Joe0044

Hello. I am writing on behalf of my husband (You know us women)!!

Anyhow, he FINALLY received his general contractor's license for the state of California after vigorous background checks, testing, blah, blah, blah ... you know the drill. Anyhow, I've had my mind set of moving my children out of California and to Washington for some time now. Our "due date" is nearing and no doubt my husband is bummed, his license number just came through this week (after applying ... oh, about 8 or 9 months ago). We were flagged, then the investigator was out for a few months after an accident (why would they only have one)?? It's been a mess. But enough of our sob story.

First of all, please excuse my ignorance, but can my husband use his California state license (he's bonded and all that) when we first arrive in Washington until he can switch? I understand that Washington is not as difficult to get a license (almost scary, in my personal opinion), but does anyone know how that state works? I've heard rumors that we have to apply for each city you wish to work in and that the taxes you pay are higher there than in California. Is this true? Can anyone please give us more information about the state's way of business? Any information will be greatly appreciated!

Forgive my obvious lack of understanding! I'm just feeling bad for my husband, although it will one day be the best thing for our family, his dream was finally accomplished and now I feel as though it's being taken away too soon.

Thanks everyone!!
~Joe's wife, *Vykki*~

Max Nomad

Greetins Vykki / Joe,

Although I can only speak for Virginia and the General Contractor licensing varies from state to state, but looking at the criteria with Washington state, the answer is "Yes", he needs to be registered, plus have his business structure set up and approved by the Washington Secretary of State, obtain a UBI #, and a list of other things. Operating without a license is a fine and the job will probably be shut down. More details in the links below:

http://lni.wa.gov/Main/MostAskedQues...ontractors.asp

http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/

Good luck with it...

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True North

I read this twice and it still came out in my mind as "Operating without a license is fine, and the job will probably be shut down"

I was thinking, "What the heck is he saying?!"

I got it on the third pass.

Anyway, Vykki and Joe, it's a hard situation, and you have to look at the long term as far as what is best for your family. I know that a move made when you're both not of the same mind is probably not going to end well.

We (my family and I) moved to Colorado from Michigan about three months ago and are still in the throes of homesickness and so on. I am licensed in Michigan, and getting a license for just this county was a huge pain, so I can see Joe's side of things for sure.

I know in Michigan some exceptions are made for legitimate out-of-state builders, so perhaps the local building department in WA will work with you. It won't hurt to humble yourself and ask! I find a little charm applied to the office workers goes a long way when I'm in a jam!

I'm sorry for rambling on. I wish you and your family the best.

http://www.truenorthcarpentry.net

Kgmz

The state of Washington will be easy to deal with as long as you can get the bond and insurance.

Are you presently bonded and insured in California?

The bond and insurance will be the hardest thing and can be very expensive, if you are not presently bonded and insured and if you don't have much of history in construction (meaning in the construction business for yourselves and not from working for someone else). And are you very financially sound, because this is something that the bonding and insurance companies will check thoroughly.

Basically in Washington to get a general contractors license, you need to get a $12,000 bond and $200,000 in liability insurance. A specialty contractors license you will need a $6,000 bond and $200,000 in liability insurance. But most contractors get at least a one million liability policy.

But before you get the contractors license, you need to get a business license which will include your tax number from the Department of Revenue so you can collect and submit the sales tax collected. If you have employees or want workmens comp for yourselves, you will have to set up workmens comp with the state. Workmens comp is run by the state in Washington, there are no private insurance companies issuing policies in the State.

As for additional licenses, some cities will require you to get a license if you do work in their jurisdition and will want taxes and fees from you for work done in their jurisdiction. And as far as I know none of the counties require a license for their jurisdiction, your state license will suffice.


For everything you need to know go to the link below for Washington State Labor & Industries.

http://www.lni.wa.gov/default.asp

License Guru

Some great advice/tips in the last post.

The short answer is No. The CA license and bond will be useless in WA. Follow the advice given above and you'll be fine.

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