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Inside The Nation’s Varying Contractor Licensing Rules — And How They Impact Business

This article originally appeared in Construction Dive Magazine, May, 2017, Reprinted with Permission. In an effort to safeguard their residents against fraud and the chaos that can result from unprofessional behavior or lack of experience and knowledge, most states have some kind licensing procedure in place for professions like lawyers, physicians and real estate agents. However, when it comes to construction contractors — who practice in an industry that is full of life and death scenarios — there is little state-to-state licensing uniformity. How do these regulations vary across the U.S., and is there any indication that a strict regulatory scheme results in a higher level of professionalism and quality among contractors? How licensing rules vary "We see both extremes where it's extremely difficult to get a license, and then on the opposite side where anyone with a hammer and pickup truck can be a contractor," said Chuck Taylor, director of operations for Chicago- area...

What You Need to Know about Home Inspectors

The law now requires that Home Inspectors be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”). Inspection services through a corporation or partnership is allowed provided that all personnel of the corporation or partnership who act on its behalf as Home Inspectors are licensed by the DBPR. Licensed home inspectors are treated by the DBPR similar to licensed contractors. Home Inspectors are now subject to disciplinary actions and must maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy in an amount of not less than $300,000.00.  Of note is the fact that the Home Inspectors law requires that after completion of a home inspection for compensation, the Home Inspector must provide a written report to the client. The report must indicate (1) the systems and components inspected that in his professional opinion are significantly deficient or are near the end of their useful life; (2) if not self-evident, the reason why the system or component...