California Licensing

License Guru

Two part question. My first application got rejected on a minor technicality. I fixed it and faxed it back in the day I got it in the mail. How long does it usually take before I see that the application was accepted on the website? Usually the same day they receive it. It goes into the tech's in-box and they are suppose to work that the same day if not the next day.

Also, I am applying for a specialty license and only need to take the Law and Business exam. I have enrolled in Allied Contractor's School and have most of the questions they provided me memorized and also have good comprehension of them as well. I am a bit worried because of some negative postings about this school that I have seen on the internet. What is considered passing on the Law and Business and should I be worried or not? Passing the law is 70%. I too have heard negative comments on Allied's material. Whether the comments are true or not, I can't say. First thing.... don't memorize the questions. I'd bet my next paycheck that you wont see many if any of the same questions on the exam that you had in your Allied material. Memorize the answers. The questions can be asked many ways. I like to use the analogy that 2+2=4, 5-1=4, 24-20=4. The answer is always 4, but the question varies.

The test is mutliple choice. 2 answers totally wrong, 2 mostly right. Figure out which is most right.

Good luck! And when you're ready for a bond or GL insurance, let me know.

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Phil Cocciante
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HOOT

TEst whAT test?

Cant you just get your A and B license through a grandfather clause....... YEAH BUDDY

License Guru

Are you a grandfather?? If so.... you're in like flint!

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Phil Cocciante
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treeguy

Thanks for the reply License Guru. I faxed my application back to Ellen Maier at the CSLB a week ago Friday. When I check my application status on the CSLB website, there has been no change since the "application rejected" that was posted two weeks ago. I know in your reply you mentioned that it is supposed to go into the tech's inbox and they are supposed to work on it that day or the next. Should I be concerned that I don't see a change in the status on the website? Should I call Ellen Maier to verify that she got the fax? I know this may sound rediculous, but time is an issue for me obtaining this license since my work is seasonal and spring is right around the corner. As for Allied, I wish I had known about you before I signed up with them. I sent them my application to look over and they completely missed the fact that I listed myself as a qualifying and a general partner on the application. I will be sure to call you when I am ready for the bond. Thanks, Treeguy

License Guru

I would call her! Do you have her number? If not, call me and I'll help you out. 888-346-2247

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Phil Cocciante
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treeguy

Hi guru,
I called her and left her a message, but I think today is furlough Friday. I may not hear back from her until Mon. I will keep you posted.
Thanks, Treeguy

JWEBB

I would simply like to let everyone know about my phenomenal experience with License Guru, Phil Cocciante. I was looking for assistance on my application for Original Contractor's License and after searching the internet (google) for answers I finally came upon contractorsliscenseservice.com. After visiting his site I was still a little skeptical, then found his postings at this forum. After reading through many of them I was confident he was the man with the answers. After I emailed him at approx 6PM PST he emailed me back at 930PM PST. That's what I call service! I wasn't expecting an answer 'til the next day or even the next, let alone from the man himself. He answered every last question I had and gave me exactly what I was looking for, knowledge and experience. All that at an unheard of speed. Worth every penny. I'll definitely be referring him to friends and working with him again.

scuba

Hi Guru, you are a wealth of information. Thank You for that.

My question deals with an old lic. number. My dad passed away about 10 years ago and his lic. # went inactive at that time. My brothers and I then started a new company, but couldn't retain the number for whatever reason. Is there a way that we can get and use that old number? I have never gotten a straight answer and kind of had given up on it.

Greg

License Guru

She may be at lunch. It used to be a furlough friday, but now we take the 16 unpaid hours whenever we want.

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Phil Cocciante
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License Guru

Thanks JWebb!! That was totally awesome and unexpected.

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Phil Cocciante
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License Guru

Hi Greg,

I assume it was a sole owner license? Unfortunately, No is the short answer. Only the original license holder can get an old number reissued. Sorry.

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Phil Cocciante
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treeguy

Hi Guru,
You are officially THE MAN! Ellen was on lunch break. She did call me back and had not received my fax from last week. I refaxed it to her and then called to confirm. Back on track. Thanks again. You saved me valuable time. -Treeguy

License Guru

Sweeeeet!! I'm happy I could help.

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calscape

I wanted to know what I need to do to change the name of our company? We currently have our last name as part of the business name and I want to change it. Do we post a fictitious name ad in the paper? And how do we change the name with the CSLB?

License Guru

Use the attached form to change the biz name with the CSLB. If it's a corp license, the biz name must match what is on file with the Secretary of State's office.

Regarding the dba filing, you'll need to re-do that as well to match your city or county biz license.

Attached Files

ChangingBusinessNameAddress.pdf (127.8 KB, 40 views)

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calscape

From reading all of the posts about you, it seems you are the right person to talk to.

I am in a dispute with another contractor who I did work for. After I was paid in full and had a satisfied approval from the homeowner on work performed, this contractor came back to me and wanted me to redo some work. I have been a contractor myself for 17 years and know that the work performed by my crew was just fine. I told said contractor that I would not agree to redo any of our work as there was nothing wrong. I'm not sure what transpired between this contractor and his client, but I did hear the client complain many times about this company. I feel I have been caught up in a mess.

Now this contractor is going after my bond. I have informed my bond company of my stand on the situation and have provided all that they need. Bond company contacted me today to tell me that I have to pay $700.00 for them to send an inspector out to the site. I really can't believe that I am being held responsible for this fee, and have not yet agreed to it.

The best part is that the other contractor had at first wanted reimbursement for the entire project when their alleged issue was only with one aspect of the job. Then they came back to the bond company and said they would settle for a quarter of the cost of the project. Obviously this contractor did not report anything to the contractors board because they didn't have leg to stand on legally.

What, if any, is the best way to proceed with this problem. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

License Guru

Hello calscape,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re in a dilemma and being held hostage by an unscrupulous contractor.

The CSLB won’t arbitrate Prime/Sub complaints. The prime may have started there and that’s what he was told. They may have suggested going to your bonding company.

The bonding company does do their own investigations as you’ve discovered. Your two options are to pay the 700 and hope/expect the investigator see's that you are at no fault and that your work was to code/standards. If the investigator finds in your favor, your only recourse is to file a small claims case against the Prime to recover the $700. You’ll lose a bit in court fees and time, but it might send a message to the Prime that he can’t hijack his subs like this.

Second option, not pay for the investigator and let the bond company pay the prime his claim amount. That will mean that you’ll need to pay the bonding company that amount for your bond to be re-instated.

I’d choose option one if I knew my work was to code/standards. I'm not an attorney, this is just my opinion. But I think those are your only two options.

Good luck. J

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RockRanger

I currently have my B license. If I wanted to get a c-10 or one of the other "c" licenses do i need to have someone with that license sign for my experiance? Or is haveing my B enough and just sign up to take the test?

License Guru

Hey RockRanger,

You will need a certifier. I prefer to see a certifier who holds the same class or above. In this case it would be another B holder. But an employer, fellow employee, journeyman electrican, or business associate would suffice. You don't want to use a client as a certifier because they can only attest to the work you did for them.

I hope that helps.

Thank you for your question.

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Handymanservice

Hi Phil,

My brother in law has a painting license, want's to partner up with me to do more work. I am not licensed as I keep below the $500.00 cap. My question, would this work, in regard to doing jobs larger than $500 through his license?

In case you missed my name and avtar, I own a handyman business. Is there a way to make this fly?

Also, are you still reviewing license applications for free for CT members? I submitted an application about 1 1/2 years ago, it got sent back because my certifier's license was "inactive" and by the time I got everything corrected and resubmitted, my application expired. There were other issues but I really would like to get my GC license.

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"You can shear a sheep every year, but you can only skin him once!" Remember that when dealing with your customers and pricing.

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