In California, there is a way for property owners to act as their own contractors for construction projects that would otherwise need a contractor’s license – without having to go through the arduous process of obtaining a California State Licensing Board (CSLB) contractor license.

This exemption is called the Owner-Builder Exemption, and according to the CSLB, this exemption allows one to do work on residential construction projects on the owner’s property, provided that they are not intended for sale.

What’s an Owner-Builder?

According to the CSLB, an Owner-Builder is “Any individual or group of individuals who own the property on which they plan to construct, alter, repair, improve, or remodel a building or structure is considered an owner-builder.”

It’s exactly what it sounds like – someone who wishes to build, maintain, amend or otherwise do construction work on a property they themselves own.

The Owner-Builder’s Role

As an owner-builder, you are responsible for everything a regular Class “B” General Contractor would do. That includes managing your construction project, obtaining permits, and ensuring that your project complies with local building codes and regulations. Basically, you have all the same legal and financial responsibilities you would have if you hired a contractor to do the work for you.

Also, if you hire subcontractors or other workers to do jobs you can’t do (like HVAC or plumbing, for example), you will need to both verify their licenses and provide workers’ compensation insurance for every employee. It’s actually a lot of stuff!

Obtaining Permits and Following Regulations

Securing the necessary permits is necessary for Owner-Builders, and it’s up to YOU to understand and comply with your local regulations.

Failure to obtain proper permits, or building in ways that violate local building codes and bylaws can result in serious financial and legal penalties. Do your diligence before starting your work!

Unless you’re a contractor yourself, it makes sense to hire a contractor to do this work for you as building codes and regulations can be extremely difficult to navigate for people not in the industry.

Hiring Subcontractors

If you need to hire subcontractors to get the job done, you absolutely have to check their licenses to ensure that you are not liable for legal damages. 

Also, secure written contracts that outline the scope of work, payment terms, and project timeline. By doing so, you can protect yourself from potential legal disputes and ensure the project’s success.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

As we said earlier, you have all the same legal requirements as a licensed contractor when working on your home. Amongst these requirements is Workers’ Compensation insurance for any workers.

When hiring workers, owner-builders must provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover any potential injuries or illnesses that may occur on the job site. This insurance is essential to protect both you and your workers in case of accidents or work-related health issues.

Sales Restrictions

While the owner-builder exemption makes it so property owners can handle construction projects without a contractor’s license, it does come with specific restrictions when selling the property, to prevent people from simply obfuscating the strict contractor license requirements.

California law stipulates that properties built under the owner-builder exemption cannot be sold within one year of obtaining the final inspection or certificate of occupancy. So if you’re looking to sell your home within a year, you CANNOT do work on it without a license. You must wait a full year before legally being able to sell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is an owner-builder?

A: An owner-builder is a property owner who opts to manage their residential construction project without hiring a licensed contractor. They are responsible for obtaining permits, following building codes, and providing workers’ compensation insurance.

Q: Do owner-builders need a contractor’s license?

A: It depends. Generally, owner-builders do not need a contractor’s license – but there are limitations. You don’t need a license as an owner-builder if you meet these CSLB-mandated requirements:

• The owner-builder does the work himself or herself or through his or her own employees with wages as their sole compensation and the structure(s) is/are not intended for sale.
• The owner-builder contracts with properly licensed subcontractor(s).
• The owner-builder contracts with a General Building (“B”) contractor. 

Q: Do I need a contractor’s license to work on my home?

A: According to the CSLB, you do NOT need a contractor’s license to perform work on your home, so long as you fulfill the following requirements:

• The work is performed prior to sale of the home
• The homeowner resides in the residence for the 12 months prior to completion of the work
• The homeowner has not taken advantage of this exemption on more than two structures during any three-year period

Q: Can an owner-builder hire subcontractors?

A: Yes, an owner-builder can hire subcontractors, but they must verify the subcontractors’ licenses and establish written contracts outlining the scope of work, payment terms, and project timeline. They must also hold proof or workers’ compensation insurance for every subcontractor.

Q: Is workers’ compensation insurance required for owner-builders?

A: Yes, owner-builders must provide workers’ compensation insurance when hiring workers to cover potential injuries or illnesses that may occur on the job site.

Q: Can I sell a property built under the owner-builder exemption?

A: Yes, you can sell a property built under the owner-builder exemption, but California law requires that you wait at least one year after obtaining the final inspection or certificate of occupancy before selling.

Whether you’re a homeowner who has experienced the reason why the Contractor’s State Licensing Board (CSLB) exists, or a contractor who has seen some sketchy work from a fellow “contractor”, you’re here because you need to file a complaint against a contractor.

Let’s not waste any time – here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing and executing on a contractor complaint.

The Basics

California has some of the strictest consumer protection laws in the country, and there are dozens of them. It’s important to have at least a basic understanding of these pieces of the law as you consider legal action against a contractor.

• California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB is the state agency that oversees contractor licensing. They specifically handle complaints as well, so this is the supervisory body that will handle the legal and financial repercussions of your complaint.
• California Business and Professions Code Section 7000: This piece of legislation governs the licensing and regulation of contractors.
• The Right to Repair Act. This act gives homeowners the right to request repairs and sets forth a process for resolving construction defect disputes. This is not the primary piece of legislation that you’ll use to enact your complaint, but it can be added onto any civil legal action.

It’s important to note – you will become VERY familiar with as you work through the complaint process. The other two pieces of contractor-related legal act are important to know about, but not critical for every situation.

Filing a Complaint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

No matter what has transpired, no matter how serious the matter, it’s always important for you to gather as much hard evidence of the malicious or negligent actions of the contractor as possible.

Paperwork is your friend here. In general, when dealing with contracts of any kind, it’s important to always get it in writing. You may trust your associate, and they may be honest in that moment, but things change quickly on a construction site. Make sure you’re protected. 

Here’s some key pieces of evidence to gather:

• A written contract or other documents outlining the agreed-upon scope of work
• Invoices, receipts, and other proof of payment
• Photographs or videos showing the issues with the contractor’s work
• Any communication with the contractor, such as emails, texts, or voicemails
• Witness statements or expert evaluations, if applicable
• Proof (or lack thereof) of a CSLB license
• Any statements from former employers or clients
• Any former CSLB complaints on the contractor

Step 2: Check the Contractor’s License

Before filing your complaint, ensure that the contractor is indeed licensed in California.

The first thing you’ll need is the contractor’s license. You may have to ask for your contractor’s number, but many will provide it on their invoices, license, or in some paperwork before you’ve engaged in work. 

Once you have their number you can check their license. You can verify their license status on the CSLB website. 

Be aware that if you ask for their license after a confrontation or serious event has taken place, it is possible that they may disappear. 

In either case, they may be licensed, they may be unlicensed. If a serious issue has taken place – especially in situations where you feel the health and safety of people are at risk – it’s important to report it to the CSLB.

Step 3: File Your Complaint with the CSLB

Once you have all the evidence and the necessary information to file a complaint against a licensed contractor in California, you can easily head to the CSLB website and complete the online complaint form 

You can find the link to the CSLB complaint form here.

Alternatively, you can request a paper form by calling their toll-free number at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). Fill out the form, attaching any supporting evidence, and submit it to the CSLB.

Step 4: The Investigation Process

Once your complaint has been filed, the CSLB will review the information and determine if further investigation is warranted. In many cases, this is the last you’ll hear of it – the CSLB will usually handle the situation appropriately. 

If they need additional information, an investigator will be assigned to your case, and they may contact you for additional information or to schedule a site visit. Either way, they are trying to build a legal case against this individual or company to protect the public.

Step 6: Possible Outcomes and Next Steps

After the investigation is complete, the CSLB will decide on the appropriate course of action. Possible outcomes include:

• Informal resolution. The CSLB may mediate a resolution between you and the contractor to make you whole. Basically, they will legally require the contractor to pay you back the damages you received as a result of their work.
• Disciplinary action. If the contractor is found to be in violation of California law or licensing regulations, they may face disciplinary action such as fines, probation, or even license suspension or revocation. If they’re a repeat offender, they may see jail time.
• Referral to a different agency. In extreme cases, your complaint may fall outside the CSLB’s jurisdiction. In that scenario, they may refer you to another agency that can better address your concerns. Usually, this would be a situation where it involved crossing state lines or similar Federal situations.

In some cases, the CSLB may determine that there is not enough evidence to take action against the contractor. That’s life – but it doesn’t mean it has to end there. 

The CSLB cannot prosecute every single case, and sometimes the burden of proof is greater than what would net a result in civil court. If you think you’ve got a case, it might be worth it to contact a lawyer and see if it’s worthwhile.

Be Prepared: Tips for a Successful Complaint

To increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome, keep these tips in mind when filing a complaint against a licensed contractor in California. These little things can be the difference between nailing an unscrupulous contractor and them slipping out on technicalities or lack of evidence.

• Be thorough and accurate. Provide as much detailed information as possible, including dates, locations, and specifics about the issue.
• Organize your evidence. Ensure your documents, photos, and other evidence are well-organized and easy to understand. Making things easy for the legal teams will make it easier for them to help your case.
• Stay professional. Keep your communication with the contractor and the CSLB courteous and professional. This contractor may have hurt you or your family personally – but it’s extremely important to stick to the facts and avoid letting emotions dictate your interactions.

Speak Up – It’s Good For All Of Us

There are plenty of people out there who would just love to get away with screwing up your home and potentially costing you thousands of dollars in damages. Plenty of them.

Don’t let you, your family, or your fellow Californians suffer at the hands of these sketchy clowns who parade themselves as trustworthy contractors who have put in the hours and spent thousands of dollars to be certified by the CSLB.

Letting unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors do shoddy work reflects poorly on all contractors in California. If you see someone doing something wrong, and you know it – contact the CSLB to make it right.

Time is money, and if you’re a contractor in California, you know that obtaining your contractor’s license as quickly as possible will save you tons of time and money. 

However, the process can be confusing and overwhelming, and many contractors make mistakes that can delay or even prevent them from getting their license. Even a week’s delay in getting your license can be a great expense to you and your business.

This article will show you how to avoid the most common mistakes when applying for a contractor’s license in California. By avoiding these mistakes, you can get your license as quickly as possible. 

Mistake #1: Failing To Satisfy The Minimum Criteria

One of the most common mistakes contractors make when applying for a license in California is not meeting the basic requirements to even apply for a license in the first place. 

These include being at least 18 years old, having a valid Social Security number, and possessing the necessary experience and education in your chosen field. Before applying for a license, make sure you have all of these requirements in place.

Mistake #2: Applying For The Incorrect License Classification

Contractors also frequently submit applications for the incorrect license classification. There are over 44 different license classifications in California, and each has its own set of criteria and limits.

Visit the CSLB website to make sure that the category you apply for corresponds to your area of expertise; otherwise, your application will be rejected.

Mistake #3: Submitting The Wrong Application Forms

Another frequent error is submitting incorrect application forms. If you send in the wrong form, your application may be denied or held up because there are different forms for different types of licenses. 

Be sure to double-check the application form requirements before submitting them. The CSLB will reject your application in the blink of an eye, requiring you to wait weeks or months to reapply.

Mistake #4: Keeping Prior Convictions or Disciplinary Actions Secret

On your license application, it is important to list any criminal convictions or contractor-related disciplinary actions. If this information is found out later, your application could be turned down, your license could be taken away, and you could even face criminal charges or be held liable for damages.

Always be transparent and honest in your application, as anything that needs to be investigated will add more time to getting your license.

Mistake #5: Not Acquiring The Necessary Bonds And Insurance

Bonds and insurance are requirements for contractors as part of the licensing procedure. If you don’t have the right bonds or insurance, your license could be delayed or even denied, which means you’ll lose money and have to pay to re-apply,

Make sure you understand the requirements and have the proper bonds and insurance before applying for a license. This information can be found on the CSLB website. 

Mistake #6: Providing the Application with Insufficient or Inaccurate Information

Similar to other mistakes here, always double- and triple-check your application forms for accuracy. You must fill out every bit of the application form. Any mistakes or omissions will result in your application being rejected. 

Applications for licenses that contain inaccurate or incomplete information may be delayed or rejected. When submitting the application, make sure all the required details are included and that it is accurate.

Mistake #7: Not Preparing For The CSLB Examination

With the amount of money on the line, the CSLB exam is one of the most important tests anyone will ever take. It’s also not easy — even minor mistakes can delay your license for months.

Most license classifications require passing an examination before getting a license. If you don’t study enough for the exam, you could easily fail it and be forced to wait longer to get your license. Make sure you’re ready for the test by taking one of our classes and studying adequately.

Mistake #8: Failure To Renew Your License On Time

If you’ve already received a contractor’s license, it’s important to remember to renew your license promptly as you build your contracting business. If you don’t renew your license on time, it will expire, and you will have to start the licensing process over from the beginning. This process can take weeks or even months.

Always keep track of the renewal deadline and send the application in on time. If your license expires, you’ll not only have to go through the renewal process again, but the CSLB will also charge higher fees for allowing your license to expire.

Conclusion

Any contractor who wants to grow their business in California must first obtain a contractor’s license. Still, it’s important to stay away from the common mistakes that can cause your license to be accepted later or not at all. 

If you don’t make these common mistakes, you can easily speed up the licensing process and avoid any unnecessary delays. The quicker you get your contractor license, the quicker you can start making more money.

As a contractor in California, managing jobs, finances, and client communication can be difficult. Luckily, there are a variety of applications and tools available to make your work more efficient and manageable. 

Applications and tools are available to make your work more efficient and manageable. By embracing these tools and learning to use them to their maximum potential, you can establish a huge advantage over your tech-averse competitors.

Project Management Tools

Effective project management is an essential element of any successful construction company. If you can’t manage people, timelines, and material well, you will miss your bids, end up costing the client more, and ultimately lose work as your reputation tanks.

There are a number of easy-to-learn apps that can help you keep track of deadlines, schedules, budgets, and team members in a way that puts you ahead of your peers.

Trello, Asana, and Monday are three of the most popular and user-friendly project management apps. They all function similarly — using boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and projects. You can generate task cards and task boards for each project, along with milestones and timelines to track the project’s progress. 

As you grow, you can integrate new team members, adding new tasks and new employees into your pipeline seamlessly. By establishing one of these programs as your established project management software, you can set a precedent for handling projects going forward.

Accounting Software

Strict management of your financial health is essential to the operation of a successful contracting business, whether you’re a sole proprietor or in charge of dozens of employees. 

Accounting software can help you monitor your expenditures, invoices, and payments. Here are the best accounting tools for contractors in California.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is probably the most popular piece of accounting software out there. If you’re a small contractor, QuickBooks is a cheap and accessible app for billing, expenditure tracking, and payment administration. As an added bonus, QuickBooks integrates with other applications such as Trello and Asana, making it easy to manage your accounts and projects from a single location. Score!

Xero

An alternative to Quickbooks, Xero is another popular accounting tool among small contractors. Like QuickBooks, Xero can help you manage your finances effectively, allowing you to track spending, generate invoices, and manage payments in one place. It also integrates with Stripe and PayPal, making it easy to manage your finances if you use either of those for payment.

Communication Apps

Effective communication is essential to maintaining timelines and costs as you work through your project. Using communication tools, you can maintain contact with your team members, clients, and vendors as things change in real time. Here are some of the most effective methods of communication for California contractors.

Slack 

Slack is a well-known app for communicating with team members that helps everyone stay on the same page in real-time. In addition to simple text communication, you can share images, video and files via Slack. You can also create channels for distinct projects, departments, and teams using Slack. 

Like Quickbooks, Slack also integrates with Trello and Asana, making it easy to organize your projects and communication in one place.

Zoom/Google Meet/Microsoft Teams

Thanks to the pandemic, everybody is using video conferencing now, and chances are, you’ve used one of these services at some point already. 

While video conferencing is an excellent tool for simple meetings with clients or coworkers, It can also be used for doing walkthroughs, examining construction materials, or providing an overall sense of project progress.

Which platform you use really depends on your clients. A lot of corporate clients use Microsoft Teams, while clients like homeowners use a free service like Google Meet. 

What matters is that you meet your client where they need to be met. Knowing all of these communication technologies can give you a significant advantage over other contractors.

Estimation Tools

A contracting business needs to be able to accurately estimate the cost of a project, period.  These tools can assist you in generating precise estimates, tracking expenditures, and managing bids. 

Here are some of the best estimating tools for contractors in California. 

STACK

STACK is another estimation tool that can help contractors quickly generate accurate quotes for projects. It includes takeoffs, annotations, and bid management capabilities. STACK works with other apps like PlanGrid and Procore, so project and estimate management can be done in one place. This is hugely helpful for construction projects.

ProEst

ProEst is a tool for estimating that allows contractors to quickly generate reliable estimates. It has cost-effective database capabilities, pre-built templates, and digital takeoffs. ProEst also interacts with other applications such as QuickBooks, allowing you to handle your money and estimates in a single location.

PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a software program for estimating that helps contractors make accurate estimates by using digital designs. It includes features like takeoffs, annotations, and digital measurements. Like ProEst, PlanSwift also integrates with QuickBooks.

Conclusion

As a contractor in California, managing projects, finances, communication, and estimates can be overwhelming. But, with the proper tools and applications, you may streamline and improve the efficiency of your work. 

Whether you’re building a skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles or pouring concrete for your neighbor’s steps, these tools will assist you in staying organized, communicating effectively, and managing your budget and estimates with precision, so you can build your network and make more money.

Getting a contractor’s license in California can be a daunting process, especially if you’re not sure how long it will take. From submitting your application to receiving your license, there are several steps and factors that can impact your timeline. 

In this article, we’ll break down the process of getting your license and the estimated time it takes to get a contractor’s license in California.

Step 1: Pre-Application Requirements (1-2 weeks)

Before you can apply for a contractor’s license in California, you need to fulfill certain pre-application requirements. 

These include providing the required documents such as your social security card and meeting experience and education requirements for your trade. This step can take 1-2 weeks or longer depending on how quickly you complete the requirements. 

For more information on what’s required to even apply for your CSLB license, visit the CSLB website at cslb.ca.gov.

Step 2: Submitting Your Application (4-6 weeks)

Once you’ve fulfilled the pre-application requirements, you can submit your application to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB will review your application, conduct a background check, and verify your work experience and education.

This process can take up to 4-6 weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of your application and your status with the CSLB or other contractor licensing boards.

Step 3: Taking the Licensing Exam (2-4 weeks)

After your application is approved, you’ll need to take the CSLB licensing exam. The exam consists of two parts: a business and law exam, and a trade-specific exam. The trade-specific exam is tailored to your specific trade, and passing scores vary depending on the exam. 

The exam process can take 2-4 weeks or longer depending on exam availability and how long it takes you to study and prepare. 

You can significantly cut down on the time and energy you need to prepare for the exam by taking one of our courses, which are streamlined to make sure you pass the exam your first time. Check out our courses to get more information on classes and other proven methods to get your license as quickly as possible.

Step 4: Completing Post-Application Requirements (Varies)

After passing the licensing exam, you’ll need to fulfill post-application requirements. These include obtaining a contractor’s bond, submitting fingerprints for a criminal background check, and completing continuing education courses. 

The timeline for these requirements varies depending on the requirements themselves but can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete.

Step 5: Receiving Your License (4-6 weeks)

Once you’ve fulfilled all the requirements and passed the licensing exam, the CSLB will issue your contractor’s license. The timeline for receiving your license can take 4-6 weeks or longer, depending on the volume of applications and processing times.

Overall, the estimated timeline for getting a contractor’s license in California is approximately 3-6 months. 

However, this timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the complexity of your application, the availability of exams and courses, and processing times.

It’s important to note that you cannot legally perform any contracting work in California until you’ve received your contractor’s license, so it’s absolutely essential to plan ahead and allow enough time to complete all the necessary steps in the process.

Getting a contractor’s license in California takes time and effort. By understanding the estimated timeline and requirements, you can avoid unnecessary delays. Do what you can to speed up the process.

Passing the CSLB exam, for example, is often the biggest obstacle for those who haven’t taken it before – failing the CSLB exam can set you back months!

If you still have questions about the steps you need to take to get your contractor license, we can help. Contact us today and we can answer all of your questions.

If you’re a handyman, do you need a contractor’s license to work in California? What can happen if you are caught doing unlicensed handyman work?

The answer is not always straightforward, as it depends on the type of work you will be performing. In this article, we will help you understand everything about handyman services and whether you need a contractor’s license to do handyman work.

What Is A Handyman?

A handyman is someone who is skilled at a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks around the home, but does not specialize in any one trade. A jack-of-all-trades, if you will. 

Handymen often work on small jobs around the home that can be achieved with minimal disruption to the homeowners or occupants. If you’ve ever lived in a large apartment complex, you know what a handyman is and what they do.

You’ll see handymen doing jobs such as painting, basic plumbing and electrical work, installing fixtures, and repairing drywall, among other things. The general idea is that a handyman does small, quick tasks that don’t require extensive education or expertise, like other construction-related trades such as carpentry or welding. 

Are There Exemptions For Handymen?

Under California law, there are exemptions that allow individuals to perform certain types of work without needing a contractor license. These exemptions are based on the nature and scope of the work being performed. If the work falls under one of the exemptions, then a contractor’s license is not required.

Exemptions for Handyman Work

One of the exemptions that may apply to a handyman is the “minor work” exemption. This exemption essentially allows for handymen to do routine handymen tasks that can be done cheaply. 

You can only use the minor work exemption to do handyman work without a contractor license if and only if:

• The job is valued at less than $500 in total
• It involves only certain types of jobs, including:
  • Painting and decorating
  • Minor electrical work, such as replacing light fixtures and switches
  • Minor plumbing work, such as replacing faucets and fixtures
  • Installing drywall and insulation
  • Installing finished flooring, such as hardwood or tile
  • Minor carpentry work, such as repairing or installing cabinets
  • Wallpapering
  • Installing floor coverings
  • Installing window screens
  • Minor landscaping work

It’s important to check if your job falls under the minor work exemption, or you can face legal penalties. Visit the CSLB’s website to find more information: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/faqs/building_official_information_guide.aspx#:~:text=Minor%20Work%20Exemption&text=Yes%2C%20B%26P%20Code%20section%207048,part%20of%20a%20larger%20project.

Limitations of Exemptions

It’s important to note that even if your work falls under one of the exemptions, there are limitations to what you can do without a contractor license.

 For example, you cannot work on any project that requires a building permit or involves structural alterations. Additionally, you cannot contract with a property owner or act in the capacity of a general contractor.

Again, refer to the CSLB website for more information on exactly what types of jobs you can and cannot perform without a contractor’s license.

When Is A Contractor License Is Required?

If your work does not fall under one of the exemptions, you need to obtain a contractor license to operate in California to do work as a handyman. 

If you do not fall under one of the above exemptions, a contractor license is required for any work that involves:

• Building, altering, or improving any structure
• Working on any project that requires a building permit
• Performing any work that involves trades such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC

How to Obtain a Contractor License

To obtain a contractor license in California, you must meet certain requirements, including:

• Minimum age of 18 years old
• A valid Social Security number
• 4 years’ work experience and/or apprenticeship and/or relevant education
• Background check and fingerprint scan

Insurance and Bonding

If you decide to obtain a contractor license, you will also need to obtain insurance and bonding. Insurance protects you and your clients in case of accidents or damages that occur during the course of a project. Bonding provides financial protection to clients in case of incomplete or unsatisfactory work.

Should I get a Contractor’s License?

That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The answer is: it depends on how much work you want, how complex you want your work to be, and how big you want to build your business,.

In general, if you plan to take on projects that involve more than minor repairs or basic maintenance tasks, you will need a contractor license. 

This is true if you plan to grow your business in any way – if you advertise your services as a handyman or charge more than a certain amount for your work. Most importantly, if you ever hire anyone or grow your business in any way past $500 jobs, you’ll need to get a contractor license or face serious consequences.

In general, if you’re a handyman doing only odd jobs and minor repairs, you can easily get by without a contractor license. But be careful of doing any big jobs – you could face serious legal and financial penalties for doing unlicensed work over $500.

For handymen looking to make more money, you’ll definitely want to get a license. If you want to grow your business, you have to do certain things – like hiring people to get more jobs. Handymen who get a contractor license not only get access to more projects with higher prices, but they also can hire others to bring in even more money for their business. 

Additionally, having a contractor license shows potential clients that you are a serious professional who is committed to their craft rather than some person with a truck and some tools, which increases the number and value of customers you can reach. Overall, obtaining a contractor license is a smart investment for any handyman looking to grow their business and increase their earning potential.

The answer to the question of whether or not you need a contractor license as a handyman in California is not always clear-cut. It ultimately depends on the type of work you plan to do and whether or not you want to grow your business and take on bigger jobs than $500 gigs.

Congratulations! You have passed the CSLB Exam and are on your way to starting your career as a licensed contractor.

But what comes next, now that you’ve passed the exam? How can you use your time wisely while you wait for your license?

In this article, we will cover some easy but effective things you can do to keep your career moving forward after passing the California Contractor License Exam.

Get Your License Number

Obtaining your license number is the first and easiest step you can take after passing the California Contractor License Exam. Your license number will be necessary for everything from submitting bids to potential clients to obtaining the required insurance.

You can expect a license, certificate, and pocket license in the mail in about a week after you pass your test. If you need it before then (you will!), you can visit the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website at cslb.ca.gov and enter your exam information. 

Get Your Required Bonds

The CSLB requires you to provide proof of a $25,000 contractor’s bond before you can receive your license. 

A contractor’s bond protects the consumer from any damages in case of incomplete delivery of services. They can cost as low as $100 and you can find them online. Generally speaking, most bonds for contractors will be similar, if not the same, so don’t fret too much about getting the best deal. 

Get Your Required Insurance

Before beginning any contracting work, you must obtain the required insurance to maintain your license. As of 2023, California law requires contractors to have Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Liability Insurance. These types of insurance protect both you and your clients in case of an accident or injury on the job site. To obtain the required insurance, you can contact a licensed insurance broker, and again, don’t fret too much about comparing price. Most prices will be similar across the board for your trade.

It’s important to note that many license classifications can be exempt from the Workers’ Compensation Insurance requirement. To find out more, visit the CSLB section on that: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Forms_And_Applications.aspx#EXEMPTWC

Build Your Business

Starting your own contracting business can be a daunting task, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Building your business includes everything from buying pens and notepads to buying ads online or joining your local trade association or even just plain old networking.

Take time to develop a business plan, including goals and objectives, and research the market to understand your competition, so you can be best prepared to beat the market when your license comes in. The important thing is that you’re using every minute of waiting for your license to get yourself in the best position to succeed – whatever form that takes.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is an essential part of maintaining your contractor’s license. The CSLB requires contractors to complete a specific number of continuing education courses every two years to renew their license. These courses help contractors stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, best practices, and legal requirements.

California requires licensed contractors to complete continuing education courses every two years. Continuing education courses can be taken online or in-person and cover a variety of topics related to the construction industry.The best way to stay abreast of any continuing education requirements is to stay in the loop with the CSLB’s newsletters, especially the ones relevant to your trade and classification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, passing the California Contractor License Exam is just the beginning of your career as a licensed contractor. 

As you wait for your license to take effect, it is crucial to spend as much time as possible developing your business and putting yourself in the best possible situation you can to get to work. 

As a contractor in California, you might be wondering whether you need to have insurance. The short answer is yes – you do. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, insurance can help protect you against things that are outside of your control, especially on dangerous job sites.

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires all licensed contractors to carry certain types of insurance coverage. You cannot get your contractor license in California without proof of several types of insurance.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of insurance coverage that contractors in California are required to have, as well as some optional coverages that you may want to consider.

Why Do Contractors Need Insurance?

Before we dive into the types of insurance coverage that contractors need to have in California, let’s talk about why insurance is important for contractors in the first place. The construction industry is inherently risky, with many potential hazards on any given job site. 

Accidents can and do happen, and without proper insurance coverage, contractors could be on the hook for expensive medical bills, property damage, and legal fees.

Insurance provides contractors with protection against these risks. In the event that something goes wrong on a job site, insurance can help cover the costs of damages and legal fees, potentially saving contractors thousands of dollars.

Types of Insurance Coverage Required for Contractors in California

The CSLB requires all licensed contractors in California to carry two types of insurance coverage (and one bond):

1. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ Compensation Insurance provides coverage for any employee injuries or illnesses that occur on the job. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. 

In California, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees they have. This is to protect both you, your business and any potential workers besides yourself. 

Generally speaking, you must submit proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance to obtain a CSLB contractor license. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. You may be able to get your license without having any Workers’ Comp insurance.

Workers Comp Insurance Exemptions

In some cases, you can be exempt from needing Workers’ Compensation Insurance. You have to apply for exemption, of course, but there are a number of ways you can avoid this requirement.

You MUST have Workers’ Compensation Insurance if you hold any of the following classifications:

• You have employees
• You are a C-8 Concrete contractor
• You are a C-20 Warm-Air HVAC contractor
• You are a C-22 Asbestos contractor
• You are a C-39 Roofing contractor
• You are a C-61/D-49 Tree Service contractor

2. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance provides coverage for property damage or bodily injury that occurs as a result of your work as a contractor. If you accidentally damage a client’s property, for example, liability insurance can help cover the costs of repairs. Basically, liability insurance protects you from being legally and financially responsible for accidents.

Likewise, if someone is injured on a job site, liability insurance can help cover their medical bills and any legal fees associated with the incident. It basically protects you from being on the hook or any work-related medical or legal fees.

In California, all licensed contractors are required to carry liability insurance. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this insurance – if you are performing construction work in California, you must have liability insurance. The minimum amount of coverage required varies depending on your classification, with a minimum of $300,000 required for most classifications.

3. Contractor’s Bond

Although not technically “insurance”, a Contractor’s Bond basically acts as insurance, and is also required by the CSLB in order to receive your contractor license. Unlike Liability and Workers Comp insurance, though, a contractor’s bond protects the consumer.

What is a contractor’s bond? A contractor’s bond is a type of surety bond that is designed to protect clients from financial loss if a contractor fails to complete a project or does not fulfill their contractual obligations. 

In other words, it pays the client in the case that you don’t perform the work you agreed to. While it might sound scary, it’s really a safeguard against unscrupulous contractors who might accept payment before disappearing into the sunset with the client’s money. If you’re an honest contractor, you don’t have anything to worry about.

The bond amount varies depending on the type of contractor’s license and the amount of work the contractor does in a year, but the minimum amount you must post to receive your CSLB license is $25,000. 

Like the other types of insurance, this is only your coverage amount. The amount you have to pay to be covered for $25,000 is much lower – you can expect to pay around $100 or less for your Contractor’s Bond.

Optional Insurance Coverages for Contractors

While workers’ compensation and liability insurance are the only types of insurance that are required for contractors in California, there are other types of insurance that you may want to consider. These include:

1. Commercial Auto Insurance

If you use a vehicle for business purposes, you may want to consider commercial auto insurance. This type of insurance provides coverage for vehicles that are used for business purposes, such as transporting materials or traveling to job sites.

2. Professional Liability Insurance

Also known as errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance provides coverage for mistakes or negligence that occur while providing professional services. If you are a contractor who provides design services, for example, you may want to consider professional liability insurance.

3. Bonding

Bonding provides financial protection in the event that a contractor fails to complete a project or fails to meet the terms of a contract. Bonding is not required for all contractors, but it may be a requirement for certain types of government contracts.

How Much Does Insurance Cost for Contractors in California?

The cost of insurance for contractors in California varies depending on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage, the size of the business, and the location of the business.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average cost of general liability insurance for small businesses in California is $1,284 per year. 

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for California contractors can vary and depends on the size of your operation and the number of employees you have, but generally speaking, Workers’ Compensation Insurance costs $2.15 per $100 of payroll in California. 

The cost of commercial auto insurance can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle, the amount of coverage, and the driving record of the driver, so it’s practically impossible to give an estimate for this insurance. 

Contractor’s bond costs vary depending on the bond amount, but typically range from 0.3% to 3% of the bond amount. For example, a $10,000 contractor’s bond may cost between $30 and $300 per year. With the current bond requirement of $25,000, you can expect to spend between $75 and $750 per year on Contractor’s Bonds.

Do I Need Insurance Before I Can Get My Contractor License?

In short, yes. You need to have proof of insurance before you can even apply for your contractor license.

In order to apply for your CSLB license, you need to show proof of insurance and contractor’s bonds. You will not be able to get your contractor license unless you have the necessary paperwork – so if you’re going to get your contractor license in the near future, make sure you get your proofs of insurance in place ahead of time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all licensed contractors in California are required to carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance, in addition to providing proof of Contractor’s Bonds. All of these types of insurance must be in place before you can apply for your license.

While these are the only types of insurance that are required, contractors may also want to consider optional coverages such as commercial auto insurance, professional liability insurance, and bonding.

Having the right insurance coverage can provide contractors with peace of mind and protection against the many risks associated with the construction industry.

You also absolutely need to be insured to even get your contractor’s license in the first place. So what are you waiting for?