I’m seriously thinking of moving from the Peoples Republic of Maryland.
Maryland, from what I understand has one of the toughest sets of home improvement laws … and yes I’m legal and sick and tired of it.
I do mainly window repairs anywhere from $100- $10,000. I’m not looking to go through big brothers license procedure again. Can anyone tell me what states I can work in without a license and which I cannot, to narrow down my search of a new home?
Replies
Here are a couple of state by state listings of requirments.
But note that they hare not always detailed and complete.
http://www.alcosystems.com/StateLicensing.htm
http://www.contractors-license.org/
But in states without then often the city or county will have license requirments.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Better warn him off of Johnson County home of the permit to cut your own grass.
Bill-
I seriously appreciate the links, the problem I have is Maryland is really tough on contractors but when you go to those sites you'd never know it... much less realize you actually need a license.
I guess I'm looking for more real life experience from actual working experience.
Thanks again.
Now come on guys.... can I or can't I.... work in your hood without a license?
sledge ... RI has no license for residential buiilders... they have mandatory registration......
pay the two year fee ( i forget ..... say $200 ) , get your mandatory GL ins ( minimum $375 ) and you're good to go
if you have any employees you also have to have WCMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
NY has no state wide registration of contractors. The further north of NYC the less regulation.
Not looking for builder license. This would be handyman or here in maryland coinsidered home improvement.
To give you guys alittle background from where I'm wanting to leave....
You need to pass a test in order to plant a bush in Maryland, they consider it a home improvement.
PA has no state licensing of GC's.
believe the plumbing and electric licensing if per county.
City of Pgh requires "registration" of a GC to pull permits and everything gets inspected ... most locals have their own inspectors and the county handles the plumbing inspections.
I'd imagine Philly is set up much the same.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Texas and Oklahoma both are License Free. Oklahoma has a good market for remodeling because of tornados. I've thought seriously about going back to OK. Tired of the #### here in Louisiana. We have strict laws on everything. Here you can't do any kind of remodeling work on a house if it costs more than $7,200. Plus the GL and WC rates here are high and coverage is mandatory.
NH is license free (and income and sales tax free). Live Free or Die!
Va. is easy to get legal.
Texas used to be free but they are caving in too to the regulators. This year, they started requiring a third party inspection on all homes in non incorporated areas. Before that it was "anything goes".
I don't know if you have to pass the inspection...maybe you just have to have one LOL.
Anything over 10k has to be "registered". They do a background check. before they'll issue you a registration for $500. Companies do not have to have workers compensation here and workers can opt out of the workers compensation program if the employer has it!
Texas is business friendly but I think they aren't the freewheelers they think they are anymore.
Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
welcome to Ohio-- very easy to be legal here.
for the work you describe-- no state licences----but many of the local municipalities will have licenses and permitting required.
I think I hold 3 seperate ones--cost about $40-$50 each,annually
the permitting thing is just for the city to keep track of improvements--and eventually bump the property owners taxes up I think--any way--very easy to comply
you might do very well in cincinatti or columbus--both have growing populations
good Luck,
stephen
Geez. Stop whining! Life here in the PRM ain't that bad. What helped for me was comparing things to DC, when I had my license there. That unending pit of despair makes MD look a lot better!
Well, gotta' run..........I'm taking a bush planting seminar this morning. It's gonna' be AWESOME!
Conn requires a license, but it is relatively easy to obtain. Permitted activities are at the discretion to the individual towns.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Well stay on the right coast or anywhere but the left coast, Cal., Or., and Wa. all have pretty stringent requirements.
"Cal., Or., and Wa. all have pretty stringent requirements"Yes...anything to stifle growth, limit competition and keep the money concentrated in the hands of the privileged. Liberalism at it's finest. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Thank You for offering your opinion.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
Your welcome. I think we have just concluded the most polite conversation between us ever! I like it. I hope it can continue even when we don't agree on things. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
New York has it all! High taxes, great politicians, high cost of living, but . . .
No licensing of contractors, at least at the state level. The big munis like NYC might require it, but outside there, I think you would be free and clear.
View Image
"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985