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General Contractor Licensing in Texas

Texas does not issue licenses to general contractors at the state level.  Instead, cities and counties within the state handle and regulate the construction industry.  Most cities and counties in the State of Texas require general contractors to apply for a building permit if they plan to construct, alter, repair, or demolish a building or structure.  In some areas, the city may simply require general contractors to sign a document saying that they understand and plan to follow various restrictions and codes before beginning a project.

*The State of Texas issues licenses to general contractors who work on, repair or make alterations to manufactured homes.  For more information, please visit the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs for more information: http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/mh/

Below is a brief explanation of the regulations for general contractors in some of the larger cities in Texas. (more…)

California Contractors License

General contracting and construction are one of the largest industries in the State of California. The Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB) receives approximately 25,000 applications per year. The CSLB is responsible for regulating the construction industry and issuing licenses to qualifying individuals and businesses. Any person or business working on a project worth $500 or more in labor and materials must hold a General Contractor’s License, also called a Class B license.

A Class B license in the State of California permits general contractors to build or remodel structures used to shelter, support or enclose people, animals, materials and belongings, or moveable property that requires construction using two unrelated building trades or crafts, according to the CSLB.

The CSLB is responsible for reviewing applications and administering examinations. They ultimately decide if the person or business applying has the skills and experience necessary to operate as a general contractor in the State of California.

*The CSLB’s Investigative Fraud Team performs regular stings and sweeps to make sure that those performing general contracting work in the State of California are properly licensed.

Overview of Requirements

  1. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Applicants must have at least 4 years of work experience or corresponding education.
  3. Applicants must have $2,500 in operating capital.
  4. Applicants must file for a bond worth $12,500 in addition to holding worker’s compensation and general liability insurance.
  5. Applicants must obtain and fill out (more…)