SBCA Weekly Newsletter 08/22/12 by Karin Perissinotto

SANTA BARBARA CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER August 22, 2012

Kalb’s Capitol Connection Q & A for Contractors By David Kalb & Shauna Krause, Capitol Services, Inc.

When a contractor finds a situation that defies understanding, who are you going to call? Over the years our readers have found answers here and learned plenty from the misfortune of others. We go in depth for our first contractor’s inquiry, and discover if your materials supplier can demand a large down payment?.. Q: We are looking for help in clarifying the license requirements for the following: One of our customers is upgrading their existing underground fire lines within their property. It is a large site with multiple buildings. The new lines for this portion of work would tie into existing underground fire lines and run to either an exterior fire hydrant or exterior post indicator valve (PIV). At no time would we be installing the line to the interior of the building or altering any of the existing interior fire or alarm systems. It is strictly underground water piping, valves, vaults, and fire hydrants. In this case would a class “A” (General Engineering) license be sufficient for the work or would a “C-16” license be required? Our problem is that the City is telling us we must have the “C-16” class. For your information, we also hold a “C-34” classification. Thank you for your time

and efforts on behalf of contractors.

then may sit in our yard for weeks more before the Contractor is actually ready for it. Typically A: Nice speaking with you this afternoon. In our we require a 50% deposit to place the order, opinion you can definably handle this type of and when the material arrives in our yard, we work with an “A” or “C-34” classification. While invoice for the balance of the material. Are we a local building department may have more doing anything that could get us in hot water? stringent requirements than the Contractor’s What is the appropriate B & P code that can be Board, your company should be able to move cited for this issue? I realize the contractor has forward on this project without the “C-16”. Mi- limitations (10% of total job?) that they may chael Brown, a former Board employee who collect as a deposit. worked for the CSLB for 25 years, backed up this opinion. The current CSLB Classification A Thanks for your email. Your question is very Deputy also feels your current classifications timely in that the CSLB just issued a press reare proper. He stated, “if the scope of work is lease warning consumers “Not to pay more than underground piping that supplies the fire sup- 10% up front”. However, as a material supplier, pression system, then the “A” or “C-34” may per- we’re not aware of any restrictions regarding form this scope of work”. how much of a down payment you receive from a contractor or homeowner. As referenced in one of our prior columns, B&P Code 7052, exQ: I love to read your columns in our local build- empts suppliers from, what would otherwise er’s exchange and thank you in advance for any be, a 10% deposit restriction. We hope this information helps. insight you may be able to offer. It is my understanding that as a supplier, (not an installer in any way, shape or form) we can collect deposits for material that must be special ordered. Our problem is that sometimes the material can take 8 to 12 weeks to arrive and

While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com. Research past columns at www.cutredtape.com.

Classified ACS Construction, Inc is looking for a full charge bookkeeper starting ASAP! 20-25 hours/weekcould work in to more hours later. Would require knowledge of: Master Builder software Bi-weekly Payroll and tax deposits Quarterly and year end reporting 1099 and W-2’s AR Billings Review of AP Payments Workers Comp Reporting Administer Health Insurance and track Bank Reporting and Journal Entries Bank Reconciliations ACS is an electrical and acoustical contractor located in Santa Barbara. Hours are flexible Fax Resume to: 805-962-4256 Attention: Rod

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