State Contractor Licensing

What are your thoughts on State Contractors License.

Should they be manditory Yes/No

WOW!!

Licensing is the issue.....and there's a BIG difference btwn states w/o licensing, as opposed to states with authentic licensing, (notice i used the word authentic?)....the results are forced, improved general ethics....the licensing has to be such that it holds the contractor accountable....I've gleened from this forum that some state's have useless licensing....

Oh. my answer to the question is 'Yes'. As for the rest of it, maybe. I waivered most of that since I work alone. I don't qualify for bonding. I'm sure. And why bother? I work alone.

PC said "band", not 'ban'. I think she wants to be wrapped in something. Maybe Xmas wrapping paper?

On topic, I'm licensed and the state requires it. I see legit contractors screwing people all over. If I was unlicensed, I'd still charge a premium for my sevices. I don't think licensing is the issue. I think it has more to do with ethics.

Merry Christmas Everyone! Yes I did Say MERRRRRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! and on that note a Happy, Blessed and Prosperous New Year!!!!!!!

Oh almost forgot. They got rid of the Contractors license in Texas. Couldnt keep the "Government Office" funded even though they were collecting fees to be licensed. TRCC = Garbage. Still a contractor but also an Xactimate Instructor.

Xactimate Coach

www.xactimatecoach.com

I suppose I could ban you if it will make you feel more appreciated.

7883 viewed and 39 replied. ???????????????????

I just don't get it. Steve I've been out of roofing for 3 years now, so I don't talk about it, too many changes in the industry, so I just come on line to piss people off about other topics. Neither you or Vicky have band me yet. PC

Getting a bit off the topic of licensing....In any event; Yes, that's same ole thing/dynamic where big bro is concerned....Kinda like big bro allowing the employment of illegals, yet wants to "go after" employers that hire them....

Sounds like IN, TomU. But then again,"lets make it harder for our legitimate businesses to do business here and reward those who disregard our established laws", it sounds like everywhere else.

Less than a year ago, the State Legislature here had a proposed bill in conference committee which would raise the State Unemployment Insurance (tax) from 2.7% of the first $7,000.00 earned annually to 5.4% of the first $9,500.00 earned annually per employee. The way it is now you pay $189/employee/year to the state. The new law would make it $513.00/employee/year a difference of $324 per employee. If you are playing by the rules and have say 10 employees, that's over 3k per year MORE.

Now what about the guy who pays no state of federal unemployment insurance? More often than not he is the same guy using subs and foregoing general business and liability insurance, not to mention worker's comp since he has no "employees" per se.

So, by playing by the rules and following the state laws, you now have the honor of paying the other fella's share too. Can you see how there might be a substantial difference in pricing between you and the scofflaw?

Rather than see to it that current laws are adhered to by all, this state has chosen instead to charge more to those who chose to participate legally.

In other words, the state has taken the easy stance of,"lets make it harder for our legitimate businesses to do business here and reward those who disregard our established laws".

Point here is, if you are willing to accept licensing requirements in your state, then be prepared to accept the accompanying cost of enforcement. Otherwise, licensing for contractors may carry plenty of burden without providing much benefit.

No not at all

Do you also believe that each state which licenses contractors should also require those contractors to use a specific contract that mandates certain information to be placed in that contract and that if it is not done the states way-=there can and will be penalties.

"All that`s required for evil to prosper,

Is for good men to sit back and do nothing "

I don't know who they are.

Maybe thier just afraid to speak up for fear of getting slammed.

I personally believe every state should require contractors to be licensed and bonded and they should be required to have liabilty and workers comp insurance.

I was in the business for 26 years and when I had my company It was tuff bidding against unlicensed (I won't call them contractors) idiots when I was paying for all that.

I would lertarally loose jobs to guys that put tear off existing roof and install 20 year shingle

I used to tell my customers you can sit in your front yard with the contract and check off each step of the installation. they knew exactly what they were getting, how is was going to be installed and what the warranty for the material and labor were before they signed the contract.

I loved roofing, to me it was an art not a job.

now up to 4145??? Talk People. Steve, who the lurkers? Are they feeling the table?