[Newb]

I recently started a new Landscape company operating as an LLC. We have insurence, a business tax certificate, Ein, the whole bit.

I recently found out about the neccesity of a CA contractors license. I know it's primarly to protect consumers and other business owners from shady work/competition.


The landscape Contractors License Reads:

A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.


Questions.

The law says I cant contract for more than $500. Does this include maintainence? (I have a bid in for $2000 to maintain model homes)

Since my new company is insured and registered with the state and county will I still need to obtain this License?

Does anybody know what I can and cannot do? has anyone been in this situation?

Thanks,

-Kevin

[papercutter]

If you can swing it, I'd say you're insane if you DON'T get licensed. I used to live in CA, and one of the biggest tricks dirty homeowners play is hiring an unlicensed contractor to do the job and then stiffing them on payment. Per state law (in most states, actually) if you were doing the work as an unlicensed contractor and you needed to be licensed to do it, they owe you nothing. MAYBE they'll have to pay you what YOU paid for materials, but that's it.

I believe maintenance is a different animal, but call the registrar of contractors to see what is and isn't kosher. I haven't lived there in a decade so I'm sure a lot has changed.

Even if all you're really planning on doing is maintenance, why not get licensed? We all know maintenance jobs can lead to small installs. You know, hey, this plant's declining, how about we replace it? Ok, cool, while we're in here, let's rehab all your plant material, move around some sprinkler heads, add some uplights on this palm... next thing you know, you're operating outside of what you legally can.

I know it's an expensive, PITA process in CA. But if you can do it, I say go for it.