Replies

1. 
   BossHog | Feb 14, 2003 12:30am | #1

   Whom exactly are you asking about?

   Would another contractor consider you a contractor?

   Your code officials?

   Lumberyards?

   Your Brother-in-law?

   And why are you asking?

   .

   Give up a bit more info, and you're more likely to get a useful answer.

   The best way to have a quiche for dinner is to make it up and put it in the oven to bake at 325 degrees. Meanwhile, get out a large T-bone, grill it, and when it's done, eat it.
   As for the quiche, continue to let it bake, but otherwise ignore it.

2. 
   5150 | Feb 14, 2003 06:32pm | #2

   Yes. However, if you are concerned about licensing laws, most states exempt those who contract to build their own residence.

3. 
   fredsmart48 | Feb 15, 2003 03:14am | #3

   Most states let you build your own home with out a lic. you can  do your own electrical work, plumbing, heating as long as you meet the building codes.  You won't need to get contracting lic.  How ever most states supposedly won't let you get by with out a lic. by claiming you are building your home if it is the second one in 6 months  to few years unless it is for your kids to live in. 

   That depends on how well the state lic. board does it job.  How well the county, city, inspectors report lic. violation to the state.  Also how the rest of the construction co. and unions feel about reporting unlicensed contractors working in the state. 

1. 
   JohnSprung | Feb 15, 2003 04:30am | #4

   Here in L.A. the city restricts owner-builders to live in the house for two years before selling it, striking a balance between burdening the legitimate owner builders and preventing evasion of state contractor licensing.

   -- J.S.

2. 
   dford0 | Feb 20, 2003 08:12pm | #5

   You talk about a state licensing board.  Do you have any specifics on who to contact and where to find them?  Thanks

1. 
   BillHartmann | Feb 20, 2003 08:43pm | #6

   http://www.contractors-license.org/

2. 
   fredsmart48 | Feb 20, 2003 09:33pm | #7

   Not for where you are but it not hard to find if you are a license contractor.  The license you have should have the office that issued it contact that office and explain to them what you want.  They may transfer you to the right person the first time.

   Or just call the state switch board in your state and tell the operator who you are looking for.  They will help you find the office you are looking for. You may feel like are are a ping pong ball for a while as they switch you to a few offices.   

   PS. If it not on the license from the state it should be on the bill that the state sends you every year for the renewal fee each year.

   Edited 2/20/2003 1:42:14 PM ET by fredsmart

4. 
   slash | Feb 21, 2003 12:45am | #8

   If you are building anything you are considered a contractor. Licenses that are required are outlined in your states General Statutes. If you are building your own house, the only institutions you will need to discuss licenses with are your lending institution, the licensing board and your inspection dept. More than likely your General Statutes give you the right to build your own house without a license. That includes all trades. If you are able to build without a license, your inspection dept will likely require you to live there for at least a year. Of course they can't make you stay there, but if you sell it before a year expires don't think about building another house in the same jurisdiction without a license. Your lending institution has their own rules.

   What you can and can't do is really spelled out in your states GENERAL STATUTES. Even if your inspections dept says they will require a license, they can't legaly require a license when the General Statutes does not require one . 

   
   

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   Edited 2/20/2003 5:48:12 PM ET by SLASH