License Guru - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

justin10184 · 06-01-2009, 07:01 PM

I'm ready to apply for a B license but I'm concerned about the work experience part of the application. For the last four years I've worked as a woodworker/finish carpenter. I have pay stubs that document my employment and the contractor I work for will sign for my experience. That's no problem, but in the four years before that I worked for my father (also a GC) where I gained my framing experience. He is willing to sign my application, but none of the work is documented. I was working for cash the whole time. With no documentation of my previous employment, will a signature be enough?

Thanks for any advice,
Justin

License Guru · 06-01-2009, 11:56 PM

Hello Justin,

How old were you when you worked for your father?

A signature will suffice if you submit your experience as "self employed."

You will need to show more than just framing to qualify for the B exam. Do you have concrete, electrical, hvac, plumbing, etc. experience?

Thanks for your question. I'll be happy to help you any way I can thorought the process.

Phil

justin10184 · 06-03-2009, 08:54 PM

I worked for my father from age 16 to 20. I'm 24 now. In addition to framing and finish carpentry I have experience in concrete, drywall, roofing, and painting. I have a third contractor who will sign for that experience. The only time my pay wasn't off the books was 3 years and 9 months of finish carpentry. Is my best bet is to submit as self employed and rely on my three signatures?

License Guru · 06-03-2009, 10:06 PM

This is a really dangerous gray area. If you submit as self employed and they decide to label you a young journeyman they will ask for pay stubs, tax returns, w-2's, or w-9's. Then you'll have to show evidence that you weren't self employed.

On the other hand, if you submit your experience as employee and you get labeled a young journeyman then you can show proof of employment.

This is really a tough call!

Roofs R Us · 07-01-2009, 10:35 PM

You will be fine, they realize that this business operates different than regular businesses

MacRoadie · 07-02-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roofs R Us

You will be fine, they realize that this business operates different than regular businesses

Roofs R Us, I don't mean to be a jerk, but based on this post of yours in another thread:

Quote:

I,m getting ready to take the Illinois roofing contractor test and I feel a bit overwhelmed. I don't know what to study, the books are expensive,and I generally feel lost in the process.Will someone help me out here.

I really don't think you are positioned to offer advice to Justin, never mind assuring him he will be fine.

Justin, listen to Phil. He has a great deal of experience as a former CSLB tech, and as an outside consultant to license applicants. If he says it's a dangerous gray area, it's a dangerous gray area.

This is an old thread, so hopefully you took Phil's advice and are on your way to licensure!

Lighting Retro · 07-20-2009, 04:29 AM

good lookin' out Mac