license in pa

Jeff,

What proof does a license provide that the sub has skill? Did every crewmember pass a test? What is the requirement for licensing? How does the license make for a better installation?

Were not talking about code compliance issues here, just licensing issues, so keep the answers on the licensing side.

TRG,

All those things you mentioned, I agree with. I already do them. Screw the government trying to get involved with some incompetent schmuck wannabe that couldn't do it on his own, so he gets a government job and now is gonna tell me what we're doing right or wrong. F*** that. Maybe F*** that 3 or 4 times. LOL

I'll make sure my potential customers understand what we will do, what our credentials are, why we are better, etc......

IMHO, licensing laws are built to accomodate the least common denominator, and will give some half-assed-hack-wants-to-be-like-mike a piece of paper that says "In the eye of the Great Beholder (your government that screws everything it touches), either of these two companies is equally good." I'll fight that kind of crap till the day I die.

ORCA has tried to install a licensing program in Ohio for years. I won't support it, no how, no way. I'd rather build a better mouse trap and let the competition figure out how to catch me. I reckon if I was them, I'd want that piece of paper too.

Maybe it's different on the resi side, but I don't really see how or why. Customers are customers, there's good and bad in every market, and imho, price shoppers should get their due reward.>>>

i called the ATT GENERALS office in pittsburgh today to find out more. they told me that they do not have anything ready yet as far as applaction for the license. it goes into effect july 1st.>>>

I got a upcoming job in California PA>>>

definitely major bugs to work out,but I think it`s a start>>>

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.>>>

I feel that a license requirement is a step in the right direction,But requires more technical certification,and enforcement,not just making sure you know what taxes you have to pay,or forms you need to fill out,but inspectors that would call your office in the a.m.,and say we`re conducting our(surprize quarterly job site inspection,please provide us with all locations your company is working at today,and then have safety,work details ,etc.inspected,and having passing the inspections,you would get additional tags on your license for demonstrated quality,and expertise,and your rating would rise accordingly,Then contractors would be on tiers based on performance,and the customers would be able to see the true(er) value of the contractors they have over for an estimate----course what`s out there today is more concerned that you paid your licensing fee ,than anything else :dry:>>>

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.>>>

If you do unlicensed work here, you have no collection rights if the building owner refuses to pay. It would be very easy for scab workers to get ripped off by scab-exploiting owners. I'm surprised that you do not here of violence from the situations created by these arrangements.>>>

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>>>

What is their enforcement procedure? What are their penalties?

Mostly licensing is just a disguised tax and a burden on the legit contractor, while giving the illegal guy another price point to make w/ his "clientele"

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