Yes, California requires roofing contractors to hold a state license. Scope of Cover found that the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires a license for any project valued at $1,000 or more, that uses employees, or requires a building permit. Licensed roofers must also file a $25,000 contractor's bond. Failure to maintain continuous workers' compensation insurance results in automatic license suspension.
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In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that requires a building permit, or uses employee labor or worker(s), or contracts for work valued at $1,000 or more for combined labor and materials costs must hold a current, valid license from CSLB.Open the source
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You must file a Contractor's Bond or Information on Alternatives in Lieu of Bond Requirements with the Registrar in the amount of $25,000 .Open the source
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In addition, you may need to submit a separate Bond of Qualifying Individual or Information on Alternatives in Lieu of Bond Requirements in the amount of $25,000 for the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or the Responsible Managing Officer (RMO).Open the source
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It is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project which requires a building permit, or employee labor is used or the project is valued at $1,000, or more in combined labor and material costs.Open the source
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To qualify to become a licensed contractor an individual must be 18 years of age or older and have the experience and skills necessary to manage the daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision.Open the source
#When is a Roofer License Required?
In California, it is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work under certain conditions. The CSLB requires a license for any project valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and material costs. A license is also mandatory for any job that requires a building permit or involves the use of employee labor, regardless of the contract value.
The specific license for a roofing contractor is the C-39 classification. This specialty license covers the installation and repair of surfaces that seal and waterproof structures.
#C-39 Roofing Contractor Classification
A C-39 roofing contractor is defined as one who installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof, and weatherproof structures. The main purpose of this work is to prevent water penetration into the building.
To qualify for any contractor license in California, an individual must be at least 18 years of age.
#Required Contractor Bonds
A contractor seeking a state license must file a contractor's bond with the CSLB in the amount of $25,000.
A separate Bond of Qualifying Individual may also be necessary.
#Workers' Compensation Insurance Requirement
Licensed contractors must maintain continuous workers' compensation insurance coverage. A failure to keep coverage active will result in the suspension of the contractor license.
#Penalties for Unlicensed Roofing
Contracting without a valid California license is a criminal offense. A first conviction is typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of $5,000. In addition, the CSLB can issue an administrative fine between $200 and $15,000.
A second offense carries more severe penalties. These include a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine equal to 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000.
Certain situations can lead to felony charges. This includes illegally using another person's contractor license or working without a license in a state or federal natural disaster area. Attempting to mislead consumers into believing you are licensed can also be prosecuted as a felony.
Furthermore, consumers are not legally obligated to pay a person who is not state-licensed. An unlicensed contractor cannot sue a client for non-payment.
#License Renewal Cycle
An active contractor license in California is issued for a two-year period. It can be renewed for two years at a time.
If a contractor wishes to place their license in an inactive status, it can be renewed for four years at a time.
Frequently asked questions
At what job value is a roofer license required in California?
A contractor license is required for any project with a total value of $1,000 or more for combined labor and materials. A license is also required for any job with employees or that needs a building permit, regardless of value.
What is the license classification for a California roofing contractor?
The classification for a roofing contractor in California is C-39.
What bond does a licensed roofing contractor need to file?
A roofing contractor must file a $25,000 contractor's bond. A separate $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual might also be required for the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or Responsible Managing Officer (RMO).
What happens if a roofer works without a license?
A first offense is a misdemeanor with potential jail time and fines up to $5,000, plus administrative fines up to $15,000. A second offense includes a mandatory 90-day jail sentence.
Can a customer refuse to pay an unlicensed roofing contractor?
Yes. A customer is not legally required to pay a contractor who is not state-licensed, and that contractor cannot sue the customer to collect payment.
Does a roofing contractor need workers' compensation insurance?
Failure to maintain continuous workers' compensation coverage will result in the suspension of the contractor's license.
Sources
- CSLB: What kind of contractor do I needContractors State License Board · retrieved
- CSLB: Licensing classificationsContractors State License Board · retrieved
- CSLB: C-39 Roofing classificationContractors State License Board · retrieved
- CSLB: Issuing my licenseContractors State License Board · retrieved
- CSLB: Consequences of contracting without a licenseContractors State License Board · retrieved
- CSLB: What is illegal contractor activityContractors State License Board · retrieved
- CSLB: Before applying for the examinationContractors State License Board · retrieved
- CSLB: Workers' compensation insurance for licenseesContractors State License Board · retrieved
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