license in pa

I got a upcoming job in California PA>>>

that is one reason that i think it is stupid. no testing of any kind. you are just required to list all names that you have done business under and any cases filled against you>>>

Will one have to pass a proficiency test to get a license. Somes states have a contraactors registration system but a license system legally denotes having had to pass a test of some sorts. OR once was a registration state until they changed the law back to the licensing of contractors which required a state mandated test.>>>

Licensing has been required in California for a very long time. Although it doesn't guarantee competence (the market will sort that out in the end, no matter what), it does at least mandate that the contractor has proof of wc insurance (for the employee's protection)and a bond ($12,500. I think) in place (for the customer's protection). The licensing also forces people to obtain tax ID #'s, which give the govt some idea of who and where they are. But as most of you know, there are ways for the unscrupulous to manipulate the insurance and payroll taxes, and that will always be an issue for legitimate operators.>>>

Jeff,

That's exactly why I hate the law. What guarantee does a homeowner have that a license equates competence? NONE!!! Licensed contractors hire unskilled subs, do shoddy work, cut corners and rip people off every day. If the homeowner does not do their own due diligence, then let them get what they deserve. Putting a false sense of security into the consumer's mind by giving some kind of poorly administered governmental stamp of approval on a business goes against every fiber of my being.

I think that code enforcement policy like you have in Florida may well do many great things to protect consumers, but I don't see the licencing program as contributing to that service.>>>

Well, Michigan just stiffened penalties and requirements for licensing this past year. Enforcement begins in earnest this year. Minimum $5000 up to $25000 for first offense. Pre-licensing education hours required and continuing ed requirements once licensed.

However, as noted, enforcement is the key. Complaints to the state of Michigan DLEG are referred back to the local county prosecutor, who is busy with more pressing crimes against society (i.e., theft, homicide, embezzlement, etc) Prosecution of an unlicensed contractor is a very low priority.

To quote my father, "Contractor license is a license to steal." HOP, in my opinion, licensing is a warm fuzzy for the homeowner, but does little to protect against those individuals bent on defrauding the public. Worst case penalty up until now is loss of license. And if not licensed . . . . . well, you get the picture.

Just as with drunk drivers, the only sure way to stop the activity is incarceration. In Michigan the governor and legislature are already negotiating ways to cut the $2 billion plus prison budget. I don't see imprisonment of unlicensed contractors to be a viable option, given the current political and economic conditions. Any action short of locking 'em up means they are back on the street, plying their trade to buy groceries and keep a roof over their head. It's all they know.>>>

I am against licencing laws of any kind. I believe they are socialist and provide a meaningless accredation to the license holder. It says "he's qualified" to the consumer, when the actual truth may be just the opposite.

Buyer beware, and sell yourself is my credo, and I'm big enough that such laws do nothing but help me. It's my sense of entreprenurism and freedom that makes me feel this way.>>>

att. general has a bill in house or seante, goes into effect july1st i think. do not know of the pently for not having one. the idea behind this was to give the comusmer faith in hireing a contractor.>>>

I live and work in PA and have not heard of this. where did you get this info. I know some citys and townships require a local license>>>