Colorado Guys..... - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

sprinklerguy · 12-16-2005, 02:16 PM

Hey guys....registered here months ago...but never got past the lurking stage until now. I moved to CO 4 years ago....owned a lawn sprinkler company in Scottsdale AZ...just sold it this past summer. Started working on sprinklers and doing some landscape stuff in Colorado Springs and vicinity this summer...and I must say...Winter Sux! I never had a slow time in AZ for obvious reasons, but now I guess I'll have to deal with it eh? I have never been one to be a jack of all trades...I always felt you should stick with one thing and do it the best that it can be done. However, I am a pretty handy guy, with lots of tools...and I'm considering doing more things. Bad idea?

I have finished all my winter blow-outs and started picking up whatever I can pick up to make ends meet. Each winter since I have been here I have helped buddies build houses or build decks or fencing...but this winter I was hoping to do some of this stuff myself. Something about making 15 bucks an hour that grinds on a guy when he hasn't had a real job since the early 90's. don't get me wrong, I appreciate all they've done.....anyway, my point.

I have built some fences in Teller County....I have repaired a couple in El Paso County and my question is this:

Do I need an E class contractor's license to build fences and do landscaping....small retaining walls, pavers etc. in El Paso County? I know I do for installing decks and doing non-structural improvements on resideces in El Paso County...but what about fencing? The Pikes Peak Reg Bldg Dpt website is vague at best.

Anyone?

Thanks to the powers that be for this site...it is a great one and I'm looking forward to spending some quality time here this winter.

Thanks in advance.

Glasshousebltr · 12-16-2005, 02:22 PM

Welcome Sprinkle. Feel free to take a leak.

Bob

**Cole** · 12-16-2005, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glasshousebltr

Welcome Sprinkle. Feel free to take a leak.

Bob

**Cole** · 12-16-2005, 02:37 PM

Check here:
http://adm.elpasoco.com/Planning/Zoning/Z-BldgP.asp

WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN AN INDIVIDUAL DO WITHOUT HAVING TO HIRE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR?

"A permit may be issued to an individual for work on his or her own home, provided he/she lives there. He or she may also do their own electrical and mechanical work. Unless an individual has a contractor's license, he or she may not do work on commercial structures or any residence that they do not own and live in. There is also a limit to the number of houses a person can construct without being a licensed contractor. In the future, the revised Building Code may further limit the ability of an individual to perform plumbing, electrical and mechanical work unless he or she is a licensed contractor."

Mike Finley · 12-16-2005, 04:05 PM

I don't know the answer Tony. I would just give them a call and be done with it.

Do what a sprinkler outfit here does, they sell sprinker equipment out of a retail space in the summer and switch it out to a ski/board shop during the winter.

RobertCDF · 12-16-2005, 04:19 PM

Welcome sprinklerguy from another Colorado Springs contractor,
To the best of my knowledge you dont need one to do fences in el paso county, if you do then there are TONS of people doing them without a contractors license. Even if you do the test is not bad for an E class 50 questions but the whole process can take 2-3 months. Maybe we could get together sometime and toss some work each others way.

A+Carpenter · 12-16-2005, 05:59 PM

Cole you need to establish an Identity brother . I have seen you have several since being a member ,

LOL just stirring the pot

**Cole** · 12-16-2005, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamMeider

Cole you need to establish an Identity brother . I have seen you have several since being a member ,

LOL just stirring the pot

Whatca talking bout willis?

Edit: Me changing avatars like underwear?

K2 · 12-17-2005, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertCDF

Welcome sprinklerguy from another Colorado Springs contractor,
To the best of my knowledge you dont need one to do fences in el paso county, if you do then there are TONS of people doing them without a contractors license. Even if you do the test is not bad for an E class 50 questions but the whole process can take 2-3 months. Maybe we could get together sometime and toss some work each others way.

I think you need a permit/license on fences over 6 ft. and retaining walls over 4 ft. but you should probably check and see if you can get something in print. Even the information people down there will say anything to get you off the phone. <P>

sprinklerguy · 12-17-2005, 09:31 AM

Thanks Robert...I would like that.

I saw that the fences had to be over 6 ft and retaining walls over 4 feet....so I guess I won't worry about it. Teller County is much the same...

In Arizona my Commercial and Residential Landscape Contractor's license covered about everything...but here in CO looks like you don't need a license for much of anything....that is not a good thing in my opinion...but it does make it easier on me.

Mike....I played Golf in Primm with guy named Gary Finley from Denver area couple of years ago when I went with my club up here..any relation?

A+Carpenter · 12-17-2005, 11:05 AM

Cole you need to learn how to spell to . LOL if you zoom in on your avatar it reads . Two thumbs Stong " LOL given heck to you .

A+Carpenter · 12-17-2005, 11:07 AM

Cole you want something to work on? Take my avatar and change it around and see what you can do with it . PDF them to me adam@crosswindsconstruction.com if you get bored . I see your pretty good at them . A nasa systems graphic desgner does all my work for me .

RobertCDF · 12-17-2005, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprinklerguy

Thanks Robert...I would like that.

I saw that the fences had to be over 6 ft and retaining walls over 4 feet....so I guess I won't worry about it. Teller County is much the same...

In Arizona my Commercial and Residential Landscape Contractor's license covered about everything...but here in CO looks like you don't need a license for much of anything....that is not a good thing in my opinion...but it does make it easier on me.

Depends upon the county, el paso is a pain in the a$$. Especially the

zoning and planing department