while on your property or perhaps the property has been damaged. Unlicensed individuals may have a worker’s compensation insurance or a bond, but typically only a few have this on hand. The quality of work is always rated poor compared to that of licensed contractors. You may save a few dollars in this process but end up spending more when problems happen.

CSLB contractor’s licenses have 43 classifications. Based on specialty and capability, this can range from general contractors to swimming pool contractors, landscapers, painters, electricians and mechanics, masons, wood working, tin smiths, steel men, plumbers, etc. The secret to success in your project is careful planning in advance and clearly defining who and what needs to be done.

The General Contractor:

A general contractor is one that oversees, manages and coordinates projects. Sometimes, they hire specific licensed subcontractor to do part of the project. Subcontractors typically supply labor and materials for roofing and plumbing works.

Exceptional cases may arise when there is a need to hire more than two types of specialty work on a building. The general contractor still oversees the entire project to ensure quality performance by subcontractors.

In home projects, a kitchen remodeling might involve carpentry work, electrical, plumbing and painting in a single contract. For this need, you have to hire a licensed “B” General Building Contractor. This contractor can perform general work on your home and can subcontract parts of the job to a specialty licensed contractor.