Published: June 27, 2008 03:00 pm            

Secretary of state reminds contractors of the deadline for licensure

Most construction contractors must obtain state licensure by July 1, 2008

Submitted by the secretary of state's office



ATLANTA — Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today reminded construction contractors about the July 1, 2008, deadline to obtain state licensure. Pursuant to Georgia law, the following types of contractors must obtain a license from the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors:

* Residential-Basic Contractor (Contractor work relative to detached one-family and two-family residences and one-family townhouses not over three stories in height).

* Residential-Light Commercial Contractor (Contractor work or activity related to multifamily and multiuse light commercial buildings and structures).

* General Contractor (Contractor work or activity that is unlimited in scope regarding any residential or commercial projects).

The legislation requires licensure for most types of residential and general contractors. However, some specialty contractors are exempt under the law, including barn/agricultural use buildings; contractors engaging in roofing, painting, and dry wall; DOT pre-qualified contractors; certain repair work; and certain licensed subcontractors. A complete list of exempt specialty contractors can be found at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/contractors/Specialty_contractors.htm.

To date, 19,322 applicants have been approved for licensure and mailed a license. The number of approved applicants for licensure by category is:

* General Contractor Company

1,583

* General Contractor Individual

219

* General Contractor Qualifying Agent

1,614

* Residential Basic Company

3,421

* Residential Basic Individual

3,126

* Residential Basic Qualifying Agent

3,786

* Residential Light Commercial Individual

1,270

* Residential Light Company

2,052

* Residential Light Qualifying Agent

2,251



Consumers can check the licensure status of any professional licensed by the Secretary of State's Office, including any disciplinary action, at https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification.

Contractors with additional questions, including contractors that were approved for licensure and have not received their license, can contact the Professional Licensing Boards at (478) 207-2440.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.