Hello to all-
I ususally hang out at Knots. But some questions have arisen in my attempts to move from the rental market into my own house.
I am trying to set the wheels in motion for an owner builder home. I have a project manager (contractor w/out a license). I was reading a post from February about contractor license requirements that raised some question in my mind about the legality of what I’m trying to do.
I want to build a house to sell. I will never live in it a day. I don’t and have never lived on the property.
Does this mean that if I do not build the house and sell it, without ever living in it, that any improvements must be made by a licensed contractor?
Jase–Is there a better way?
Replies
Where are you? Some, actually most, places don't require a license to be a GC.
Sorry bout that. I'm going to build in Northern CA, Lake County to be more specific. I've already begun the loan application process and haven't hit any road bumps so far.
I've been told that you can build and sell three houses a year here without a contractor's license. I don't know if that applies to my situation or not.Jase--Is there a better way?
in addiotion to Keith's info, you have to find out waht local practices are, and who building inspectors will work with and who they'll freeze out based on their quality and liability concerns.
(E.g., some areas don't require some types of wiring be done by an electrician, but one might have trouble getting a certificate of occupancy if it isn't done by someone the inspector knows to do guality work.)
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"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
your lender is the one you really have to satisfy... see if you can feel out the loan officer as to their requirements..
also.. you do have a required reading assignment... "Spec House from Hell"..
now if someone would post a link ....
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
"also.. you do have a required reading assignment... "Spec House from Hell".."
I always keep the URL handy:
Spec House from HellI was once arrested for walking in someone else's sleep.
Here in Los Angeles, they require you to live for a minimum of two years in the house after getting the C of O. Sell sooner, and they hit you with a tax surcharge. This is specifically to stop people from trying to use owner-builder status to evade the contractor licensing laws. As a legitimate owner-builder who intends to die in the house whether I finish it or not, I have no problem with that.
-- J.S.