If you are looking to get into building sheds, especially build-on-site sheds, and you are otherwise not familiar with if you are certified/licensed to build, there are some general guidelines to go by.
Oftentimes, as long as the building is below a certain square footage (often 200 square feet) no builder’s certification or license is required so long as plumbing and electrical systems are not involved.
So, why are certain trades required to have a license? It’s primarily for safety.
Licenses ensure that a specific person has learned safe methods for construction so that a particular system or structure they had a hand in producing will not fall apart or cause other damage or issues down the road.
Building systems that have the potential to cause fire or electrocution if not installed correctly, like electrical and HVAC systems, tend to be stricter about licenses.
It depends on what state or states you live and operate in. It may also depend on the city or town you are operating in.
Also, efforts are underway to crack down on unlicensed contractors.
Recently, the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) successfully executed a synchronized nationwide enforcement endeavor, spanning from June 5-23.
A total of 12 NASCLA State Members actively participated in this initiative that unfolded across various regions of the country. The participating state regulatory agencies included Arizona, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina (2), Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.
The primary objective of this comprehensive enforcement campaign was to enhance the presence of regulatory agencies both within local communities and at the national level.
NASCLA state members joined forces in a collaborative partnership aimed at safeguarding consumers and the general public through the proper licensing and registration of contractors and tradesmen.
The effort involved the active participation of state public information departments, investigative units, executive directors/officers, as well as the engagement of the public media.
The nationwide initiative offered an opportunity to alert and protect consumers, discourage illicit construction activities, and establish a level playing field for legitimate contractors within the construction industry.
In addition to curbing the escalating incidence of illegal, unlicensed practices nationwide, the overarching goal was to raise awareness among consumers regarding these actions and ensure regulatory compliance.
NASCLA state members reported a total of 1,002 complaints and instances of non-compliance with state licensing requirements.
In response, the state contractor licensing agencies took swift and decisive action by issuing administrative citations, criminal notices, legal measures, and initiating supplementary investigations, among other measures.
Unfortunately, no article can give every reader a complete picture, because getting a license to build any building has different requirements for every state and sometimes town to town.
Also, for clarification, this is about an individual obtaining the necessary government approvals to work in certain trades. This does not cover additional licenses you may need to operate your business in specific states, cities, or towns.
This also does not cover permits to erect a building at a specific location. Every building, based on local zoning, may have specific requirements where building permits are needed to place a new building.
When in doubt, start asking questions for licensing at the local city and town level and work your way up to the state level.
State Contractor License Resources
National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA)
Telephone: 623-587-9354
General Contractor License Guide
generalcontractorlicenseguide.com
Telephone: 208-244-0008
Harbor Compliance
https://www.harborcompliance.com/general-contractor-license
Telephone: 888-995-5895
Fax: 717-202-2576
Procore
https://www.procore.com/library/contractors-license-guide-all-states
Telephone: 866-477-6267
