GEORGIA CONTRACTOR LICENSING – EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008
History
In the past Georgia has not required builders and contractors to be licensed. To improve the building environment and raise the bar on construction practices within the state, a law was enacted requiring licensing for residential and commercial general contractors and is effective July 1, 2008.
Licenses – What are the Designations?
Effective July 1, 2008, a license from the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors is required for the following as per O.C.G.A. § 43-41-2: http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/PLBLaws.asp
Description – What Constitutes a Contractor?
Any person offering contracting or performing construction services or activity as a general contractor in excess of $2,500 in materials, labor, or any combination thereof must hold the proper class of license issued by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors effective July 1, 2008.
Refer to the following – O.C.G.A. 43-41-2 Definitions at the following link http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/PLBLaws.asp
Permits
It shall also be illegal under state law for any building department or authority having jurisdiction to issue a permit to any person offering contracting or performing construction services in excess of $2,500 who is not properly licensed by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors effective July 1, 2008.
What does this mean to me the homeowner?
As of July 1, 2008, homeowners need to ask any builder, remodeler, or home improvement contractor (with the exception of a specialty contractor - i.e. roofer, painter, pool contractor, etc. - those who only perform one specific trade) who is being considered for any type of renovation or new home construction for proof of licensure. If your painter takes on the role of carpenter, drywaller and painter, then he is no longer a specialty contractor but a contractor who is required to be licensed. The State of Georgia has been licensing electrical, heating & air, and plumbing contractors for years and these contractors, though considered specialty contractors, will still be required to be licensed.
What Happens if I Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Working with an unlicensed contractor may put your project in jeopardy of being completed. Local building enforcement officials may place a stop work order on your project and fine and/or incarcerate the contractor, and any contract entered into with an unlicensed contractor will be considered unenforceable.
Your Remodeling Solution
1st Atlanta Remodeling, Inc. has received its contractor’s license:
GA State Residential/General Contractor
License # RBI003213 |
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