Have you been trying to figure out exactly what “Qualifying B General Contractors Experience” is?
We’ve known for years that the minimum experience for the B classification is framing and at least two unrelated trades. Framing being the major component.
We also know that the CSLB has made it extremely difficult within the last 2-3 years to qualify and obtain the B contractors license classification.
Here is a portion of a CSLB letter sent to me regarding one of my clients that outlines the CSLB’s underground regulation regarding the B class. Why is it an underground reg? Because you won’t find this statement in any published rule, regulation, or law.
“To meet the minimum experience requirement for the B General Building classification, your client must demonstrate journey level work that regularly includes a framing or a rough carpentry component on new or existing structures. Any work completed on existing structures must change the footprint of that structure. For example; room additions, or structural remodeling projects that include reframing for entryways, installation of new headers, size change-outs for retrofitting of widows and doors or load bearing wall components. This framing component, along with 2 other unrelated trades to build or remodel a structure must be performed at the journey level.”
The points I’d like to highlight are in italics. “Any work completed on existing structures must change the footprint of that structure.” And “…load bearing wall components.” It is entirely possible to repair/replace existing load bearing wall components on existing structures without adding square footage or changing the footprint of the structure. “…structural remodeling projects that include reframing for entryways, installation of new headers, size change-outs for retrofitting of widows and doors” can also be done without adding square footage or changing the structures footprint.
So which is it? Must change the footprint or not?!
The following statement can be found in the 2019 version of the contractors license law book on page 9 under Chapter 1. Download the 2019 Contractors License Law book HERE.
“Class “B” — General Building Contractor
The principal business of a General Building contractor deals with any structure built, being built, or to be built, that requires as part of its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts; however, framing or carpentry projects may be performed without limitation. A “B” General Building contractor may take a contract for projects that involve one trade only if the contractor holds the appropriate specialty license or subcontracts with an appropriately licensed specialty contractor to perform the work.”
This is the only statement in the license law that suggests framing or carpentry is required for the B trade, and depending on how you read it, it doesn’t even say that!. It definitely doesn’t state that it must be “structural” framing, or framing that increases the square footage or footprint of the structure.
I’m looking forward to the creation of the new B-2 classification because it won’t have in it the unlawful, unpublished, underground reg covering structural framing and Qualifying B General Contractors Experience that has forced so many applicants to work without a license.
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