Did you know???

It is a misdemeanor in California for painters to advertise or do work beyond their scope of work? A painter who holds a C-33 painting contractors license is not licensed to do work outside applying coatings. The California State License Board which issues painting contractors their license limits painters to the following scope of work: 

C33 - Painting and Decorating Contractor

California Code of Regulations
Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications

A painting and decorating contractor prepares by scraping, sandblasting or other means and applies any of the following: paints, papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, turpentines, japans, driers, thinners, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives, water and any other vehicles, mediums and materials which adhere by evaporation and may be mixed, used and applied to the surfaces of structures and the appurtenances thereto for purposes of decorating, protecting, fireproofing and waterproofing.

Buyer Beware! 

Painters who advertise or offer woodworking services who do are not licensed beyond a C-33 license are operating outside of their qualification, putting their insurance in jeopardy, but most importantly putting you at risk. Finish carpentry work including crown moulding installation, wainscot and custom cabinetry requires either a B-1 general contractor or C-6 millwork and finish carpentry contractors license which requires years of documented work experience in the trade. 

C6 - Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor

California Code of Regulations
Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications

A cabinet, millwork and finish carpentry contractor makes cabinets, cases, sashes, doors, trims, nonbearing partitions and other items of "finish carpentry" by cutting, surfacing, joining, gluing and fabricating wood or other products to provide a functional surface. This contractor also places, erects, and finishes such cabinets and millwork in structures.

What's the risk?

If you hire anyone who is not properly licensed, regardless of whether you do so knowingly or unknowingly, you risk having no legal recourse in the event the workmanship is unsatisfactory, or there are unfulfilled promises, injuries, damage, fire or theft done to your home. In fact, you will be personally liable for any damages regardless of whether the person you hired claimed or advertised to be  qualified to perform the work. The CSLB actively seeks out painting contractors who advertise outside their area of specialty to protect consumers. To report unlicensed activity go here. Ultimately it is your responsibility to be informed about who you hire to work on your home. 

How do you protect yourself?

Always check to make sure anyone doing any finish carpentry for you is actively licensed with either a general contractors license B-1 or a finish carpenter C-6 license, and don't take someone's word for it. Check for yourself. Click on the link below to look up any contractor by name or their CSLB number. Be sure to click on the license number of the company or individual and look for the license type of (B-1 or C-6). If the only classification listed is C-33 they are not licensed for this kind of work. 

click here ---->>> <<<-----to check for an active B1 or C-6 license