TX Contractor working in PA --Licensing question - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Lighting Retro · 03-25-2009, 10:59 AM

Hello all,

Just found the forum, and looks like I will be back on a regular basis. Good stuff here.

I have an opportunity to take on some work in PA, and would be coming from TX. Looks like licensing is at the city level, and that we might only need to submit a Certificate of Good Standing from TX, along with a fee of course, in order to perform work in PA.

Is this all I should be concerned with? I do not believe our work will require permits of any kind, so I'm not really concerned with that. I would also like to take on some local talent to avoid the costs of per diem and hotel is possible. Is there a good way to find some local talent there that is non union? (Project is non union) Thanks for any feedback you can share.

KMac · 03-25-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lighting Retro

Hello all,

Just found the forum, and looks like I will be back on a regular basis. Good stuff here.

I have an opportunity to take on some work in PA, and would be coming from TX. Looks like licensing is at the city level, and that we might only need to submit a Certificate of Good Standing from TX, along with a fee of course, in order to perform work in PA.

Is this all I should be concerned with? I do not believe our work will require permits of any kind, so I'm not really concerned with that. I would also like to take on some local talent to avoid the costs of per diem and hotel is possible. Is there a good way to find some local talent there that is non union? (Project is non union) Thanks for any feedback you can share.

Licensing has been on the local level BUT they just passed a law requiring all contractors to register with the state attorney generals office effective July 1. It's painless but they have some strict guidelines as to what needs to be in your contract and a couple other little things. You can find all the info at the state attorney generals website.

Lighting Retro · 03-25-2009, 12:27 PM

I would imagine registering would primarily be for local stateside contractors, so I'm not sure it would apply to us.

Any suggestions on finding local help though? Thanks.

HSConstruction · 03-25-2009, 02:02 PM

what part of PA?

Lighting Retro · 03-25-2009, 02:09 PM

It's in the Harrisburg or York area if that helps.

Tinstaafl · 03-25-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lighting Retro

I would imagine registering would primarily be for local stateside contractors, so I'm not sure it would apply to us.

By the look of your website, the statewide PA registration would not apply to you. That's strictly for Home Improvement Contractors, and it looks like you'd be doing only commercial work here.

Not sure about York, but Harrisburg requires a mercantile license to do business within city limits (no big deal, $45 and a form, and you get it in a week or so) as well as electrical licensing. I'm not up on what that entails besides passing a test, or if they have any sort of reciprocity with other jurisdictions. I just happen to have the Tax & Codes office number right here--(717) 255-6513. They can answer your questions.

As for finding workers, you could place an ad in the local newspaper, or (I have to whisper this) Craigslist.

I'm just across the river from Harrisburg; let me know if you need any general local info.

Lighting Retro · 03-26-2009, 08:21 AM

Thanks for the assistance. I'll probably take care of the local fee just in case. Too small not too.

We have used Craig's List in the past with mixed results, but that is definitely part of our plan. Is there one main newspaper out there? We might try that as well. Looks to be on the York side of town. Thanks.

Tinstaafl · 03-26-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lighting Retro

Is there one main newspaper out there? We might try that as well.

I believe the main paper in York is the York Daily Record, http://ydr.inyork.com/.

Harrisburg's Patriot-News has a wider circulation, but I honestly don't know how popular it is in York: http://www.patriot-news.com/.

Lighting Retro · 03-26-2009, 10:38 AM

Thanks for your help. You have been most considerate.

TML · 04-20-2009, 08:00 PM

Anyone in-state or out of state who does more than $5,000.00 a year in PA must register for a home improvement contractor license. The only ones exempt are home builders, go figure?

Lighting Retro · 04-20-2009, 08:06 PM

Is this true if you are doing strictly commercial? Seems kind of silly to have a "home improvement" anything if you aren't working on homes.

Tinstaafl · 04-20-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lighting Retro

Is this true if you are doing strictly commercial?

No. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, you appear to be strictly commercial in this respect and are therefore exempt from that requirement.

Does it look like the job is going to pan out?

Lighting Retro · 04-20-2009, 09:39 PM

I got some encouraging feedback recently, but the job is large enough that "soon" could easily mean next quarter.

Nail Ace · 05-19-2009, 12:02 AM

If its a non-union job I,d be prepared for the union to be hanging around. Getting lots of pubic attention in S.W. PA. Alot of conferances and wanting guys to sign up.

Lighting Retro · 05-25-2009, 02:53 PM

Thanks for the heads up.